Many consultants and hair transplant surgeons who provide hair restoration services will offer a free initial consultation. It's a standard practice.
Hair replacement surgeons and hair replacement specialists will usually provide a complimentary initial consultation.
What can you expect—and not expect—during this initial consultation?
You should not pay a dime. Surprisingly, many clinics or specialists will state they provide a 'free' initial consultation but still find a way to charge. Make sure that 'free' or 'complimentary' really means you won't be charged anything.
A complete assessment of what's causing your hair loss. Hundreds of medical conditions can lead to hair loss in men and women. Common causes of hair loss can include genetics, Telogen Effluvium, Hypothyroidism, Lupus anemia, seborrheic dermatitis, and hormonal factors. Diagnosis is obviously important because the diagnosis will influence treatment options.
A full explanation of all the options available for hair transplants. With recent advances in technology and pharmacology, hair replacement options have increased significantly in the past decade. During the initial consultation, you will likely learn about: hair transplant surgery, laser light therapy, topical products, hair integration systems, low level laser light therapy (LLLT), topical products, and drug therapy.
Before and after examples. The hair transplant surgeon or the associate will show you before and after examples of the patients they have treated. You can also discover more about hair replacement options by seeing the before an after examples. The consultation should include a discussion of potential side effects.
The option of speaking with a physician. Some hair replacement centers will offer the free consultation with a nurse or associate. Some include a free consultation with a hair transplant surgeon. You should always have the option of speaking with an actual physician—and there should be no charge for the consultation.
An upfront explanation of costs and financing options. Costs for hair replacement and restoration vary significantly. There should be no obligation to take the next step during the consultation. The specialist should fully explain all the costs associated with the procedure and also introduce financing options. You can request a written quote. The specialist can also discuss health insurance and FSA options.
Full and complete answers to all your hair loss questions. Before the initial consultation, it can be useful to complete some preliminary 'homework' about hair transplants and related hair restoration options. It can be valuable to bring a list of questions into the initial consultation. You should expect clear and forthright answers to your questions.
No sales pressure. Yes—the surgeon and his staff would like you to take advantage of hair replacement options because their collective goal is to help you look your best. However, you should not feel any pressure to make a financial decision at any time during the initial consultation.
The 'free initial consultation' is extremely valuable so make sure you get as much information as possible about the options. You'll discover how hair replacement options can help you restore your hair.
