Asking the right questions about before and after photos separates informed patients from easy targets for misleading marketing. Patients who independently research clinics report 45% lower revision rates. These 10 questions give you a systematic framework for evaluating any hair transplant gallery.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Question 1: What Norwood Stage Was the Patient Before Surgery?
This is the single most important piece of context. Without knowing the patient's starting Norwood stage, you cannot determine whether the result is relevant to your situation. A Norwood 2 patient (800-1,500 grafts needed) and a Norwood 5 patient (3,000-4,500 grafts needed) require completely different procedures at different price points. If the gallery does not label stages, the photos are presentational rather than educational.
Question 2: How Many Grafts Were Placed?
The graft count directly determines the density of the result. Two patients at the same Norwood stage can look dramatically different if one received 2,000 grafts and the other received 3,500. Graft count should be listed for every case. If it is missing, ask the clinic directly. If they refuse to disclose, move on.
Standard graft ranges by stage:
| Norwood Stage | Graft Range |
|---|---|
| Stage 2 | 800 - 1,500 |
| Stage 3 | 1,500 - 2,200 |
| Stage 3V | 2,000 - 2,800 |
| Stage 4 | 2,500 - 3,500 |
| Stage 5 | 3,000 - 4,500 |
| Stage 6 | 4,000 - 6,000 |
| Stage 7 | 5,500 - 7,500 |
Question 3: Which Procedure Was Used?
FUE, FUT, and DHI produce slightly different results in terms of density patterns, hairline definition, and scarring. FUE allows up to 5,000 grafts per session. FUT maxes at 4,000. DHI caps at 3,500. All achieve 90-95% graft survival rates. Comparing an FUE result to a DHI result without knowing the procedure type produces misleading conclusions.
Question 4: Were the Photos Taken Under Standardized Conditions?
Consistent lighting, camera angle, distance, background, and hair styling between before and after photos are non-negotiable for a fair comparison. Ask the clinic whether they follow ISHRS photography guidelines. Standardized clinical photography eliminates the visual tricks that make mediocre results look excellent and excellent results look average.
Question 5: How Long After Surgery Was the "After" Photo Taken?
Hair transplant results are not final until 12-18 months post-surgery. Photos taken at 3-6 months show incomplete growth. Some clinics display early results that will look better at full maturity. Others show early results that exaggerate temporary post-operative styling effects. The ideal documentation shows a progression timeline at 3, 6, 9, and 12+ months.
Question 6: Did the Patient Use Adjunct Treatments?
This question is frequently overlooked and critically important. Many impressive results combine surgery with:
- Finasteride (1mg daily): Halts further loss in 80-90% of users, promotes regrowth in 65%
- Minoxidil (5% topical, twice daily): Produces moderate regrowth in 40-60% of users
- PRP therapy ($500-$2,000 per session): Increases hair density by 30-40% in clinical studies
An "after" photo that reflects both a 3,000-graft FUE procedure and 12 months of finasteride is not the same result as surgery alone. If the clinic does not disclose adjunct treatments, the photo comparison overstates surgical effectiveness.
Question 7: Who Actually Performed the Procedure?
In high-volume clinics, the named surgeon may design the hairline and oversee the process while technicians perform the actual extraction and implantation. This is especially common in clinics processing 10+ patients per day. Ask whether the surgeon personally performed the extraction and placement, or whether technicians handled part of the procedure. Results in the gallery should be attributed to the person who actually did the work.
Question 8: Does the Gallery Show a Range of Outcomes?
Every surgeon has outstanding, average, and modest results. A gallery showing only perfect outcomes is cherry-picked. Ethical clinics display the full spectrum because they understand that informed consent requires realistic expectations. If a gallery contains 50 cases and every single one looks flawless, the selection process is more aggressive than the surgery.
Question 9: What Does the Donor Area Look Like?
Most galleries focus exclusively on the recipient area. The donor area (back and sides of the scalp) is equally important because that is where grafts are harvested from. FUE leaves small dot scars (0.7-1.0mm). FUT leaves a linear scar. Aggressive harvesting depletes the donor area and limits future procedures. If the gallery never shows the back of the head, ask why.
Question 10: Can I Speak With Previous Patients?
The strongest validation of before and after photos is direct contact with the patients shown. Reputable clinics maintain a list of patients willing to speak with prospective candidates. If a clinic refuses this request, their gallery is unverifiable. Patient references who can describe their experience, recovery, and satisfaction level provide information that photos alone cannot convey.
How to Use These Questions in Practice
Before the Consultation
Review the clinic's gallery with all 10 questions in mind. Note which questions are answered by the gallery itself and which require direct inquiry.
During the Consultation
Ask the remaining questions directly. A confident surgeon will answer all of them without hesitation. Evasive or dismissive responses to reasonable questions are a red flag.
After the Consultation
Compare the answers across at least 3-5 clinics. This gives you a pattern: which clinics meet the standard and which fall short.
The Foundation: Know Your Own Stage
You cannot ask informed questions about someone else's result if you do not know your own starting point. Your Norwood stage determines the relevant graft range, cost estimate, and outcome expectations. Get your free AI hair loss assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to establish your baseline before engaging with any clinic.