These are the most frequently asked questions patients have before, during, and after a hair transplant consultation. Each answer draws from verified clinical data and standard industry practices.
How Many Grafts Will I Need?
Graft requirements depend on your Norwood stage. The ranges below reflect standard estimates for full coverage at each level of hair loss.
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed |
|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | 800 to 1,500 |
| Norwood 3 | 1,500 to 2,200 |
| Norwood 3V | 2,000 to 2,800 |
| Norwood 4 | 2,500 to 3,500 |
| Norwood 5 | 3,000 to 4,500 |
| Norwood 6 | 4,000 to 6,000 |
| Norwood 7 | 5,500 to 7,500 |
Get your Norwood stage assessed for free at myhairline.ai/analyze before your consultation so you can verify any clinic's graft estimate.
How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?
Cost varies by region and technique. FUE costs per graft by region:
| Region | Cost Per Graft |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $1 to $2 |
| India | $0.50 to $1.50 |
| Europe | $2.50 to $4.50 |
| UK | $3 to $5 |
| USA | $4 to $6 |
Multiply the per-graft cost by your expected graft count for a total estimate. See a full cost comparison by treatment option for detailed pricing breakdowns.
Which Technique Is Best: FUE, FUT, or DHI?
FUE is the most popular technique in 2026, suitable for most patients. FUT yields more grafts per session and is better for extensive cases (Norwood 5 to 7). DHI uses a Choi Implanter Pen for precise placement and is ideal for hairline refinement.
All three achieve 90 to 95% graft survival rates when performed by experienced surgeons. The best technique depends on your hair loss pattern, donor density, and coverage goals.
What Is the Recovery Timeline?
FUE and DHI recovery takes 7 to 10 days. FUT recovery takes 10 to 14 days due to the linear incision.
Key milestones after any procedure:
- Days 1 to 3: Swelling and mild discomfort
- Days 4 to 7: Scabbing begins to resolve
- Week 2 to 4: Transplanted hair sheds (expected and normal)
- Month 3 to 4: New growth begins
- Month 12 to 18: Full results visible
Will I Need Medication After Surgery?
Most surgeons recommend finasteride (1mg daily) and/or minoxidil (5% topical) after a transplant to protect existing hair from further thinning. Finasteride halts further loss in 80 to 90% of patients and produces regrowth in about 65%. Side effects affect only 2 to 4% of users and are reversible when the medication is stopped.
Ask your surgeon specifically about their post-operative medication protocol during the consultation.
How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate?
Good candidates typically have:
- A Norwood stage between 2 and 6
- Adequate donor density (the safe extraction limit is 45% of the donor area)
- Realistic expectations about coverage and density
- Stable hair loss (not rapidly progressing)
- No active scalp conditions that could affect healing
Patients under 25 with rapidly progressing loss may be advised to wait or start medication first. A thorough consultation should include a donor area assessment and a discussion of your long-term hair loss trajectory.
Should I Get Multiple Consultations?
Yes. Consulting with at least 2 to 3 different clinics gives you comparison points for graft estimates, pricing, technique recommendations, and surgeon experience. Prepare the same full list of key consultation questions for each clinic to make direct comparisons.
What If I Am Unhappy With the Results?
Ask about the clinic's revision policy before your procedure. Questions to raise:
- What is your touch-up rate?
- Is a follow-up session included in the price?
- What is the timeline if additional grafts are needed?
- How do you define a successful outcome?
Reputable clinics will have a clear, written policy for addressing suboptimal results.
How Do I Prepare for My First Consultation?
Arrive with your Norwood stage already assessed, a written list of questions, realistic expectations about timeline and cost, and photos of your hair loss progression over time. The more informed you are, the more productive the conversation will be.
Start your preparation now with a free assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified surgeon or dermatologist for personalized recommendations.