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Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Appointment
Got questions before you come in? Here's what patients usually ask us and the thinking behind each answer, not just the rule. Can't find yours? Message us on Facebook or Viber, and we'll help.
Getting Started (1 - 11)
1. How do you actually treat hair loss?
We start by understanding the real reason behind it, because there's more than one possible cause, and sometimes more than one is happening at once. Once that's clear, we walk through what's actually worth trying, from prescription and over-the-counter options to in-office treatments and, where it's genuinely the right fit, surgery. We don't lead with a single go-to treatment for everyone.
2. What if what I'm noticing might not be typical pattern hair loss at all?
Good instinct to ask. Not everything that looks like hair loss is androgenetic (pattern) hair loss. Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, telogen effluvium, or scalp inflammation can look similar but need a completely different approach. That's exactly why we don't jump to a treatment plan before a proper diagnosis.
3. I want a hair transplant right away. Can I just book that?
Not on the first visit, and here's the honest reason why: surgery is a big, permanent decision, and it's only right for some patients. The first visit is where we find out whether it's genuinely the best option for you, or whether medical treatment should come first. We're not trying to slow you down but we're trying to make sure surgery, if it happens, actually solves the right problem.
4. If a treatment isn't a good fit for me, will you tell me honestly, even if it means you don't get to treat me?
Yes, and this matters to us more than you might expect. If your case isn't a good fit for what we offer, or if we genuinely believe another path serves you better, we'll say so directly. We'd rather lose a booking than tell you what's convenient instead of what's true.
5. I've had doctors dismiss or brush off my hair loss before. Will that happen here?
We hear this far too often, and it's part of why we built this clinic the way we did. Hair loss can feel minor to someone who isn't living with it, but it isn't minor to you, and it won't be treated that way here. You'll get a proper history, a real exam, and an actual explanation of what's happening, not a quick dismissal or a diagnosis read to you secondhand.
6. Do I need a referral to see the doctor?
No. We're a private clinic. If your current doctor wants to send over any notes, we're glad to receive them, but you don't need one to book with us.
7. How long is the wait for an appointment?
Roughly a month, though this can shift depending on demand. We'll confirm the exact timing when you message us.
8. How many minutes will my first appointment take?
Usually 45 minutes, though we set aside up to an hour just in case. Follow-up visits are shorter, generally 20-30 minutes, since we're building on what we already know about you.
9. Should I wash my hair before an in-person appointment?
Either is fine. If you washed today, great. If it's been a few days, also fine, but just mention when you last washed it so we have the full picture.
10. Do you see infants and children?
Yes, we see patients across a wide age range, from very young children to older adults.
11. I have questions for the doctor before my visit. Can he call me back?
We're not able to arrange calls with the doctor ahead of time, simply because there are too many similar requests for that to work day-to-day. What we can do is have our team answer what we can right away, and make sure anything clinical gets properly addressed once you're actually seen.
Your Consultation (12 - 23)
12. Does the fee for my first appointment also cover treatment costs?
No, and we want to explain why rather than just say no. That ₱2,000 fee is for the doctor's time, the trichoscopy scan, and getting you an actual diagnosis. That's the real value of the visit. If treatment is recommended after that, it's priced separately, and you'll see the cost in writing before deciding on anything. Nothing gets added without you knowing first.
13. Will you accept my insurance or Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan to cover the visit?
We don't accept insurance or plans of any kind. You pay directly, but we're happy to provide a receipt you can submit to your insurer — whether it gets reimbursed depends on your policy.
14. Is there a fee for follow-up appointments too?
Yes. Follow-up visits are priced the same as your initial consultation, ₱2,000. We keep it simple: one consistent rate, whether it's your first visit or a check-up down the line.
15. I don't need a referral, but if I have one, is the fee reduced?
No. The fee is the same either way. We treat every patient the same, referral or not, and that consistency is something we won't compromise on.
16. Does your clinic offer PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments?
Yes, PRP is one of our non-surgical options. We'll talk through whether it fits your specific diagnosis rather than offering it as a default.
17. Will I need a scalp biopsy?
For most patients, no. It's only needed in specific situations where it's genuinely the clearest way to understand what's causing the hair loss. The doctor will only suggest one if it's actually going to help.
18. Can I get a scalp biopsy on the same day as my first appointment?
Often, yes, especially if you let us know beforehand so we can plan the time for it. If it turns out to be needed unexpectedly and the schedule's tight that day, we'd rather book it properly than rush it. That's better for the accuracy of your results anyway.
