
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Your questions, answered.
Hair loss can feel personal. These answers are here so you can come in informed, at your own pace, and each one explains the thinking behind it, not just the rule.
Each answer starts with the short version in bold. Can't find your question? Message us on Facebook Messenger, Viber or WhatsApp, and we'll help.
Jump to: Most asked · How we work · Booking · Fees and payment · Before your visit · Records and tests · Getting here · Diagnosis and treatment · Hair transplant · After your visit
01 · MOST ASKED
Start here.
Does the ₱2,000 consultation fee go toward my treatment?
For hair transplant surgery, yes. For other treatments, no. If you go ahead with surgery, your ₱2,000 consultation fee is credited toward your surgery fee, so you don't pay for it twice. For PRP, medical management and other non-surgical treatments, the fee stays separate: it covers the doctor's time, the trichoscopy scan and an accurate diagnosis, which is the real value of the visit. If treatment is recommended, you'll see its cost in writing before you decide on anything. Nothing gets added without you knowing first.
I want a hair transplant right away. Can I just book that?
Not on the first visit. 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. We're making sure that surgery, if it happens, solves the right problem.
How long is the wait for an appointment?
Roughly a month. This can shift depending on demand. We'll confirm the exact timing when you message us.
How long is the first appointment, and is that enough time?
Usually 45 minutes, and we set aside up to an hour. For most patients that's plenty, especially when your history and test results are reviewed ahead of time. If your situation is more complex, mention it when booking. Follow-up visits are shorter, generally 20 to 30 minutes, since we're building on what we already know about you.
Can I pay in installments? Do you ask for a down payment?
Full payment is due on the day, and we never ask for a down payment. For consultations and non-surgical treatments, you pay on the day of your visit. For hair transplant surgery, payment is due on the day of the procedure, and nothing is required in advance to hold your date.
Ready when you are. Requesting a schedule takes about 2 minutes. Request a schedule ›
02 · HOW WE WORK
Diagnosis before treatment.
How do you actually treat hair loss?
We find the cause first, then choose the treatment. 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.
What if what I'm noticing might not be typical pattern hair loss at all?
That's exactly why we diagnose before we treat. 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.
Will your doctor help me regrow my hair?
It depends on the cause, and we'll tell you honestly which category you're in. Some types of hair loss respond 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 your specific case.
If a treatment isn't a good fit for me, will you tell me, even if it means you don't get to treat me?
Yes. If your case isn't a good fit for what we offer, or if 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.
I've had doctors brush off my hair loss before. Will that happen here?
No. 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.
How do I know if a treatment is proven or still experimental?
We'll always tell you which category it falls into before you decide. Proven, promising but still building evidence, or genuinely experimental. That distinction matters to us, and we don't blur it to make a treatment sound more certain than it is.
Will I feel pressured to decide during my consultation?
No. 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.
The first step is finding the cause. Request a schedule ›
03 · BOOKING
Getting on the schedule.
Do I need a referral to see the doctor?
No. We're a private clinic. If your current doctor wants to send notes, we're glad to receive them, but you don't need a referral to book.
Do you see children? Is there an age requirement?
We see patients of all ages, from young children to older adults. For patients below 18, a parent or legal guardian completes the intake form, gives consent and comes to the visit.
My appointment is later, but I'm available earlier. Can you fit me in sooner?
Usually not. Our schedule is typically full each day with very little flexibility. The same care that keeps us running on time for you is why we can't easily shift things for someone else.
Can I just phone in and make an appointment?
You're welcome to call with questions, but booking starts with your details. Appointments are confirmed once we've received the information we need from you first. Requesting a schedule online takes about 2 minutes.
I'm coming with a family member who might also want to be seen. Is that possible?
Yes, with their own separate appointment. Tell us in advance, and we'll try to schedule you both back-to-back.
I have questions for the doctor before my visit. Can he call me?
We're not able to arrange calls with the doctor before your visit. There are too many similar requests for that to work day to day. Our team will answer what we can right away, and anything clinical is properly addressed once you're seen.
Can I pop into the office with a few simple questions?
We'd rather you message or call. We're appointment-only so that every patient who comes in gets full, unhurried time without the day being disrupted. We're always happy to help by phone or message.
Do you offer appointments with extra privacy?
Privacy is built in by default. We see one patient at a time inside the consultation room, and our waiting area is separate, outside the clinic itself. If you'd like anything beyond that, tell us your request, and we'll do our best to accommodate it.
