Finding the right clinic matters more than choosing between FUE and FUT. A skilled surgeon using either method will outperform a mediocre surgeon using the "better" technique. Here is a step-by-step process for vetting clinics and avoiding common pitfalls.
Step 1: Know Your Requirements Before You Search
Before contacting any clinic, get an objective assessment of your hair loss stage. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for a free Norwood classification and graft estimate. This gives you a baseline number to compare against what clinics recommend.
Patients who arrive at consultations with data report better experiences. You can evaluate whether a surgeon's graft recommendation aligns with your AI assessment and published ranges for your stage.
Step 2: Verify Surgeon Credentials
Not all hair transplant practitioners are equal. Check these credentials before booking a consultation:
| Credential | What It Means | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery) | Passed rigorous written and oral exams | abhrs.org member directory |
| ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) | Professional membership, peer-reviewed | ishrs.org member search |
| Board certification (dermatology or plastic surgery) | Medical specialty training | State medical board website |
| JCI accreditation (international clinics) | Facility meets safety standards | jointcommissioninternational.org |
Red flag: Clinics where technicians perform the entire procedure and the "surgeon" only supervises. In quality clinics, the surgeon performs or directly oversees all extractions and incisions.
Step 3: Evaluate Before-and-After Evidence
Strong clinics have extensive before-and-after galleries. When reviewing photos, look for:
- Patients at your Norwood stage. A clinic showing only Norwood 2-3 results may lack experience with advanced cases.
- Consistent lighting and angles. Professional documentation uses standardized photography.
- 12-18 month follow-ups. Results at 6 months are incomplete. Full density takes 12-18 months.
- Graft count disclosure. Photos should state how many grafts were used.
- Multiple examples per stage. One good result could be an outlier. Look for 5+ cases at your stage.
Red flag: Clinics that show only their best results or use filters and editing on photos.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions During Consultation
Prepare these questions for every consultation. The answers reveal the clinic's quality and transparency.
About the procedure:
- How many grafts do you recommend, and why?
- Will you (the surgeon) perform the extractions, or will technicians do it?
- What is your graft survival rate, and how do you measure it?
- Do you use FUE, FUT, or both? When do you recommend each?
About results:
- Can I see before-and-after photos of patients at my Norwood stage?
- What is the realistic density I should expect?
- How do you handle cases where the result falls short of expectations?
About costs:
- What is included in the quoted price?
- Are PRP sessions, medications, or follow-up visits extra?
- What is your revision or touch-up policy?
Read our guide on hidden transplant costs so you know which additional expenses to ask about.
Step 5: Compare at Least Three Clinics
Get consultations from a minimum of three clinics. Create a comparison spreadsheet with these columns:
| Factor | Clinic A | Clinic B | Clinic C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon credentials | |||
| Norwood assessment | |||
| Recommended grafts | |||
| Method (FUE/FUT) | |||
| Total quoted price | |||
| Included services | |||
| Follow-up policy | |||
| Before/after evidence at your stage |
If graft recommendations vary by more than 20%, ask each surgeon to explain their reasoning. Large discrepancies suggest at least one assessment is inaccurate.
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid any clinic that displays these warning signs:
- Guarantees specific results. No surgeon can guarantee exact density or growth.
- Pressures you to book immediately. Discounts that expire "today" are sales tactics.
- Recommends surgery for Norwood 1. Stage 1 patients rarely need transplants.
- Quotes an unusually high graft count. Some clinics inflate numbers to charge more.
- Has no verifiable reviews on independent platforms. Check Google Reviews, RealSelf, and Trustpilot, not just the clinic's own website.
- Uses only stock photos or AI-generated images. All results should be real patients.
Domestic vs International Clinics
| Factor | Domestic (US/UK) | International (Turkey) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per graft (FUE) | $4-6 (US), $3-5 (UK) | $1-2 |
| Legal recourse | Stronger | Limited |
| Follow-up access | Easy | Requires travel or telemedicine |
| Vetting difficulty | Moderate | Higher (language, distance) |
| Travel cost | Minimal | $1,000-3,000 additional |
For an in-depth FUE vs FUT comparison including recovery and scarring differences, see our main guide.
Your First Step
Get your baseline data before you start contacting clinics. A free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze provides your Norwood stage and estimated graft count, so you walk into every consultation with objective reference data.
FAQ
What should I look for when choosing a hair transplant clinic?
Look for a board-certified surgeon (ABHRS or ISHRS member), verified before-and-after photos of patients at your Norwood stage, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and a thorough consultation that includes donor area assessment. Avoid clinics that promise unrealistic graft counts or guarantee specific results.
Is it safe to get a hair transplant in Turkey?
Turkey has world-class clinics alongside low-quality mills. Vet Turkish clinics the same way you would domestic ones: check for JCI accreditation, confirm the lead surgeon performs extractions (not just technicians), and verify reviews on independent platforms. Pricing at $1-2 per graft for FUE is standard for reputable Turkish clinics.
How many consultations should I get before choosing a clinic?
Get at least three consultations from different clinics before committing. Compare their Norwood assessments, graft count recommendations, and pricing. If one clinic suggests significantly more or fewer grafts than the others, ask why. Consistent graft estimates across surgeons indicate a more reliable diagnosis.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.