19. How long are the first and second appointments?
The first is generally 45 minutes to an hour. Follow-ups are shorter, around 20-30 minutes.
20. How many appointments will I need?
That depends on your diagnosis and how active your condition is. Some patients need periodic monitoring every few months; others need very few visits at all. We'll tell you honestly what to expect for your specific case, not a generic number.
21. Will I feel pressured to decide on surgery during my consultation, or can I take time to think about it?
Take all the time you need. We'll give you our honest assessment and a written plan, but the decision is entirely yours. There's no pressure to commit on the spot, and there never will be.
22. If my actual graft count ends up different from the original estimate, will the price change?
This is a fair thing to ask about, since it's a real concern in this industry. Your price is based on what's actually needed and delivered. If the final count is meaningfully different from the estimate, we'll be upfront with you about it, not silently keep the original price regardless of what was actually done.
23. Is there an age requirement?
No, we see patients across all ages.
Fees & Payment (24 - 31)
24. When do I pay for the appointment?
Payment is due on the day of your visit.
25. Am I able to pay in installments? Do you have a payment plan?
For consultations and non-surgical treatments, full payment is due on the day. For hair transplant surgery, we ask for a 10% down payment to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due on the day of the procedure. And if you do move forward with surgery, your original diagnostic consultation fee is waived. It's folded into your procedure cost rather than charged twice.
26. What methods of payment do you accept?
Cash and bank transfer for now. Ask our team for the most current options when you book, since this is something we're actively expanding.
27. What is the cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Because appointments are in demand and typically booked a month out, that window lets us offer your slot to someone else who's been waiting. If you cancel with proper notice, we'll help you rebook for the next available slot. If cancellations or no-shows happen repeatedly, we may ask you to rebook from the start rather than automatically holding priority just so it stays fair to other patients who are waiting their turn.
28. Is there a fee for missed appointments or "no-shows"?
Not a monetary fee, but a missed appointment without notice does affect your priority for future bookings. Since appointments are in demand, we ask that you let us know as early as possible if something comes up, so we can offer the slot to someone else.
29. I'd like to refer a friend. Is there a discount or credit for me?
We really appreciate the referral, genuinely, but we don't offer discounts or credits for it. Treating every patient the same, with the same pricing, is a principle we hold onto even when it might be more convenient not to.
30. Does the fee for my first consult go toward treatment?
For PRP, medical management, and other non-surgical treatments, no. The consultation fee stays separate, covering the doctor's assessment and getting you an accurate diagnosis, which is valuable on its own. For hair transplant surgery specifically, it's different: if you move forward with the procedure, your consultation fee is waived and folded into the surgery cost.
31. How do I know if a treatment you're offering is actually proven, or still experimental?
We'll always tell you which category a treatment falls into: proven, promising but still building evidence, or genuinely experimental before you decide on anything. That distinction matters to us, and we don't blur it to make a treatment sound more certain than it is.
Before Your Visit (32 - 35)
32. Does the clinic offer appointments with additional levels of privacy?
Privacy is already built into how we run things, such as seeing one patient at a time inside the consultation room, and our waiting area is separate, outside the clinic itself, so your visit stays private by default. If you'd like anything beyond that, just reach out with your specific request, and we'll do our best to accommodate it.
33. If I normally wear hair fibers, should I remove them before my appointment?
Please wash them out beforehand if you can. It's not about appearances. The doctor needs a clear, unobstructed view of your scalp to assess it properly, and fibers can get in the way of that.
34. Should I shampoo my hair before my appointment?
Either way is genuinely fine. Just skip adding fibers if you normally use them, for the same reason as above.
35. I normally dye my hair. Is it okay to dye before my appointment?
Yes, that's completely fine and won't affect your assessment.
Sending Us Your Records (36 - 47)
36. Do you prefer I send records, blood tests, and consult notes ahead of time, or can I just bring them?
We'd prefer ahead of time if possible. It lets the doctor review everything properly before you even walk in, so more of your actual appointment time goes toward talking with you rather than reading paperwork. But if that's not practical for you, bringing everything on the day is still okay.
37. I'd rather bring additional blood tests to my appointment than send them ahead. Should I arrive early?
You're welcome to bring results with you, though sending them ahead when possible does help the doctor use your appointment time more efficiently. Either way works; the choice is yours.
38. Am I supposed to have blood tests done before my first appointment?
We recommend it where relevant to your case, but we'll always work with what you have and guide you on anything further needed.