04 · FEES AND PAYMENT
Clear prices, in writing.
How much is a consultation?
₱2,000, for both first visits and follow-ups. One consistent rate, whether it's your first visit or a check-up down the line.
When do I pay?
On the day of your visit.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash and bank transfer for now. Ask our team for the most current options when you book, since we're actively expanding them.
Do you accept insurance or HMO plans?
No, but we'll give you a receipt you can submit. You pay directly, and whether you're reimbursed depends on your policy.
If I have a referral, is the fee reduced?
No. The fee is the same either way. We treat every patient the same, referral or not.
I'd like to refer a friend. Is there a discount or credit for me?
We appreciate it, but no. Treating every patient the same, with the same pricing, is a principle we hold onto.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please give us at least 48 hours' notice. Appointments are typically booked a month out, so that window lets us offer your slot to someone who's 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, so it stays fair to everyone waiting.
Is there a fee for missed appointments?
No fee, but a no-show affects your priority for future bookings. Please let us know as early as possible if something comes up, so we can offer the slot to someone else.
Your exact treatment cost comes in writing at your consultation. Request a schedule ›
05 · BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Coming in prepared.
Should I wash my hair before my appointment?
Either is fine. Just mention when you last washed it so we have the full picture.
I normally wear hair fibers. Should I remove them?
Yes, please wash them out beforehand. It's not about appearances. The doctor needs a clear view of your scalp, and fibers get in the way.
Is it okay to dye my hair before my appointment?
Yes. It won't affect your assessment.
Should I stop my medication before my visit?
No, keep doing exactly what you're doing. If you're wondering whether to stop something, talk to whoever prescribed it.
Can I have a remote consultation instead of coming in?
Sometimes, but not for everyone. The doctor generally prefers to see new patients in person first. Tell us about your situation, and send your photos, test results and intake form; the doctor will personally decide whether a remote first visit makes sense for you. We won't push telemedicine just because it's easier to schedule.
If I have a remote consultation first, can I still come in person later?
Yes. A remote consultation can be a helpful first step, and an in-person visit is always an option afterward.
I'd like someone to listen in by video call during my appointment. Is that possible?
Yes, with advance notice. Please bring your own device, since we don't provide one.
06 · RECORDS AND TESTS
What to send us.
Should I send my records, blood tests and consult notes ahead of time, or bring them?
Ahead of time is best, but bringing them is fine. Sending them early lets the doctor review everything before you walk in, so more of your appointment goes to talking with you rather than reading paperwork.
Do I need blood tests before my first appointment?
Only where relevant to your case. We'll work with what you have and guide you on anything further.
My blood tests are a few months old. Should I redo them?
If everything was normal, probably not. If anything was abnormal, ask the doctor at your appointment whether a repeat makes sense.
My blood tests are over a year old. Should I redo them?
Generally, yes, if your hair loss is ongoing. The doctor will confirm exactly what's worth repeating.
My blood tests weren't done on the recommended day of my cycle. Should I redo them?
If your cycle is regular, usually not. Just mention the timing. If your cycle is irregular, a repeat may be worth it, and the doctor will advise once he's seen you.
Can the doctor review my tests and tell me if I need anything else before my visit?
The doctor reviews your file before confirming your appointment. If what you've sent looks sufficient, we'll book you. If something more is needed, it's usually best handled once you're seen rather than back and forth beforehand. It's not always the fastest answer, but it keeps things accurate.
My results are in another language. Do they need to be translated?
Usually not. Send them as they are, and we'll tell you if translation becomes necessary.
Should I send photos from years before?
Yes, please. Even one or two older photos show the pattern of change over time, which a single current photo can't.
What kind of scalp photos should I send?
Your intake form walks you through it. The Patient Intake Questionnaire (a Google Form you'll complete before your visit) shows exactly which angles we need.
My files are too large to email. How should I send them?
A shared Google Drive link works well. Or ask us, and we'll help find the easiest way.
Can I drop off a hair sample before my appointment?
We'd rather you didn't. For most patients, a hair collection adds little to the diagnosis. When it is relevant, how it's collected matters: the doctor needs to specify the method, and a sample collected the wrong way can't be analyzed.
Where can I get the blood tests the doctor recommends?
We'll point you to nearby labs at your appointment.
Still have a question? Message us on Facebook Messenger, Viber or WhatsApp. Please don't send medical details or scalp photos through these chats; we'll collect them securely through your intake form.
