Before booking FUE surgery, prepare a list of direct questions covering the surgeon's experience, technique, expected outcomes, complication rates, and pricing. The answers will reveal whether you are in capable hands or should continue your search. Below are 18 questions organized by category that separate qualified surgeons from the rest.
Questions About Experience and Credentials
1. How many FUE procedures have you personally performed?
Look for a surgeon with at least 500 completed FUE cases. Volume matters because FUE requires precise motor skills that improve with repetition. Ask for the FUE-specific count, not their total hair transplant number that may include FUT or other methods.
2. What are your board certifications and professional memberships?
ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery) certification and ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) membership indicate specialized training. General dermatology or plastic surgery boards are valuable but do not confirm hair restoration expertise on their own.
3. Who performs each step of my procedure?
In many clinics, technicians handle graft extraction and placement under surgeon supervision. This is acceptable if the surgeon creates recipient sites, oversees quality, and remains present throughout. Ask whether the surgeon performs the critical steps personally or delegates them entirely.
4. How many FUE procedures do you perform per week?
A surgeon doing 3-5 procedures weekly maintains sharp skills. A surgeon who performs FUE only occasionally may not have the refined technique needed for optimal graft survival. Conversely, a surgeon running multiple simultaneous procedures in one day may not give your case full attention.
Questions About Technique
5. What punch size do you use for extraction?
Standard FUE punch sizes range from 0.7-1.0mm. Smaller punches create less visible donor scarring but require more skill. Ask why the surgeon prefers their chosen size and whether they adjust it based on hair type and follicular unit size.
6. How do you store grafts outside the body?
Grafts begin deteriorating the moment they leave the scalp. Proper clinics use chilled holding solutions such as hypothermosol or saline kept at 4 degrees Celsius. Ask about the maximum time grafts spend outside the body during your procedure, as extended exposure reduces survival rates.
7. What is your approach to hairline design?
The hairline is the most visible part of any transplant. Ask to see examples of hairlines the surgeon has designed for patients with a similar loss pattern to yours. A natural hairline requires irregularity and proper temple point design, not a straight line across the forehead.
8. How many grafts do you recommend for my case, and why?
A thorough surgeon will assess your donor density, hair caliber, loss pattern, and future progression before recommending a graft count. FUE allows up to 5,000 grafts per session. Be wary of surgeons who recommend a number without examining your scalp or who push for the maximum without discussing long-term donor sustainability.
Questions About Results and Expectations
9. What is your documented graft survival rate?
Qualified surgeons report 90-95% graft survival based on patient follow-up data. Ask how they measure this and over what time period. Surgeons who claim 98-100% survival without documentation are likely estimating rather than tracking.
10. Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with my hair loss pattern?
Generic portfolios are not enough. You want to see results from patients whose Norwood stage, hair type, and ethnicity match yours. Ask for photos taken at 12-18 months post-procedure, which is when final density is visible.
11. What will my results look like at 6, 12, and 18 months?
FUE results develop gradually. Transplanted hairs shed at weeks 3-4, new growth begins at months 3-4, and full density arrives at 12-18 months. A surgeon who sets realistic timeline expectations is more trustworthy than one who promises quick results.
12. What happens if I am not satisfied with the results?
Ask about the clinic's policy for touch-up procedures. Some offer a complimentary session for areas with lower-than-expected density. Understand what constitutes a "touch-up" versus a paid second session and get any guarantees in writing.
Questions About Risks and Complications
13. What are the most common complications you see?
Honest surgeons acknowledge that infection (less than 1%), poor graft survival in specific zones, temporary shock loss, and donor area irregularity occur in a small percentage of cases. A surgeon who claims zero complications is either not tracking outcomes or not being forthcoming. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on FUE risks and complications.
14. How do you handle complications if they arise?
Ask about the protocol for post-operative infections, excessive swelling, or poor graft take. Confirm that the surgeon is available for follow-up questions and emergency consultations during the recovery period, not just a nurse or front desk staff.
15. Will I need to take finasteride or minoxidil after surgery?
Many surgeons recommend finasteride (1mg daily) and/or minoxidil (5% twice daily) to protect existing native hair from continued loss. Ask whether medications are part of the treatment plan and what happens to non-transplanted hair if you choose not to take them.
Questions About Pricing and Logistics
16. How is pricing structured?
FUE costs in the US range from $4-6 per graft. Clarify whether the quote is per graft or a flat fee, what is included (anesthesia, medications, follow-up visits), and whether there are additional charges for PRP treatments or post-operative care products.
17. What is included in post-operative care?
Ask about the number of follow-up appointments, availability for phone or video consultations during recovery, included medications, and the duration of aftercare. The 7-10 day recovery period requires guidance on washing, sleeping position, and activity restrictions.
18. Can I speak with former patients?
Reputable clinics will connect you with 2-3 former patients who are willing to share their experience. Speaking with real patients provides insight into the entire process, from consultation through final results, that no portfolio or review can match.
How to Use These Questions Effectively
Bring this list to consultations with at least 3 different surgeons. Take notes on each answer and compare them side by side afterward. The surgeon who provides the most detailed, honest, and consistent answers while demonstrating genuine interest in your specific case is likely your best choice.
Pay attention to how the surgeon responds to difficult questions. A confident, experienced surgeon welcomes scrutiny. A surgeon who becomes defensive, vague, or dismissive when asked about complications or survival rates may not be the right fit.
For more on evaluating clinics and verifying credentials, read our guide on finding the best FUE clinic.
Want to understand your hair loss stage before your consultation? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for a free AI-powered assessment that estimates your Norwood stage and graft needs.
FAQ
What is the most important question to ask an FUE surgeon?
Ask for the surgeon's specific FUE graft survival rate and how they measure it. Qualified surgeons should report 90-95% graft survival based on documented patient follow-ups at 12-18 months. Surgeons who cannot provide this data or who claim 100% survival rates should be avoided.
How many consultations should I get before choosing an FUE surgeon?
Consult with at least 3 different surgeons before making a decision. Each consultation gives you a comparison point for graft count recommendations, pricing, and how thoroughly the surgeon evaluates your donor area and loss pattern. Significant discrepancies between recommendations may indicate that one surgeon is over- or under-estimating your needs.
Should I ask about the surgeon's complication rate?
Yes. Ask specifically about their rates of infection, poor graft survival, donor area scarring, and unnatural-looking results. An honest surgeon will acknowledge that complications occur in a small percentage of cases and will explain how they handle them. A surgeon who claims zero complications is either not tracking outcomes or not being transparent.