39. I had blood tests a few months ago. Should I get them redone?
If everything came back normal, it's probably fine to hold off. If anything was abnormal, it's worth asking the doctor at your appointment whether a repeat makes sense.
40. I had blood tests over a year ago. Should I get them redone?
Generally, yes, if it's been more than about a year and your hair loss is ongoing, but the doctor will confirm exactly what's worth repeating based on your specific situation.
41. I just had blood tests done, but not on the recommended day of my cycle. Should I redo them?
If your cycle is generally regular, this is usually fine. Just mention the timing to the doctor. If your cycle is irregular, it may be worth repeating at some point, and the doctor will advise once he's seen you.
42. My test results are in another language. Do they need to be translated?
Usually not. Send them as they are, and the doctor will review them. We'll let you know if translation genuinely becomes necessary.
43. Should I send photos from years prior?
Yes, prior photos are genuinely helpful; even just one or two can show us the pattern of change over time, which tells us something a single current photo can't.
44. I've been asked to send scalp photos. What kind should I send?
This is part of our Patient Intake Questionnaire (PIQ), which you'll fill out through a Google Form before your visit. It walks you through exactly which angles and sides we need, so you won't be guessing what to submit.
45. If I have a remote consultation first, does that stop me from having an in-person visit later?
Not at all. A remote consultation can be a helpful first step, and an in-person visit is always still an option afterward if needed.
46. I'll send in my previous blood tests as requested. Can the doctor review them and tell me if I need anything else?
The doctor reviews your file before confirming your appointment. If what you've sent looks sufficient, we'll go ahead and get you booked. If something more turns out to be needed, that's usually best addressed once you're actually being seen rather than back-and-forth beforehand. It's not always the fastest answer, but it keeps things accurate.
47. Will you send a letter to my other doctor?
Yes, if you'd like us to. Just let us know, and we can prepare a summary for whoever's involved in your care.
Getting Here (48 - 54)
48. Is there parking located close by?
Yes, though it's worth knowing your options. The building itself has basement parking, but it's paid, fills up quickly in the mornings, and the space can feel tight. If you'd rather have more room, a couple of nearby alternatives are worth considering: The Podium's indoor parking right next door (spacious, air-conditioned, and reasonably priced), or UPark's open lot just across the street, which is easier if you're driving something bigger. If you're expecting a longer visit, SM Megamall is just behind the building and tends to be the most economical option the longer you stay.
49. If my appointment is at a set time, should I arrive early?
Arriving 15 to 30 minutes early is perfect, but lean toward the earlier end of that window if you can, since the building elevators can get queued during busy hours. Running late, though, can be a real problem as it doesn't just affect you; it pushes back every patient booked after you. On our end, we make you a promise most clinics won't: the doctor will never keep you waiting past your scheduled time. We ask for the same courtesy in return, so every patient's time stays protected, including yours.
50. I'm planning to travel in and out the same day. How much time should I set aside?
Most first appointments run 45 minutes, though some go a bit longer. The real unknown is whether a biopsy turns out to be needed — if it does, the doctor will usually do it right then and there, with your okay, rather than have you come back another day. Most patients don't end up needing one. We generally plan for up to 60 minutes total in the office just in case, and if you're booking a tight connection, we'd gently suggest building in a bit more buffer. For surgical treatment, patients should allow at least 5 days.
51. I'm coming from a long flight. Should I plan to stay overnight, or can everything happen in one day?
For consultations and non-surgical treatments, everything can usually be done same-day. Let us know your travel plans when booking, and we'll help coordinate around them. For hair transplant surgery, it's different: procedures typically take a full day, so we'd recommend planning to stay overnight, especially if you're coming from far away or need to fly out the next morning.
52. I'm driving in with a family member who might also want to be seen. Is that possible?
Yes, but they'll need their own separate appointment. If you tell us in advance, we'll try to schedule you both back-to-back so it's convenient.
53. My appointment is later, but I'm available earlier. Can you fit me in sooner?
Unfortunately, usually not. Our schedule is typically full each day with very little flexibility, so we're rarely able to move things around like this. The same care that keeps us running on time for you is also why we can't easily shift things for someone else.
54. Do you have any advice on travel, flights, or accommodation?
If you're coming from outside the area, we're happy to send over a few hotel and accommodation suggestions near our Ortigas clinic by email.
Special Situations (55 - 71)
55. Another doctor told me I'm a good candidate for PRP. Can I just come in for the treatment?
You'll still need a consultation with us first, and we'd rather explain why than just say no. Every patient is evaluated personally before any treatment here, without exception not because we doubt the other doctor, but because our doctor needs to see your case directly before it's his name on your care.
