The right questions separate reputable Turkish clinics from hair mills in minutes. Asking these 15 questions during your initial consultation will reveal surgeon qualifications, patient volume, clinical standards, and whether the clinic deserves your trust and money. Print this list and work through it during your video or phone consultation.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Surgeon Credentials and Involvement
1. "Who will personally perform my extraction and implantation?"
This is the most important question you will ask. At quality clinics, the surgeon performs the critical steps. At hair mills, the surgeon designs the hairline and unlicensed technicians handle everything else. Accept only a clear, named answer.
Red flag response: "Our team of specialists will handle your procedure." Green flag response: "Dr. [Name] personally performs both extraction and implantation for every patient."
2. "What are the surgeon's qualifications and board certifications?"
Look for: MD degree, specialization in plastic surgery or dermatology, ISHRS membership, and specific hair transplant training. Ask for documentation, not just verbal claims.
3. "How many hair transplant procedures has the surgeon performed?"
Experienced surgeons have performed thousands of procedures over many years. Ask specifically about FUE experience if that is your chosen technique. A surgeon with 10+ years and 2,000+ procedures is well-established.
4. "Is the surgeon available to speak with me directly before I book?"
Reputable surgeons are willing to discuss your case personally, even briefly. If the clinic only allows you to speak with patient coordinators or sales staff, that is a warning sign about the surgeon's actual involvement in patient care.
Clinic Operations
5. "How many patients does the clinic treat per day?"
One to three patients per day indicates proper attention to each case. Five or more raises concerns. Eight or more is almost certainly a hair mill operation. This question alone eliminates a large percentage of problematic clinics.
6. "What accreditation does the clinic hold?"
JCI accreditation is the gold standard for international healthcare facilities. Ask for the certificate number and verify it independently. Other acceptable accreditations include ISO 9001 and Turkish Ministry of Health Medical Tourism Authorization.
7. "Can I see the operating room and facilities?"
Quality clinics offer virtual tours or video walkthroughs. In-person tours on arrival day (before the procedure) are standard at reputable facilities. Refusal to show facilities is a serious red flag.
Procedure Details
8. "What technique do you recommend for my case, and why?"
The answer should reference your specific hair loss pattern, donor area density, and goals. A clinic that recommends the same technique and graft count to every patient is not performing individualized assessments. Understanding technique differences helps here. Review the FUE vs FUT comparison before your consultation.
9. "How many grafts do you recommend, and how did you calculate that number?"
A responsible surgeon bases the graft count on your Norwood stage, desired density, donor area capacity, and the specific areas being treated. Be cautious of clinics quoting exact graft numbers from a single photograph. Accurate counting requires detailed assessment.
| Norwood Stage | Typical Graft Range | Common Treatment Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | 1,000 to 1,500 | Hairline refinement |
| Norwood 3 | 2,000 to 2,500 | Hairline and temples |
| Norwood 4 | 2,500 to 3,500 | Front and mid-scalp |
| Norwood 5 | 3,500 to 4,500 | Front, mid, and partial crown |
| Norwood 6-7 | 4,000 to 6,000+ | Extensive, may need multiple sessions |
10. "What is the maximum number of grafts you will extract in a single session?"
Safe FUE limits are generally 4,000 to 5,000 grafts per session. Clinics promising 6,000 to 8,000 grafts in a single session may be over-harvesting the donor area. If you need more than 5,000 grafts, a two-session approach is safer.
11. "What is your graft survival rate, and how do you measure it?"
Reputable clinics report 90% to 95% graft survival rates. Ask how they track this. Good answers reference structured follow-up protocols with standardized photography at set intervals (1, 3, 6, and 12 months).
Aftercare and Follow-Up
12. "What does your post-operative care protocol include?"
A thorough answer covers: first wash instructions (typically day 2 to 3 at the clinic), medication schedule, activity restrictions, sleep positioning, and a timeline for scab removal. The clinic should provide written aftercare instructions, not just verbal ones.
13. "How do you handle follow-up after I return home?"
Quality clinics maintain contact for 12 to 18 months post-procedure. Common follow-up methods include WhatsApp photo check-ins at regular intervals, video consultations at key milestones, and responsiveness to questions throughout the growth period.
14. "What happens if my results are below expectations?"
Ask about the clinic's policy on touch-up procedures. Reputable clinics offer revision surgery at reduced cost or free of charge for documented cases of poor graft survival. Get this policy in writing before booking.
Financial Details
15. "Can you provide a written, itemized breakdown of all costs?"
A transparent clinic provides a detailed written quote that specifies exactly what is included and what is not. Compare the quote against standard package inclusions listed in the Turkey vs USA cost comparison.
Items to confirm in writing:
| Inclusion | Verify |
|---|---|
| Surgeon fee | Included in package? |
| Hotel (nights) | How many nights? Star rating? |
| Airport transfers | Both ways? |
| Blood tests | Included? |
| Medications | Which ones? How long supply? |
| Aftercare products | What exactly? |
| PRP treatment | Included? How many sessions? |
| Follow-up consultations | How long? Via what channel? |
How to Use These Questions
Print or save this list. During your consultation, work through each question systematically. Take notes on the responses. Compare answers across 3 to 5 clinics before making a decision. Clinics that answer every question openly and specifically are worth your trust. Clinics that dodge, generalize, or pressure you to book immediately are best avoided.
Know Your Numbers First
Before your consultation, get an independent assessment of your hair loss stage and graft needs. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for a free AI analysis. Having your own graft estimate lets you evaluate whether a clinic's recommendation is reasonable or inflated.