The contract you sign and the payment terms you agree to directly reflect a clinic's confidence in its graft survival rates. Clinics that achieve consistently high survival (90-95%) tend to offer transparent pricing, written guarantees, and structured payment schedules. Clinics that cut corners on graft handling, storage, or staffing often compensate with aggressive upfront payment demands and vague contractual language. Understanding what fair terms look like protects both your money and your results.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified hair loss specialist before making any treatment decisions.
How Pricing Relates to Graft Survival
Hair transplant pricing varies widely by region, and cost alone does not predict survival rates. But how a clinic structures its pricing can reveal important information about its practices.
| Region | Cost per Graft (USD) | Typical Total (2,500 grafts) |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $1 - $2 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| India | $0.50 - $1.50 | $1,250 - $3,750 |
| Thailand | $1.50 - $3 | $3,750 - $7,500 |
| Mexico | $2 - $4 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Europe | $2.50 - $4.50 | $6,250 - $11,250 |
| UK | $3 - $5 | $7,500 - $12,500 |
| USA | $4 - $6 | $10,000 - $15,000 |
Per-Graft vs. Flat-Fee Pricing
Per-graft pricing ties the cost directly to the amount of work performed. You pay for what you get. This model incentivizes accurate graft counting and allows you to verify whether the number of grafts placed matches what was quoted.
Flat-fee pricing bundles the procedure into one lump sum regardless of graft count. This model can work in your favor if the clinic places more grafts than the minimum, but it creates a risk: the clinic has no financial incentive to maximize graft count once the flat fee is paid.
Ask the clinic which model they use and request a written breakdown of what is included.
What Your Contract Should Include
A legitimate hair transplant contract should address all of the following points in clear, specific language.
Procedure Details
- Technique: FUE, FUT, or DHI, specified explicitly
- Graft count: A range (e.g., 2,500-3,000 grafts) rather than a vague description
- Surgeon name: Confirmation that the named surgeon will perform the procedure
- Estimated duration: How long the session will take
Included Services
The contract should list every service covered by the price:
- Pre-operative blood tests
- The surgical procedure itself
- Anesthesia
- Post-operative medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, pain relief)
- Post-operative care kit (saline spray, washing supplies, neck pillow)
- Follow-up appointments (specify how many and over what time period)
- PRP sessions if included (typically $500-$2,000 per session when purchased separately)
Excluded Costs
Equally important is knowing what is not included:
- Travel and accommodation (for medical tourism patients)
- Additional PRP sessions beyond what is bundled
- Touch-up sessions if graft survival is below expectations
- Prescription medications (finasteride, minoxidil) beyond the immediate post-op period
- Future procedures for continued hair loss progression
Payment Schedule Red Flags
Requiring Full Payment Upfront Before Consultation
A deposit to secure your date is standard (typically 10-25% of the total). Full payment before you have even met the surgeon in person is not. This structure removes your leverage if the consultation reveals concerns.
No Refund Policy
Reputable clinics have a written cancellation and refund policy. The specifics vary, but you should know: What happens if you cancel 30 days before? 7 days before? The day before? What if the surgeon cancels? What if a medical issue arises that makes you ineligible?
Heavy Discounts for Immediate Booking
Pressure to book during your consultation to lock in a special price is a sales tactic, not a medical recommendation. Legitimate pricing should be available for at least 30 days after your consultation.
No Written Quote
If the clinic provides pricing verbally but resists putting it in writing, that is a significant red flag. All pricing, payment schedules, and included services should be documented.
What Touch-Up Policies Reveal
A clinic's policy for revision or touch-up work is one of the clearest indicators of their confidence in their graft survival rates.
Strong policy: The clinic offers a complimentary touch-up session if graft survival falls below a stated threshold (e.g., below 85% at 12 months), provided the patient followed post-op instructions and completed follow-up appointments.
Moderate policy: The clinic offers touch-up sessions at a reduced rate (often 30-50% of the original per-graft price) for areas that did not achieve expected density.
Weak policy: The clinic has no touch-up policy, states that results are not guaranteed, and places all risk on the patient.
Clinics with high confidence in their 90-95% survival rate are more willing to back that claim with a written policy.
Financing and Payment Plans
Many clinics offer medical financing through third-party providers. Before committing to a payment plan, check:
- Interest rate: Medical financing often carries 10-25% APR if the balance is not paid within the promotional period
- Promotional period: Many plans offer 0% interest for 12-24 months, then jump to high rates
- Monthly payment: Ensure the monthly amount fits your budget without strain
- Penalty for early payoff: Confirm there are no prepayment penalties
Financing does not change the quality of your procedure, but financial stress during recovery can affect your compliance with post-op instructions, which in turn affects graft survival.
Contract Review Checklist
Before signing, confirm each of these items is addressed in writing:
| Item | Present? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon name and credentials | ||
| Technique (FUE/FUT/DHI) | ||
| Graft count range | ||
| Total price breakdown | ||
| Deposit amount and refund policy | ||
| Cancellation policy | ||
| Services included | ||
| Follow-up schedule | ||
| Touch-up/revision policy | ||
| Consent for photography | ||
| Dispute resolution process |
If any item is missing, ask the clinic to add it before you sign.
When to Walk Away
Walk away from a clinic contract if:
- The clinic refuses to provide a written quote
- Full payment is required before consultation
- There is no cancellation or refund policy
- The surgeon's name is not specified in the contract
- The graft count is described vaguely (e.g., "up to 5,000 grafts") without a minimum
- The clinic pressures you to sign immediately with time-limited discounts
For a broader understanding of what determines graft viability, read the graft survival rates overview. If you are considering a clinic abroad, the medical tourism logistics guide covers additional contract considerations for international procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a reputable hair transplant clinic?
Verify ISHRS or ABHRS credentials, read reviews on independent platforms like RealSelf and Google, and request a video consultation with the surgeon. Ask about their refund or touch-up policy before signing anything. A reputable clinic will have a clear, written policy for cases where graft survival falls below expectations.
What credentials should a hair transplant surgeon have?
Board certification in dermatology or plastic surgery is the foundation. ISHRS fellowship or ABHRS diplomate status indicates specialized hair restoration training. Ask how many procedures the surgeon performs per month, whether they handle key stages personally, and how many years they have focused exclusively on hair transplants.
How do I know if before/after photos are real?
Authentic photos maintain consistent lighting, camera distance, and angles. Ask for 12-month post-op results from multiple patients at your Norwood stage. Legitimate clinics show a range of outcomes, not just their best cases. Be cautious of photos with obvious editing, single angles, or missing donor area views.
Want objective data before you start comparing clinic contracts? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for a free AI-powered hairline assessment. Knowing your Norwood stage and graft estimate helps you evaluate whether a clinic's pricing and graft count make sense for your case.