5 Things to Ask Your Surgeon Before a Hair Transplant at My Hair UK in Manchester

Undergoing a hair transplant is a medical decision, not just a cosmetic one. At the My Hair UK transplant clinic in Manchester, we see patients from all backgrounds who want to restore their hair, but many arrive at consultation unprepared to ask the right questions. Understanding the science, technique, and recovery is essential. As a doctor, I encourage every patient to ask in-depth questions to make sure they know exactly what the procedure involves, how to prepare, and what to expect afterwards—both physically and psychologically. Below are five key areas to explore with your surgeon before committing to surgery.

1. What Technique Will Be Used and Why?

At My Hair UK, we use the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method. Ask your surgeon why FUE is appropriate for your case. This isn’t just about surgical preference. It’s about understanding your hair type, donor area density, and recipient site characteristics. FUE involves harvesting follicular units individually using a motorised or manual punch, typically between 0.8mm and 1.0mm in diameter. It’s important that your surgeon explains how they assess graft viability, minimise transection rates, and preserve donor area appearance. Ask what punch size they use and whether they use implanters or forceps during implantation. While FUE offers quicker recovery and minimal scarring compared to traditional strip methods, it still demands surgical precision and planning. Poor technique can cause overharvesting or reduce graft survival, especially in Afro-textured or very fine hair types. 

2. What Is the Predicted Graft Number and How Much Will It Cost?

Don’t settle for vague estimates. Ask your surgeon how many grafts they plan to transplant and how they arrived at that number. Was it based on a density calculation? A trichoscopy assessment? Ask how they calculate follicular unit density per cm² in both the donor and recipient areas. This isn’t a guesswork exercise. A typical FUE transplant can involve anywhere between 1,000 and 3,500 grafts, depending on the degree of hair loss. My Hair UK’s costs are shown up front on our website—£2,899 for up to 1,000 grafts, £3,299 for up to 1,500, and £4,899 for up to 3,500. A conversation about cost should follow clinical discussion, not precede it. Remember, the graft count should match your goals, donor capacity, and future loss pattern. You should also ask if the surgeon anticipates needing a second procedure in future and how that might affect your donor supply.

3. What Are the Risks, and How Are They Minimized?

Every medical procedure carries risk. Ask about bleeding, infection, graft failure, shock loss, and donor site thinning. A good surgeon should explain each of these risks honestly, with reference to your personal health profile. For example, those with underlying skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis may face higher risks of inflammation or poor graft retention. Smokers face delayed healing and potentially higher rates of graft necrosis. Ask what protocols are in place to reduce bacterial contamination, especially during implantation. Are magnifying loupes or surgical microscopes used to preserve delicate follicular structures? What steps are taken to avoid overharvesting from donor zones? And crucially, what is the clinic's documented graft survival rate at 12 months?

4. Who Will Perform the Procedure?

In the UK, the person doing the surgery must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) if they’re performing anything invasive. Ask to meet the doctor who will extract and implant your grafts. Will a technician assist? If so, what is their training? Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure—not something to delegate lightly.  Ask your surgeon what parts of the procedure they personally handle, and don’t hesitate to verify credentials. A 2023 article in the British Journal of Dermatology raised concerns about the growing role of unregulated technicians in UK clinics, leading to inconsistent results and patient harm.

5. What Is the Aftercare Protocol and Follow-Up Schedule?

Aftercare is as important as surgery. Ask what instructions you'll be given immediately post-op. Will you receive saline spray, antibiotics, pain relief, or topical anti-inflammatories? How soon can you wash your scalp, and what products should you avoid? What activities—such as exercise or sun exposure—must be limited? Ask when you’ll be reviewed in clinic, and whether you can contact the medical team with concerns. At My Hair UK, we provide a dedicated patient support platform with video guides, written instructions, and direct access to post-op advice. You should also ask about the expected timeline for regrowth. Typically, transplanted hairs enter telogen and fall out by week four, then start growing back around month three. Final results can take 12–18 months to mature fully.

See Your GP First

Before surgery, you should book a health check with your local NHS GP. Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or anaemia can influence healing and outcomes. Your GP can also review your medications and order relevant blood tests.

If you're based in Manchester, consider contacting one of the following:

• New Bank Health Centre, M8 0TW

• City Health Centre, M1 1PL

• Bodey Medical Centre, M14 6WP

Your GP’s input helps ensure you’re fit for surgery and improves communication if post-op complications arise.

A well-informed patient makes better choices and has more realistic expectations. Ask your surgeon direct questions. Demand clear answers. A hair transplant should be a tailored medical procedure—not a rushed cosmetic fix