Your hair transplant contract is the only document that protects you if something goes wrong. Verbal promises about graft counts, revision policies, and included services mean nothing without written terms. This guide explains what every contract should contain, what payment structures to expect, and how to spot financial red flags.
What Your Contract Must Include
A proper hair transplant contract specifies the medical and financial terms of your agreement. If any of these elements are missing, request them in writing before paying.
Essential Contract Elements
| Element | What It Should State |
|---|---|
| Surgeon name | The specific surgeon performing the procedure |
| Procedure type | FUE, FUT, or DHI with technique details |
| Graft count | Minimum guaranteed number of grafts |
| Price per graft | Cost and total procedure fee |
| Included services | All services covered in the quoted price |
| Revision policy | Terms for touch-up procedures |
| Cancellation terms | Refund percentages with timeline |
| Complication protocol | Who covers costs if complications arise |
The Graft Count Clause
The graft count is the most contentious element of hair transplant contracts. Insist on a minimum guaranteed count with a clear definition of what constitutes a "graft." Some clinics count single-hair follicular units the same as 3-4 hair units, inflating the apparent graft count while providing less actual coverage.
A Norwood 4 patient needs 2,500-3,500 grafts. If a clinic quotes 3,000 grafts at $2 per graft ($6,000 total) but the contract says "up to 3,000 grafts," the word "up to" gives them room to place 2,000 grafts and still fulfill the contract. Insist on a minimum, not a maximum.
Understanding Payment Structures
Deposit and Balance
Most clinics require a deposit (10-30% of total) to secure your date, with the balance due before the procedure. This is standard practice.
| Payment Type | Typical Amount | When Due |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation fee | $50-200 (often credited to procedure) | At booking |
| Deposit | 10-30% of total | 2-4 weeks before |
| Balance | 70-90% of total | Day before or morning of |
| Touch-up (if needed) | Varies by policy | At time of revision |
Red Flags in Payment Terms
- Full payment required before consultation: A reputable clinic lets you consult before committing financially
- No refund policy: Even a partial refund for cancellation 30+ days out is standard
- Cash-only payments: Legitimate clinics accept credit cards and bank transfers with documentation
- Pressure to book immediately: Urgency tactics ("this price is only available today") are sales manipulation, not medical practice
- No written receipt: Every payment should generate a detailed receipt specifying what was paid for
What "Included in Price" Means
The headline price per graft often does not represent your total cost. Ask for a line-by-line breakdown of everything included and excluded.
Commonly Included Items
- The procedure itself (extraction + implantation)
- Local anesthesia
- Post-operative medication kit (antibiotics, pain relief, anti-inflammatory)
- First post-op wash at the clinic
- 1-2 follow-up appointments
Commonly Excluded Items (Additional Costs)
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-op blood work | $100-300 | Sometimes included in Turkey packages |
| PRP treatment | $500-2,000 per session | Often offered as add-on at procedure |
| Finasteride prescription | $20-80/month | Ongoing cost post-transplant |
| Minoxidil | $15-50/month | Ongoing cost post-transplant |
| Travel and accommodation | Varies | International clinics may include |
| Additional follow-up visits | $50-200 each | After initial included visits |
A quote of $2 per graft ($6,000 for 3,000 grafts) that excludes PRP, medication, and follow-up care can easily become $8,000-9,000 in total spending. Compare total costs, not per-graft prices.
Revision and Touch-Up Policies
The revision policy is arguably the most important clause in your contract. Even with a skilled surgeon achieving 90-95% graft survival, some patients need refinement.
What a Good Revision Policy Looks Like
- Free touch-up if graft survival falls below a stated threshold (e.g., below 85%) assessed at 12-18 months
- Discounted touch-up (50-70% off standard pricing) for density enhancement within 2 years
- Clear assessment process specifying how survival rate is measured
- No additional charges for the assessment appointment itself
What a Bad Revision Policy Looks Like
- "Results vary and are not guaranteed" with no further detail
- Touch-ups available at full price only
- No defined assessment timeline or measurement method
- Policy buried in fine print or only discussed verbally
If the clinic will not put their revision policy in writing, they do not stand behind their work. Move on.
International Contract Considerations
When your clinic operates under a different legal system, contract protections become more complex. See the medical tourism logistics guide for travel-specific planning.
Key International Protections
- Governing law clause: Which country's law applies if there is a dispute?
- Language of contract: Get the contract in your language and the local language. Both should be signed.
- Dispute resolution: Is there an arbitration process, or must you sue in a foreign court?
- Medical tourism insurance: Does your policy cover legal disputes with the clinic?
Country-Specific Pricing Context
| Country | Cost per Graft | Typical Contract Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $1-2 | Varies widely; insist on written terms |
| UK | $3-5 | CQC-regulated; strong consumer protections |
| USA | $4-6 | State medical board oversight; standard contracts |
| Thailand | $1.50-3 | JCI-accredited clinics have formal contracts |
| South Korea | $3-5 | Written contracts standard at major clinics |
Before You Sign: Final Checklist
- Read every clause, not just the price
- Confirm the named surgeon is the person who will operate
- Verify the graft count is a minimum guarantee
- Get the revision policy in writing with specific terms
- Confirm what is and is not included in the quoted price
- Check the cancellation and refund terms
- Get a copy of the signed contract for your records
For the full framework of what determines a quality result, review the complete guide to great transplant results.
Use the free analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to determine your Norwood stage and expected graft count before comparing quotes from any clinic.
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?
A reputable clinic provides a detailed written contract before accepting payment. Look for clinics that offer transparent pricing breakdowns, clearly defined revision policies, and willingness to answer financial questions without evasion. Verify ISHRS membership and medical board registration independently.
What credentials should a hair transplant surgeon have?
Board certification in dermatology or plastic surgery plus ISHRS membership form the baseline. Beyond credentials, a trustworthy surgeon provides clear contractual terms, does not demand full payment upfront before consultation, and has a documented revision policy with specific graft survival thresholds.
How do I know if before/after photos are real?
Request case photos from patients who had similar graft counts and Norwood stages. Authentic photos have consistent lighting and angles from pre-op through 12-18 months. Ask if the results shown in marketing materials represent the named surgeon's own work, as some clinics display results from guest surgeons or previous staff.