Walking into a hair transplant consultation without a plan means relying entirely on what the clinic chooses to tell you. This step-by-step action plan gives you a structured approach to preparing for, attending, and following up after your consultation so you control the conversation.
Step 1: Assess Your Hair Loss Before the Appointment
You need an objective baseline before any clinic interaction. The first thing to do is determine your Norwood stage independently.
Actions:
- Upload a photo to myhairline.ai/analyze for a free AI assessment
- Note the stage result and save it for comparison with the surgeon's assessment
- Review the graft requirements for your stage (see table below)
| Norwood Stage | Typical Grafts | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | 800-1,500 | Slight recession at temples |
| Norwood 3 | 1,500-2,200 | Deep temple recession, M-shape |
| Norwood 4 | 2,500-3,500 | Enlarged vertex area |
| Norwood 5 | 3,000-4,500 | Front and vertex separation narrowing |
| Norwood 6 | 4,000-6,000 | Horseshoe pattern forming |
| Norwood 7 | 5,500-7,500 | Most extensive loss |
Knowing your expected graft range lets you immediately evaluate whether a clinic's quote is in the right ballpark or suspiciously high or low.
Step 2: Research the Clinic and Surgeon
Spend at least 2-3 hours researching before you book. This research phase filters out clinics that look good on the surface but lack substance.
Actions:
- Verify the surgeon is board-certified (check medical board databases for your country)
- Confirm ISHRS membership at ishrs.org/find-a-doctor
- Search the surgeon's name on independent forums (HairRestorationNetwork, RealSelf)
- Read negative reviews carefully and note how the clinic responds to complaints
- Check how long the clinic has been operating (newer clinics lack a track record)
For a deeper guide on online research methods, see how to research clinics online.
Step 3: Prepare Your Question List
Print or save these questions to bring to your appointment. Check them off as each one is answered during the consultation.
About the Surgeon
- Are you board-certified? In which specialty?
- How many hair transplant procedures have you performed?
- How many procedures do you perform per week?
- Will you personally perform every step of my procedure?
- Are you a member of ISHRS or any equivalent professional body?
About Your Assessment
- What Norwood stage am I?
- What is my donor area density?
- How many lifetime grafts can I safely extract?
- Am I a candidate for surgery now, or should I wait?
- Should I start finasteride or minoxidil before considering surgery?
About the Procedure
- Which technique do you recommend (FUE, FUT, or DHI) and why?
- How many grafts will you place?
- What density are you targeting per cm2?
- Can you draw the proposed hairline on my scalp?
- What is the expected graft survival rate at your clinic?
About Costs and Logistics
- What is the total all-inclusive cost?
- Are follow-up visits, medications, and PRP sessions included?
- What is your refund or revision policy?
- How long is the procedure?
- What is the recovery timeline?
Step 4: Attend the Consultation
During the actual appointment, your goal is to observe as much as ask. Pay attention to how the clinic operates, not just what they say.
Actions:
- Arrive 10 minutes early to observe the waiting room and front desk professionalism
- Bring your question list and check off each answered question
- Take notes or ask permission to record the conversation
- Request a written treatment plan before leaving
- Ask to see the operating room
- Request before/after photos of patients with your Norwood stage (average results, not just the best)
- Note whether the surgeon examines your scalp with magnification (trichoscope/dermatoscope)
Time Check
A thorough consultation takes 45-60 minutes. If the surgeon spends less than 30 minutes with you, they likely did not cover enough ground. Track the time and note which of your questions were left unanswered.
Step 5: Evaluate Red Flags
After the consultation (or during it), check for these warning signs:
| Red Flag | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Pressure to book immediately | Sales-driven rather than patient-focused |
| Time-limited discount offers | Manipulation tactic, not genuine savings |
| Guarantees of 100% results | Dishonest (graft survival is 90-95% for FUE) |
| No discussion of medical alternatives | Surgery-first business model |
| Surgeon will not perform the procedure | Technician-driven clinic |
| Refused to show average results | Portfolio is cherry-picked |
| Consultation under 30 minutes | Insufficient evaluation |
If you spot two or more red flags, strongly consider seeking a different clinic.
Step 6: Compare With a Second Consultation
Never commit after a single consultation. Book at least one more appointment with a different surgeon and compare their assessments.
Actions:
- Schedule a second consultation within 2-4 weeks
- Compare the two surgeons' Norwood staging and graft count recommendations
- Note differences in technique recommendations and pricing
- Ask the second surgeon the same checklist of questions for a direct comparison
- If assessments diverge significantly, consider a third opinion
Patients who consult with two or three surgeons before choosing are more likely to select a surgeon whose skills match their needs. See the consultation questions overview guide for the full framework.
Step 7: Make Your Decision
With two or more consultations completed, you have enough data to make an informed choice.
Decision framework:
- Does the surgeon's Norwood assessment match your independent assessment?
- Is the graft count within expected ranges for your stage?
- Is the total cost within regional benchmarks? (USA: $4-$6/graft, Turkey: $1-$2/graft, UK: $3-$5/graft)
- Did the surgeon spend adequate time and answer all questions thoroughly?
- Were you given a written treatment plan with clear terms?
- Does the clinic have a transparent revision/refund policy?
Step 8: Pre-Surgery Preparation
Once you have selected a surgeon, confirm the following before your procedure date:
Actions:
- Get written confirmation of graft count, technique, and total cost
- Ask about pre-operative instructions (avoid blood thinners, alcohol, smoking)
- Confirm post-operative care protocols and follow-up schedule
- Ask about finasteride or minoxidil use before and after surgery (finasteride is effective in 80-90% of patients for halting further loss)
- Verify the surgeon performing the procedure is the one you consulted with
- Set realistic timeline expectations: initial growth at 3-4 months, final results at 12-18 months
Quick Reference: Consultation Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Self-assessment | Week 1 | Get AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze |
| Research | Weeks 1-2 | Vet 2-3 clinics and surgeons |
| First consultation | Week 3 | Attend with full question checklist |
| Second consultation | Weeks 4-5 | Compare assessments and quotes |
| Decision | Week 6 | Choose surgeon based on comparison data |
| Pre-surgery prep | Weeks 7-10 | Follow surgeon's pre-op instructions |
Start your preparation today with a free hair loss assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about hair restoration procedures.