07 · GETTING HERE
Finding us in Ortigas.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, but the building’s own parking is limited. Medical Plaza Ortigas has basement parking, but slots are few, it fills up quickly in the mornings, and the corners are tight for bigger vehicles. Nearby, there’s UPark at The Westin Manila, a short walk along San Miguel Avenue, and an open lot on Pearl Drive behind the building, near the UA&P entrance, which is easier for bigger vehicles. Shangri-La Plaza, The Podium and SM Megamall are a longer walk away.
Should I arrive early?
Yes, 15 to 30 minutes early. Lean toward the earlier end, since the building elevators can queue during busy hours. Running late pushes back every patient booked after you. On our end, the doctor will never keep you waiting past your scheduled time, and we ask for the same courtesy in return.
I'm traveling in and out on the same day. How much time should I set aside?
Plan for up to an hour in the office. Most first appointments run about 45 minutes. If a biopsy turns out to be needed, the doctor will usually do it right then, with your okay, rather than have you come back. If you're booking a tight connection, build in some buffer. For surgery, allow at least 5 days.
I'm coming from a long flight. Should I stay overnight?
For consultations, usually not. For surgery, yes. Consultations and non-surgical treatments can usually be done the same day; tell us your travel plans, and we'll coordinate around them. Hair transplant surgery typically takes a full day, so plan to stay overnight, especially if you're flying out the next morning.
Can you suggest a place to stay?
Yes. We're happy to email a few hotel suggestions near our Ortigas clinic.
08 · DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
What we look into.
Do you offer PRP (platelet-rich plasma)?
Yes, as one of our non-surgical options. We'll discuss whether it fits your specific diagnosis rather than offering it as a default.
What’s the difference between medical treatment, PRP and a hair transplant?
They do different jobs, and many patients need more than one.
Medical treatment (such as topical or oral minoxidil, or finasteride when appropriate) works on the ongoing hair loss itself. It can slow or stop further loss, and in some patients thicken existing hair. It needs to be continued to keep its effect.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) uses a concentrate from your own blood, injected into the scalp. The evidence is promising but still building, and results vary. It’s usually used alongside medical treatment, not instead of it.
A hair transplant moves hair you already have to thinning areas. It doesn’t create new hair or stop future loss, and it’s only suitable when the cause is right and your donor supply is enough.
Which fits you depends on your diagnosis. That’s what the first visit is for.
Do hair loss medicines have side effects?
Some can, and we’ll go through them for any medicine we recommend.
Minoxidil can cause temporary shedding when you start it, scalp irritation, or unwanted facial hair. Oral forms can, uncommonly, affect heart rate, blood pressure or fluid retention.
Finasteride can, in a small number of patients, cause sexual side effects or mood changes, and it isn’t for people who are or may become pregnant.
We’ll weigh the benefits and risks for your situation, tell you what to watch for, and check in at your follow-ups.
Another doctor already recommended a treatment or gave me a prescription. Can I skip the consultation?
No. Every new patient is evaluated first, without exception. This applies to PRP, hair transplant, steroid injections and prescriptions from another doctor. It's not that the other doctor is wrong; our doctor needs to see your case directly before putting his name on your care.
Will I need a scalp biopsy?
For most patients, no. It's only suggested when it's genuinely the clearest way to understand what's causing the hair loss.
Can I get a scalp biopsy on the same day as my first appointment?
Often, yes. Let us know beforehand so we can plan the time. If it's needed unexpectedly and the day is tight, we'd rather book it properly than rush it.
How many appointments will I need?
It depends on your diagnosis. Some patients need monitoring every few months; others need very few visits. We'll tell you what to expect for your specific case, not a generic number.
What treatments do you offer for alopecia areata?
It depends on how much of the scalp is affected. Options range from steroid injections and topical treatments for smaller, early patches to oral medications for more extensive cases.
Do you see women with hair loss?
Yes, with the same dedicated attention. Women's hair loss often has different causes and needs a different approach, and it's never an afterthought here.
Do you evaluate hair loss in other areas, like eyebrows, eyelashes or beard?
Yes. We offer diagnostic support for these, not just the scalp.
I don't have hair loss, but I have scalp pain or burning. Do you evaluate that?
Yes. Reach out, and we'll get you booked.
I'm on a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic and I'm shedding. Is that something you look into?
Yes. GLP-1 medications can be linked to hair shedding for some patients, and it's worth a proper evaluation rather than assuming it will pass.
