10 questions to ask at your first hair transplant consultation

1Am I a suitable candidate for hair transplant?

The first thing that will be assessed is if you are a suitable candidate for hair transplant, which is based on a number of factors like your age, existing health conditions and your hair.

2What will the surgery be like?

It’s important to know how long the transplant will take as hair transplants may take anywhere from a few hours, to sessions spanning a couple of days Depending on the size of the area being treated, so that you can take time away from work and other responsibilities.

3Which hair transplant procedure is best for me?

There are two types of hair transplant - FUE and FUT. Generally, FUE is the preferred option for a hair transplant as it reduces scarring and recovery time, but it is worth asking and being aware of the procedures.

4Can I see any patient testimonials?

Patient testimonials and also before and after pictures are a great way to get a feel of how other patients have found their hair transplant experience. More positive reviews are a good sign that the surgeon is skilled and has a lot of happy patients.

5What sort of grafts does the surgeon use?

There is a major difference between mini/micro grafting and follicular unit transplantation. In mini/micro grafting small grafts are cut to size without integrity of the follicular unit. Follicular unit transplanting consists of using stereomicroscopes to carefully remove these units intact from the skin to transplant to the balding areas. It is important to know about this for better results.

6How long will it take to see the results?

The results of a hair transplant are not instant. So, it is important to make sure that your expectations are managed, by asking your surgeon about how your hair will grow post-surgery.

7Will I need a second transplant?

Depending on the patient, the requirement of further hair transplants in the future is a possibility. Your surgeon will be able to provide further information on this, and the potential treatments.

8What preoperative preparations do I need to do?

Depending on the type of surgery you opt for, you may have to undertake some preparations prior to the procedure.

9Will I need time off work after my hair transplant?

For some people, rest for a day or two afterwards is needed, depending on the treatment. If so, it’s probably best to be prepared in advance.

10Should I use medication in addition to my hair transplant?

Sometimes, younger patients advised to start using medications in addition to the hair transplant.