The difference between a good hair transplant outcome and a poor one often comes down to the questions you ask before booking. Patients who research clinics independently have 45% lower revision rates, and asking the right questions is the most effective way to separate qualified clinics from operations that prioritize volume over results.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional before making treatment decisions.
Questions About Surgeon Credentials
These questions establish whether the person operating on you is qualified to do so.
1. Are you board-certified in hair restoration surgery?
ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery) certification is the gold standard in the USA. For international surgeons, equivalent national board certification with specific hair restoration training applies. General dermatology or plastic surgery board certification is not the same thing.
2. Are you an active ISHRS member?
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the only global medical organization focused exclusively on hair restoration. Active membership requires documented surgical experience and continuing education credits. You can verify any surgeon's membership through the ISHRS online directory.
3. How many hair transplant procedures have you personally performed?
Experience matters. Surgeons who have completed over 2,000 procedures demonstrate consistently better outcomes for complex cases (Norwood 5 to 7, requiring 3,000 to 7,500 grafts). Ask for a specific number, not vague descriptions like "thousands" or "extensive experience."
4. Do you personally perform the entire extraction and placement?
In high-volume clinics, technicians often handle extraction, graft sorting, and placement while the named surgeon supervises from a distance. Ask explicitly whether the surgeon performs both the extraction and the implantation phases.
Questions About the Facility
The physical environment and operational practices of a clinic directly affect your safety and outcomes.
5. What accreditations does your facility hold?
JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation is the highest standard for international healthcare facilities. National health ministry registration is the minimum requirement. Ask for documentation, not just claims on a website.
6. How many procedures do you schedule per day?
A surgeon performing more than two FUE procedures in a single day is almost certainly delegating significant portions of each case. A Norwood 4 FUE procedure (2,500 to 3,500 grafts) typically takes 6 to 8 hours for a single surgeon to complete properly.
7. What is your graft survival rate?
The industry benchmark for FUE graft survival is 90 to 95%. Ask how the clinic measures this and what data they have to support their claim. Clinics that quote rates above 98% without published data should be viewed skeptically.
8. What is your complication rate?
Every surgical procedure carries risks. An honest clinic will disclose complication rates. Common FUE complications include infection (under 1% at quality clinics), poor graft survival, and visible scarring. A clinic that claims zero complications is not being transparent.
Questions About Your Specific Case
These questions determine whether the clinic can properly assess and treat your individual pattern of hair loss.
9. What is your assessment of my Norwood stage and graft needs?
Before asking this question, use the free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to establish your own baseline. Compare the clinic's assessment against these reference ranges:
| Norwood Stage | Typical Graft Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | 800 - 1,500 | Slight recession at temples |
| Norwood 3 | 1,500 - 2,200 | Deep temple recession, M-shape |
| Norwood 3V | 2,000 - 2,800 | Temple recession with vertex thinning |
| Norwood 4 | 2,500 - 3,500 | Further recession with enlarged vertex area |
| Norwood 5 | 3,000 - 4,500 | Front and vertex areas narrowing separation |
| Norwood 6 | 4,000 - 6,000 | Bridge between areas lost, horseshoe pattern |
| Norwood 7 | 5,500 - 7,500 | Most extensive loss, narrow band remains |
If the clinic's estimate deviates significantly from these ranges without clear justification, that is a concern.
10. Have you assessed my donor area capacity?
A thorough consultation evaluates donor density (measured in follicular units per square centimeter) and calculates the safe extraction limit. The standard safe extraction rate is about 45% of available donor follicles. Clinics that skip donor assessment risk over-harvesting, which leads to visible donor thinning.
11. What happens if I need a second procedure in the future?
Hair loss is progressive. A good surgeon plans for future sessions by preserving donor supply and creating a hairline that will age naturally. Ask specifically how many grafts they estimate remain available for potential future work.
Questions About Costs and Contracts
Financial transparency protects you from hidden charges and unclear refund policies.
12. What is the full cost breakdown?
Ask for an itemized list that separates:
- Surgeon's fee
- Facility fee
- Anesthesia costs
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up consultations
- Any travel or accommodation packages (for international clinics)
Cost per graft ranges vary by region: $4 to $6 in the USA, $3 to $5 in the UK, $2.50 to $4.50 in Europe, $1 to $2 in Turkey, and $0.50 to $1.50 in India.
13. What is your refund or revision policy?
Understand exactly what happens if results fall below expectations. Some clinics offer free revision procedures within a certain timeframe. Others offer partial refunds. Many offer nothing. Get the policy in writing before paying any deposit.
Questions About Aftercare
Post-operative care directly affects graft survival rates. FUE recovery typically takes 7 to 10 days for initial healing.
14. What does your post-operative care protocol include?
A comprehensive aftercare plan should cover:
- Medication prescriptions (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, pain management)
- Specific washing and sleeping instructions
- Activity restrictions and timeline
- Follow-up appointment schedule (1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months)
- Emergency contact information
15. How do you handle complications for international patients?
If you are traveling for your procedure, ask how the clinic manages follow-up care remotely. Specifically: do they offer video consultations? Do they have partner clinics in your home country for in-person follow-ups? What is the process if you develop an infection after returning home?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a reputable hair transplant clinic?
Ask about board certifications (ABHRS, ISHRS), request complication rate data, and verify independent patient reviews on third-party platforms. Clinics that refuse to answer direct questions about credentials or outcomes should be removed from your shortlist.
What credentials should a hair transplant surgeon have?
At minimum, look for ABHRS board certification or equivalent national credentials, active ISHRS membership, and documented fellowship training in hair restoration surgery. General plastic surgery or dermatology training alone is not sufficient.
How do I know if before/after photos are real?
Ask the clinic for unedited photos with consistent lighting and angles. Request to see results at 12 to 18 months post-procedure, not just the 6-month mark. Cross-reference their gallery with patient photos posted independently on forums and review sites.
Get Your Baseline Before Any Consultation
Walk into every clinic conversation with objective data about your hair loss stage. The free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze determines your Norwood stage from a photo, giving you a reference point to compare against any clinic's assessment. Informed patients get better outcomes.