Booking a hair transplant consultation is a big step — and it's natural to wonder what actually happens when you walk through the door. At Hair Transplant Hawaii, we want you to feel informed and comfortable before you even arrive.
Here's exactly what to expect during your consultation with Dr. Shim Ching, from start to finish.
Before Your Visit
No special preparation is needed. Come with your hair in its natural state — no need to style it a certain way or wash it beforehand. If you've been using hair fibers, Toppik, or concealers, it's fine to skip them the day of your consultation so Dr. Ching can get an accurate view of your current hair loss.
If you have photos of your hair from previous years showing the progression of your loss, bring them along. They're helpful for understanding how your pattern has evolved over time.
Also, make a mental note of any medications you're currently taking, any previous hair loss treatments you've tried, and your goals — what does your ideal outcome look like?
Step 1: Your Hair Loss Evaluation
The consultation begins with a thorough examination of your scalp. Dr. Ching assesses your current hair loss pattern and classifies the stage (using the Norwood scale for men or the Ludwig scale for women). He examines your donor area — the back and sides of your head — under magnification to evaluate follicle density, hair caliber, and scalp laxity.
This evaluation tells him exactly how many grafts are available, which technique will deliver the best result, and what kind of coverage is realistically achievable.
Step 2: Understanding Your Goals
This is a conversation, not a sales pitch. Dr. Ching wants to understand what's bothering you most about your hair loss. Is it a receding hairline? Thinning on the crown? An overall lack of density?
Your goals shape the treatment plan. Some patients want to restore a youthful hairline. Others want to fill in the crown. Some want both. Dr. Ching listens carefully and then gives you his honest assessment of what can be achieved — including what might require multiple sessions.
Step 3: Reviewing Before and After Results
You'll see before and after photos of patients with similar hair loss patterns to yours. This is one of the most valuable parts of the consultation because it gives you a realistic picture of what your results could look like.
Dr. Ching has over 20 years of results to draw from, so chances are he's treated hair loss patterns very similar to yours. Seeing real outcomes — not stock photos — makes the decision much more concrete.
Step 4: Your Treatment Plan
Based on the evaluation and your goals, Dr. Ching outlines a personalized treatment plan. This includes the recommended technique (FUE or FUT, and why), the estimated number of grafts needed, the donor harvest strategy, and the expected timeline for results.
If a staged approach makes sense — starting with one area and addressing others later — he'll explain that option as well. Many patients find a phased plan more manageable both physically and financially.
Step 5: Pricing and Financing
There's no guessing or "we'll get back to you" on pricing. You'll receive a clear, all-inclusive quote during your consultation. Hair transplant procedures at our practice typically range from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on graft count and technique.
The team will also walk you through financing options with PatientFi and Cherry. Many patients qualify for monthly payment plans starting around $199/month, making it easier to move forward without delay.
Step 6: Your Questions, Answered
The floor is yours. Common questions patients ask include how long the procedure takes (typically 4-8 hours depending on graft count), what recovery looks like (most patients return to work within a few days), whether results are truly permanent (yes — transplanted follicles are resistant to balding), how soon they'll see growth (initial growth at 3-4 months, full results at 12-14 months), and whether the results look natural (Dr. Ching's artistic approach ensures an undetectable result).
No question is too basic or too specific. The goal is for you to leave feeling completely informed.
No Pressure, No Obligation
A consultation at Hair Transplant Hawaii is exactly that — a consultation. There's no pressure to book a procedure on the spot, no hard-sell tactics, and no countdown timers. Dr. Ching and his team believe you should take whatever time you need to make this decision.
Many patients schedule their consultation months before they're ready to proceed. That's perfectly fine. The evaluation and treatment plan remain valid, and the team is here whenever you're ready.
How Long Does the Consultation Take?
Plan for approximately 30-45 minutes. That's enough time for a thorough evaluation, a detailed discussion of your options, and all your questions answered.
Coming from Maui, Big Island, or Kauai?
We see patients from every island in Hawaii. If you're on Maui, the Big Island, or Kauai, you can start with a virtual video consultation from home — no need to fly to Oahu just for an initial evaluation. During the virtual visit, Dr. Ching's team will assess your hair loss, discuss your options, and provide a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate. When you're ready to move forward, we'll coordinate your procedure date and help you plan a quick 3-5 day trip to Honolulu that covers everything from pre-op through early recovery.
Ready to Take the First Step?
A consultation is the single best thing you can do if you've been thinking about hair restoration. It costs you nothing, there's zero obligation, and you'll walk out with a clear understanding of your options and what's possible for you.
Schedule your free consultation today. Call 808-585-8855 or book online.
Hair Transplant Hawaii — Voted one of the Best Doctors in America and Honolulu Magazine Top Doctor for over a decade.