56. Another doctor told me I'm a good candidate for a hair transplant. Can I just come in for the treatment?
Same answer, same reason. Every patient is evaluated personally before any treatment here, without exception.
57. Same question, but for steroid injections. Do I still need a consultation first?
Yes, for the same reason. A consultation lets the doctor weigh the risks and benefits specifically for you, not just apply a general recommendation.
58. I have a prescription from my family doctor. Can your doctor cosign it, or do I need an appointment?
All new patients need an appointment first. It's not that the prescription is wrong; it's that our doctor needs to properly evaluate you before putting his own recommendation behind anything.
59. I don't have hair loss, but I have scalp pain or burning. Do you evaluate that?
Yes, that falls within what we look into as well. Reach out, and we'll get you booked.
60. In addition to scalp hair loss, do you diagnose loss in other areas such as eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, body hair?
Yes, we offer diagnostic support for all of these, not just the scalp.
61. Do you see patients specifically for women's hair loss?
Yes. Women's hair loss often gets treated as an afterthought elsewhere, and we don't do that here. The causes and treatment approach for women can be quite different from men's, and we give it the same dedicated attention.
62. I'm on Ozempic or a similar medication and have noticed hair shedding. Is that something you look into?
Yes, and it's a pattern we're seeing more of. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic can be linked to hair shedding for some patients, and it's genuinely worth a proper evaluation rather than assuming it'll pass on its own.
63. Will your doctor help me regrow my hair?
We know this is probably the question that matters most, so we won't just point you elsewhere for it. The honest answer: it depends on the cause. Some types of hair loss respond really well to treatment, and regrowth is a realistic outcome. Others can be stabilized — meaning we slow or stop further loss, even when full regrowth isn't possible. What we can promise is a straight answer about which category your specific case falls into.
64. Do you do second opinions on pathology slides? I'm not fully satisfied with how mine was read.
Yes, though we do this as a full consultation rather than reviewing the slide alone, and we know it can feel uncomfortable to ask for a second opinion, like you're questioning your first doctor, and that's completely normal. A biopsy means much more when it's read alongside your history and an actual scalp exam.
65. Can I do a hair collection and drop off a sample before my appointment?
We don't usually allow this, and there's a real reason why. For most patients, a hair collection doesn't add much to the diagnosis. And when it is relevant, how it's collected really matters. The doctor needs to specify whether it should be a 5-day collection or a 60-second one, and a sample collected the wrong way can't be properly analyzed at all. We'd rather you wait until your appointment.
66. Are there clinics nearby where I can get blood tests the doctor recommends?
Yes. We'll point you to nearby labs and diagnostic clinics at the time of your appointment.
67. How long will my prescription be valid for?
It varies generally somewhere between 1 and 3 months, depending on the doctor's assessment of your specific situation. Whatever the timeframe, you'll want to see the doctor again before it runs out. If you're prescribed something like a new immunosuppressant, expect a shorter window.
68. I just want a topical finasteride prescription, and I can't travel in. Can I get this through a remote consultation?
We can't promise a telemedicine visit will be offered to every patient. The doctor generally prefers seeing new patients in person first. Send in your photos, any test results, and your intake form, and the doctor will personally decide whether a remote first visit makes sense for you.
69. My employer needs proof I was away for my appointment. Can you provide that?
Yes. We'll give you a medical certificate confirming that you had a consultation with us. If your condition genuinely calls for rest days, we'll include that in the certificate. If there's no medical need for rest, though, we won't add rest days just because it's requested — the certificate reflects your actual medical situation, not what's most convenient.
70. Are there restrictions on flying after any of your treatments?
Generally none for what we offer, but we'll flag anything specific to your particular treatment plan.
71. Can I pop into the office with some simple questions?
We'd rather you didn't, and here's why: we're appointment-only so that every patient who does come in gets full, unhurried time, without the day getting disrupted. We're always happy to help by phone or message in the meantime.
After Your Procedure (72 - 79)
72. It's been a few months since my transplant, and I don't see much growth. Is that normal?
Most likely, yes, and this is genuinely one of the most common worries we hear, both from our own patients and across forums. Transplanted hair typically sheds within the first few weeks (this is expected, not a failure), then enters a resting phase before new growth begins, usually starting around month 3 to 4, with real visible results building over 9 to 12 months. If you're still in that early window, what feels alarming is usually right on schedule. We'll walk you through your specific timeline at your follow-up so you know what to expect, rather than leaving you guessing.
