How to choose a hair transplant clinic
Choosing a hair transplant clinic is probably one of the most important medical decisions you'll make. The result is permanent, visible, and the process is surgical. Here are 8 objective criteria to evaluate any clinic before committing.
1. Surgeon transparency
What to ask: Who physically performs the graft extraction and implantation?
In many clinics —especially in low-cost medical tourism destinations— the surgeon only designs the frontal hairline and technicians do 90% of the work. This isn't illegal, but you should know it.
✅ Good sign: the surgeon can tell you their number of performed procedures and shows documented personal clinical cases.
❌ Red flag: vague answers about who does what, or "multidisciplinary team" without specifying roles.
First diagnostic consultation with the surgeon
2. Planning technology
What to ask: How do you calculate the number of grafts I need?
The correct answer includes digital densitometry, 3D scanning or photogrammetry, zone-by-zone calculation, and result simulation.
✅ Good sign: they show you a density map of your scalp and a personalized graft distribution plan.
❌ Red flag: the surgeon gives you a graft number "by eye" in the first visit without any prior analysis.
3. Standardized clinical photography
Ask to see before-and-after photos of at least 20-30 clinical cases similar to yours:
- Same Norwood stage
- Same zone to treat
- At least 12 months post-operative
✅ Good sign: standardized photos (same lighting, same angle, same background) with visible date.
❌ Red flag: only showing "best cases", poor quality photos, or results under 6 months.
Operating room staffed by a multidisciplinary team
4. Post-operative follow-up protocol
What to ask: What does the follow-up include?
A good protocol includes consultations (in-person or video call) at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, with photographic records at each visit.
✅ Good sign: structured follow-up with comparative photographic records and patient portal access.
❌ Red flag: follow-up limited to "call us if there's a problem."
5. Accreditations and qualifications
Verify:
- The surgeon is a licensed physician with specialty in plastic surgery, dermatology, or similar
- The clinic has health certification from the regional authority
- Check the Official Medical College to verify the surgeon is licensed
6. Technician-to-graft ratio
What to ask: How many grafts does a team perform in a day? How many simultaneous cases do they handle?
A quality team works with full attention on one case at a time. Clinics that operate 4-6 patients simultaneously with a single surgeon prioritize volume over quality.
✅ Good sign: maximum 1-2 cases per day per surgeon, with monitored ischemia times (time outside the body).
❌ Red flag: clinics promising fast results and operating 6-10 patients per day.
7. Pre-operative communication
Evaluate the quality of communication before booking:
- Do they explain the real risks of the procedure?
- Do they inform you about shock loss (initial shedding)?
- Do they set realistic expectations about the result?
❌ Red flag: promising "100% of grafts survive" or guaranteeing specific results in an unrealistic timeframe.
8. Management technology
A modern clinic uses specialized software for:
- Patient clinical history management
- Standardized photographic records
- Secure, encrypted communication
- Compliant invoicing
A clinic using specialized software (like TrichoSuite) indicates professionalism and organization.
Questions to ask during consultation
- Who physically performs the extraction and implantation?
- How many grafts does your team extract and implant per day?
- Can you show me 20 clinical cases similar to mine with 12-month follow-up?
- How do you calculate the exact number of grafts I need?
- What happens if the expected hair doesn't grow?
- What does the price include and what doesn't it include?
Conclusion
Price should not be the main criterion. A poorly planned or executed transplant can result in an unnatural, sparse result, or worse: the need for a revision. Planning technology, surgeon transparency, and the follow-up protocol are the most reliable indicators of clinic quality.