Question 1

Are you GMC-registered and licensed to practise in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Verify independently at gmc-uk.org. This is non-negotiable — every doctor performing surgery in the UK must be on the GMC register with an active licence.

Question 2

Are you a BAHRS member?

Accepted Answer

Full membership of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) requires a professional reference from an existing BAHRS member surgeon and approval by the Executive Committee. BAHRS membership indicates professional standing within the UK hair restoration community. Verify at bahrs.co.uk.

Question 3

Are you an ISHRS member?

Accepted Answer

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the global gold standard. Fellowship (FISHRS) indicates the highest expertise level.

Question 4

How many procedures have you personally performed?

Accepted Answer

Look for hundreds, ideally thousands. Experience is one of the strongest predictors of quality outcomes.

Question 5

How many procedures do you perform per year?

Accepted Answer

Fewer procedures per day means more attention per patient. Be wary if a surgeon or clinic operates on more than 2–3 patients daily.

Question 6

Is this clinic registered with the CQC?

Accepted Answer

Legally required for all hair transplant clinics in England. Verify at cqc.org.uk. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have equivalent regulatory bodies (HIS, HIW, and RQIA respectively). If a clinic is not registered with the relevant authority, they are operating illegally.

Question 7

Who performs extraction and implantation?

Accepted Answer

Critical question. The surgical steps should be performed or directly supervised by the GMC-registered doctor, not unsupervised technicians.

Question 8

How many patients per day at this clinic?

Accepted Answer

More than 2–3 per day should prompt concern about the quality of individual attention each patient receives.

Question 9

Am I a suitable candidate?

Accepted Answer

Assessment should cover your age, hair loss stability, donor area quality, and realistic expectations. A good surgeon will decline unsuitable candidates.

Question 10

How many grafts do I need and how was that calculated?

Accepted Answer

Should be based on Norwood scale assessment, donor area density measurement, and desired density. Be wary if one clinic recommends significantly more grafts than others.

Question 11

Which technique do you recommend for me, and why?

Accepted Answer

Should be tailored to your specific situation. A clinic that only offers one technique regardless of case may not be considering your individual needs.

Question 12

Can you show me before-and-after photos of similar cases?

Accepted Answer

Request unedited photos. A good surgeon should have extensive case files showing patients with a similar hair loss pattern to yours.

Question 13

How will my hairline be designed?

Accepted Answer

Should be natural, age-appropriate, and account for likely future hair loss progression. Not a straight line — natural hairlines are slightly irregular.

Question 14

Has my hair loss stabilised?

Accepted Answer

Operating too early risks unnatural outcomes as hair continues to recede around the transplant. Hair loss should be stable for 12+ months ideally.

Question 15

Should I be on finasteride/minoxidil before and after?

Accepted Answer

Most ethical surgeons recommend medical therapy to protect existing native hair. If a surgeon never mentions medication, that’s a concern.

Question 16

What will the procedure feel like?

Accepted Answer

Local anaesthetic means no pain during the procedure. The initial injections cause brief discomfort (similar to a dentist). Most patients watch films or listen to music throughout.

Question 17

How long will the procedure take?

Accepted Answer

Typically 6–10 hours for a standard FUE procedure. This includes extraction in the morning, a lunch break, then implantation in the afternoon.

Question 18

How many people will be in the room and what are their qualifications?

Accepted Answer

You have every right to know who is in the room and what role they play. The GMC-registered surgeon should be performing or directly supervising all surgical steps.

Question 19

What happens if there are complications?

Accepted Answer

A reputable clinic has clear protocols for managing complications both during and after the procedure. Ask about their emergency contact process.

Question 20

What is the total, all-in cost?

Accepted Answer

Get this in writing. Ask specifically: "Is this the total price I will pay, including all consultations, the procedure, aftercare, and follow-up appointments?"

Question 21

Are there any potential additional charges?

Accepted Answer

Watch for PRP add-ons, medication costs, extra follow-up charges, or financing interest. These can add £500–£2,000+ to the total bill.

Question 22

Do you offer finance or payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Many clinics offer 0% or low-interest plans. However, finance should not be the primary driver of clinic choice. Don’t pick the cheapest monthly payment if it’s for a lower-quality clinic.

Question 23

What aftercare do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Should include at minimum: a follow-up check at day 5–10, and reviews at 6 and 12 months. Some clinics also offer phone/email support throughout recovery.

Question 24

What is your revision policy if I’m unhappy after 12 months?

Accepted Answer

Ask about their approach if results don’t meet expectations. Some clinics offer corrective procedures at reduced cost. Get any guarantees in writing.

Question 25

Will you be my point of contact throughout?

Accepted Answer

Consistent care from the same team — before, during, and after surgery — is important for both confidence and clinical continuity. Avoid “hand-off” models where you speak to different people at every stage.

Guides

Best Hair Transplant Clinics UK 2026: Independent Comparison

Hair Transplant Cost UK 2026: The Complete Pricing Guide