73. What is "shock loss," and should I be worried about it?
Shock loss is temporary shedding of existing hair near the transplant site, triggered by the trauma of the procedure itself — it can be unsettling to see, but it's usually temporary, and the hair regrows. We'll explain your individual risk for this honestly during your consultation, based on your scalp and donor characteristics, rather than downplaying it.
74. When can I trim or cut my transplanted hair?
Generally around 5 to 6 days after an FUE procedure, though the doctor will confirm the exact timing based on how your specific case is healing.
75. Can I dye my hair after a transplant, and how soon?
Usually not before about a month post-procedure, to give the grafts enough time to properly settle. The doctor will confirm timing specific to your healing at your follow-up.
76. How many grafts will I need?
It depends on your donor supply and the extent of your hair loss, not a fixed number we quote before seeing you. We'll give you a real, personalized estimate after your diagnostic exam, not a generic range based on guesswork.
77. I'm not happy with results from a transplant done elsewhere. Can I come to you for a second opinion or correction consult?
Yes, we understand this can feel like a difficult conversation to start, and we're glad to help. A correction consultation starts the same way any consultation does: with an honest, thorough assessment of what's there now and what's realistically possible from here.
78. How do I verify that a hair restoration doctor's credentials are actually legitimate?
This is a smart question to ask about any provider, including us. Our doctor is an Associate Member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and is currently completing the Evidence-Based Hair Restoration Fellowship (EBHF), credentials you're welcome to independently verify. We'd rather you check than just take our word for it.
79. Can I trust that a hair transplant will provide safe and permanent results?
Transplanted hair is generally permanent, since it's typically taken from donor areas that are resistant to the pattern of hair loss, but "permanent" doesn't mean "guaranteed perfect for everyone," and results genuinely depend on your individual case, donor supply, and how the procedure is planned. We'll give you a realistic picture specific to your situation, not a blanket promise.
After Your Visit (80 - 92)
80. After my visit, will I get a written summary of what was discussed?
Yes, you'll leave with a written plan covering your diagnosis and next steps, and nothing important stays verbal only.
81. I understand I can email follow-up questions after my appointment. What exactly can I ask about?
Anything that relates to what was actually covered during your visit: your diagnosis, your treatment plan, or anything the doctor discussed with you.
82. Should I have a telemedicine appointment, or come to the clinic in person?
Tell us a bit about your situation when you reach out, and we'll advise honestly on which is likely to serve you better. We won't push telemedicine just because it's easier to schedule.
83. I'm coming from far away. If I can't attend in person, can I have a video or phone call instead?
It may be possible to book an appointment, and we'll follow up with more details, since not every situation qualifies for a remote consultation.
84. Can I just phone in and make an appointment?
You're always welcome to call with questions, but appointments are booked once we've received the details we need from you first.
85. My mom can't attend my appointment but really wants to know the results. Can the doctor call her afterward?
We know how much you'd want your mom to hear the results too. For now, the simplest way is for you to walk her through what we discussed. We'll make sure everything's explained clearly during your visit so you'll feel confident sharing it yourself. If she'd like to hear it directly from the doctor, she's welcome to join you on your next visit, or book another appointment.
86. I'd like someone else to listen in or watch via video call during my appointment. Is that possible?
Yes, with advance notice. You'll just need to bring your own device, since we don't provide one for this.
87. I'm seeing your clinic next week. Should I stop my medication beforehand?
No, please keep doing exactly what you're doing. If you're wondering whether to stop something, that's a conversation to have with whoever prescribed it.
88. What types of treatment do you offer for alopecia areata?
It ranges from steroid injections and topical treatments for smaller, early patches, to oral medications for more extensive cases. The right fit depends on how much of the scalp is affected and how it's behaving.
89. I'm worried my first appointment won't be long enough. Is 45 minutes really enough?
For the large majority of patients, yes, especially once your history and any test results are reviewed ahead of time. If your situation is more complex, mention it when booking.
90. I have files that are too large to email. How should I send them?
Cloud tools like Google Drive work well for larger files, or just ask us and we'll help find the easiest way.
91. I live outside the Philippines. Will a prescription from your doctor be valid where I live?
Only within the Philippines. Many international patients fill it locally before flying home, or bring our consultation notes to their own doctor to continue care.
92. I'd like to refer a friend, or I have another question not covered here. Who do I contact?
Message us on Facebook or Viber anytime, we read everything and we're happy to help with anything not covered above.