Walking into a hair transplant consultation without a question list is a mistake. The right questions separate a skilled surgeon from a mediocre one, and the answers will directly determine your results, your recovery, and your satisfaction years down the road.
Questions About Technique Selection
These questions help you understand whether FUE or FUT is right for your specific situation. A good surgeon will explain the reasoning behind their recommendation rather than defaulting to one technique for every patient.
1. Which technique do you recommend for my case, and why?
Listen for specifics. A vague answer like "I do FUE for everyone" is a red flag. The surgeon should reference your Norwood stage, donor density, scalp laxity, and hair loss goals when explaining their recommendation.
2. How many FUE procedures and how many FUT procedures do you perform per year?
Surgeons who perform both techniques regularly are typically better positioned to give unbiased advice. If a surgeon only performs one method, ask why they stopped offering the other.
3. Do you perform the extractions yourself, or does a technician handle part of the procedure?
Some clinics have technicians perform extractions while the surgeon supervises. This is common but worth knowing. Ask what percentage of the procedure the surgeon personally handles.
4. What is your graft survival rate for FUE? What about FUT?
Both methods should deliver 90-95% graft survival when performed well. If a surgeon claims significantly higher numbers, ask how they measure it. If they cannot answer, consider that a concern.
Questions About Your Specific Case
5. How many grafts do I need now, and how many might I need in the future?
This is critical for patients under 40. Hair loss is progressive, and a surgeon who only addresses your current loss without planning for future sessions is setting you up for problems. Understanding long-term graft needs helps you preserve your FUE vs FUT comparison donor supply.
6. What is my donor density, and is it sufficient for my goals?
Average donor density is about 80 follicular units per square centimeter. If yours is below 60, aggressive harvesting could leave visible thinning in the donor area. Ask the surgeon to measure it during consultation.
7. Can you show me before-and-after photos of patients with my hair loss pattern?
Generic portfolios are not useful. You want to see results from patients with a similar Norwood stage, similar hair characteristics (color, texture, curl), and similar graft counts to what you are considering.
8. What hairline design do you recommend, and can we review it together before the procedure?
The hairline is drawn on the morning of surgery. You should have input. Ask whether the surgeon designs age-appropriate hairlines that will still look natural at 50 or 60. A hairline set too low at age 30 can look unnatural decades later.
Questions About Scarring and Recovery
9. What kind of scar should I expect, and can you show me examples?
FUE leaves small dot scars (typically invisible at hair lengths above a #2 guard). FUT leaves a linear scar that should be thin enough to conceal under existing hair. Ask to see scar photos from recent patients.
10. What is the typical recovery timeline for the technique you recommend?
FUE recovery runs 7-10 days before most patients return to normal activities. FUT recovery runs 10-14 days. Ask specifically about returning to work, exercising, and wearing hats.
11. What post-operative care protocol do you follow?
Each clinic has its own washing instructions, medication protocol, and follow-up schedule. Ask for written aftercare instructions before the procedure day so you can prepare.
12. What is your policy if graft survival is lower than expected?
Some clinics offer touch-up sessions at reduced cost. Others provide guarantees on graft count. Getting this in writing before the procedure protects you.
Questions About Cost and Logistics
13. What is the total cost, and what does it include?
Get a fully itemized quote. Confirm whether the price includes medications, PRP treatment (if offered), follow-up visits, and any potential touch-up work. Hidden fees are common in hair transplant pricing.
14. Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Many clinics partner with medical financing companies. Ask about interest rates and terms before committing.
15. How many sessions do you anticipate I will need over the next 10 years?
This long-term perspective is essential. A surgeon who is honest about future graft needs helps you budget and plan. It also reveals whether they are thinking about your case as a one-time fix or a long-term partnership.
Questions About Medications and Maintenance
16. Do you recommend finasteride or minoxidil alongside the transplant?
Most experienced surgeons recommend finasteride (1mg daily) to protect native hair from further loss. Ask about their specific medication protocol and how they handle patients concerned about side effects.
17. Should I start medications before the procedure?
Some surgeons recommend starting finasteride or minoxidil 3-6 months before surgery to stabilize hair loss and potentially regrow some native hair. This can affect graft placement planning.
Red Flags to Watch For
When choosing a hair transplant surgeon, be cautious if you encounter any of the following during your consultation:
- The surgeon guarantees specific results. No honest surgeon promises a certain density or outcome because individual healing and graft survival vary.
- They pressure you to book immediately. Quality clinics have waitlists and do not need high-pressure sales tactics.
- They recommend an unusually high graft count. If one surgeon says 2,000 grafts and another says 5,000 for the same case, investigate why.
- They do not perform a physical examination. A consultation that relies solely on photos without examining your scalp is incomplete.
- They cannot explain their technique preference. A surgeon who defaults to one method without assessing your individual case may not be the right fit.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation
Write your questions down and bring them to the appointment. Take notes during the consultation or ask permission to record the conversation. Bring photos of your hair from 5-10 years ago so the surgeon can see your progression pattern.
Request the surgeon's credentials, including board certifications and membership in organizations like the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS).
Use Your Consultation to Compare
Getting 2-3 consultations gives you a baseline for comparison. Pay attention to which surgeons take the time to explain their reasoning, which ones examine your scalp thoroughly, and which ones provide realistic expectations rather than overly optimistic promises.
The best hair transplant results come from informed patients working with transparent surgeons. Taking these questions into your consultation puts you in the strongest position to make the right decision.
Ready to understand your hair loss pattern before booking a consultation? Use the free AI analysis tool at myhairline.ai to assess your Norwood stage and get personalized guidance on whether FUE or FUT is right for you.