Online hair transplant consultations — whether by video call or photo assessment — have become increasingly common. For patients who live far from specialist clinics or who want to gather information before committing to travel, they offer a useful first step. Here is what to expect.
What an Online Consultation Can Assess
A photo or video consultation allows a surgeon to:
- Assess the pattern and approximate degree of hair loss
- Give a preliminary indication of candidacy
- Estimate a graft count range based on photographs
- Discuss treatment options — both surgical and medical
- Answer questions about the procedure, costs, and timelines
What Cannot Be Fully Assessed Online
Several important factors require in-person examination:
- Donor density: Trichoscopy (magnification of the scalp) cannot be performed remotely — only estimated from photographs
- Hair calibre: The true diameter and texture of individual hairs affects coverage estimates
- Scalp laxity: Physical assessment informs extraction technique and graft count planning
- Miniaturisation: Early DHT-related follicle thinning requires magnification to assess accurately
How to Prepare for an Online Consultation
For the most productive online consultation, prepare:
- Clear photographs taken in natural daylight: front, both sides, top of head, and back (donor area)
- Photographs with hair both dry and wet — wet hair reveals the scalp surface most clearly
- A list of your questions and concerns
- Information about any medications you currently take
- Family history of hair loss (maternal and paternal)
Submit your photos for a free photo assessment with Dr Anzal Qurbain →
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