Do you give second opinions on pathology slides?
Yes, as a full consultation. A biopsy means much more when it's read alongside your history and a scalp exam. Asking for a second opinion is completely normal.
How long will my prescription be valid?
Usually 1 to 3 months. It depends on the doctor's assessment. Plan to see the doctor again before it runs out. For medicines like immunosuppressants, expect a shorter window.
I live outside the Philippines. Is your prescription 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.
Are there restrictions on flying after treatment?
Generally none for what we offer. We'll flag anything specific to your treatment plan.
Can you give me a medical certificate for my employer?
Yes. It confirms your consultation. If your condition genuinely calls for rest days, we'll include them; if there's no medical need, we won't add them on request.
Not sure which treatment fits? That's what the first visit is for. Request a schedule ›
09 · HAIR TRANSPLANT
If surgery is on your mind.
How many grafts will I need?
It depends on your donor supply and the extent of your hair loss. We'll give you a personalized estimate after your diagnostic exam, not a generic range based on guesswork.
If my final graft count differs from the estimate, will the price change?
Your price reflects what's actually needed and done. If the final count is meaningfully different from the estimate, we'll be upfront with you about it.
Are hair transplant results safe and permanent?
Transplanted hair is generally permanent, but results are never guaranteed. It's typically taken from donor areas resistant to pattern hair loss. Results depend on your case, donor supply and how the procedure is planned. We'll give you a realistic picture, not a blanket promise.
What are the risks of a hair transplant?
Like any surgery, a hair transplant has risks, and we’ll go through yours before you decide. Most patients have temporary effects that settle on their own: swelling of the forehead, small scabs, numbness or tingling, and temporary shedding of existing hair near the treated area (“shock loss”).
Less common risks include infection, bleeding, inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis), visible scarring in the donor area, grafts that don’t grow as expected, and a result that looks unnatural if the plan doesn’t match your long-term hair loss.
A transplant also doesn’t stop future hair loss around it, which is why medical treatment is often still part of the plan. We’ll explain your individual risks at your consultation, and you’ll get them in writing before you sign anything.
It's been a few months since my transplant, and I don't see much growth. Is that normal?
Most likely, yes. Transplanted hair typically sheds in the first few weeks (this is expected), then rests before new growth begins, usually around month 3 to 4, with visible results building over 9 to 12 months. We'll walk you through your timeline at your follow-up.
What is shock loss, and should I worry?
It's temporary shedding near the transplant site, and the hair usually regrows. It can be unsettling to see. We'll explain your individual risk honestly during your consultation, based on your scalp and donor characteristics.
When can I trim or cut my transplanted hair?
Generally around 5 to 6 days after an FUE procedure. The doctor will confirm timing based on how you're healing.
How soon can I dye my hair after a transplant?
Usually not before about a month. This gives the grafts time to settle. The doctor will confirm at your follow-up.
I'm unhappy with a transplant done elsewhere. Can you give a second opinion?
Yes. We know it can feel like a difficult conversation to start. A correction consultation begins like any other: an honest, thorough assessment of what's there now and what's realistically possible.
How do I verify a hair restoration doctor's credentials?
Check them independently, including ours. Our doctor is an Associate Member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), a Member of the International Trichoscopy Society, and is completing the Evidence-Based Hair Fellowship (EBHF). You can confirm his license with the PRC (License No. 0121835). We'd rather you check than take our word for it.
Not sure if surgery is right for you? That's what the first visit is for. Request a schedule ›
10 · AFTER YOUR VISIT
What happens next.
Will I get a written summary of what was discussed?
Yes. You'll leave with a written plan covering your diagnosis and next steps. Nothing important stays verbal only.
What can I email about after my appointment?
Anything related to what was covered in your visit. Your diagnosis, your treatment plan, or anything the doctor discussed with you.
Will you send a letter to my other doctor?
Yes, if you'd like. Let us know, and we'll prepare a summary for whoever is involved in your care.
My mom couldn't come but wants to hear the results. Can the doctor call her?
The simplest way is for you to share what we discussed. We'll explain everything clearly so you feel confident passing it on. If she'd like to hear it from the doctor, she's welcome to join you at your next visit or book her own appointment.
I have another question that isn't covered here. Who do I contact?
Message us on Facebook Messenger, Viber or WhatsApp anytime. We read everything, and we're happy to help.
There's no pressure to start anything. When you're ready, requesting a schedule takes about 2 minutes, and we reply within 1 business day.