The questions you ask before your hair transplant matter more than the answers you receive after it. Patients who arrive at consultations with a prepared list of specific, technical questions consistently achieve better outcomes because they filter out underqualified clinics early.
Questions About the Surgeon
1. Who physically performs the extraction and implantation?
This is the most important question on this list. In many high-volume clinics, the surgeon only designs the hairline and oversees the room. Technicians handle the actual extraction and placement. Ask directly whether the named surgeon performs the full FUE or FUT procedure from start to finish.
2. How many hair transplant procedures do you perform per month?
A surgeon doing 1-2 procedures per week maintains sharp skills without being overextended. A surgeon claiming 3-4 procedures per day is either delegating heavily or cutting corners. Both extremes are worth questioning.
3. What is your documented graft survival rate?
The standard for a skilled surgeon is 90-95% graft survival. Ask how they measure this and whether they have published data or internal audits. A surgeon who cannot cite a specific number likely has not tracked it.
4. Are you a member of ISHRS or equivalent professional bodies?
ISHRS membership requires verified medical credentials and ongoing professional education. It is not a guarantee of skill, but it demonstrates professional engagement. You can verify membership directly on the ISHRS website.
Questions About Your Specific Case
5. What Norwood stage am I, and how many grafts do I need?
Before your consultation, get an independent assessment using the free tool at myhairline.ai/analyze. This gives you a baseline to compare against the clinic's recommendation.
| Norwood Stage | Expected Graft Range |
|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | 800-1,500 grafts |
| Norwood 3 | 1,500-2,200 grafts |
| Norwood 3V | 2,000-2,800 grafts |
| Norwood 4 | 2,500-3,500 grafts |
| Norwood 5 | 3,000-4,500 grafts |
| Norwood 6 | 4,000-6,000 grafts |
| Norwood 7 | 5,500-7,500 grafts |
If a clinic quotes significantly outside these ranges without a clear explanation, seek a second opinion.
6. What density can you realistically achieve?
Honest surgeons discuss density in follicular units per square centimeter, not vague promises. Natural density averages 170-230 FU/cm2 depending on ethnicity. A transplant typically achieves 40-60 FU/cm2, which looks natural but will not match virgin density. Be cautious of any promise exceeding 60 FU/cm2.
7. Do I need to consider future hair loss progression?
A responsible surgeon plans for the long term. If you are Norwood 3 at age 28, you may progress to Norwood 5 or 6 over time. The initial design should account for future sessions while preserving enough donor supply. The safe extraction limit is approximately 45% of your total donor area.
Questions About the Procedure
8. Which technique do you recommend and why?
FUE offers 7-10 day recovery with dot scarring. FUT provides 10-14 day recovery with a linear scar but higher graft yields per session. The recommendation should match your case. Read the complete guide to great hair transplant results for a deeper comparison.
9. What is your maximum graft-out-of-body time?
Grafts begin losing viability after 4-6 hours outside the body. Clinics using advanced holding solutions (Hypothermosol, ATP-enhanced media) can extend this window, but time still matters. Ask what solution they use and how they track extraction-to-placement timing.
10. How do you handle graft damage during extraction?
Even the best surgeons have a transection rate (damaged grafts during extraction). A good rate is under 5%. Ask what their transection rate is and how they minimize it. Surgeons who use smaller punch sizes (0.7-0.8mm) typically achieve lower transection rates.
Questions About Cost and Logistics
11. What exactly does the quoted price include?
A Norwood 4 case requiring 2,500-3,500 grafts costs $2,500-7,000 in Turkey versus $10,000-21,000 in the US. But the headline price often excludes:
- Pre-operative blood tests
- PRP treatment ($500-2,000 per session)
- Post-operative medications
- Accommodation and transfers (for international clinics)
- Follow-up appointments
Get a written breakdown before comparing quotes.
12. What is your revision or touch-up policy?
Ask whether the clinic provides free touch-up sessions if graft survival falls below their stated rate. Get this policy in writing with a specific timeline (typically assessed at 12-18 months post-procedure).
Questions About Recovery and Aftercare
13. What post-operative support do you provide?
Quality clinics offer structured follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. For international patients vetting international clinics, ask whether follow-up consultations are available via video call and who you contact if complications arise after returning home.
14. Do you recommend finasteride or minoxidil post-transplant?
Many surgeons recommend finasteride (80-90% effective at halting further loss, 2-4% side effect rate) and minoxidil (40-60% regrowth efficacy) to protect existing native hair after a transplant. Ask whether these medications are included in the treatment plan and at what cost.
15. What activity restrictions apply and for how long?
Expect no strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks, no direct sun exposure for 4-6 weeks, and no swimming for 4 weeks post-FUE. Get a written recovery protocol specific to your procedure type and graft count.
How to Use These Questions
Print this list. Bring it to every consultation. A quality surgeon will welcome these questions and provide detailed, specific answers. A surgeon who becomes defensive, vague, or dismissive is telling you something important about how they will handle your care.
Compare answers across at least three clinics before making a decision. The 20-40 hours you invest in research protects a procedure that affects your appearance permanently.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a board-certified hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.
FAQ
How do I find a reputable hair transplant clinic?
Research ISHRS-member surgeons, verify medical board registrations independently, and request unedited before-and-after photo series from patients with similar Norwood stages. A reputable clinic will welcome detailed questions and never pressure you into a quick decision.
What credentials should a hair transplant surgeon have?
Look for board certification in dermatology or plastic surgery, active ISHRS membership, and a documented track record of at least 500 completed procedures. The surgeon should be able to share their complication rate and provide direct references from former patients.
How do I know if before/after photos are real?
Real photos maintain identical lighting, camera angle, and background across the series. Request images at multiple stages: pre-op, immediately post-op, 6 months, and 12-18 months. Video testimonials from former patients add another layer of verification that photos alone cannot provide.