Is a Photo Consultation Enough Before a Hair Transplant?

Dr. Rassman,
2 questions please:
1) A while back you answered a question about a substance that some doctor in another country claims to use to prevent transplanted hair from falling out as is common. Do you have any more info on that? Is there any truth to it or is it just unsubstantiated claim? I certainly hope that it is true.
2) Is it ever justified in getting a hair transplant from a doctor without actually visiting with him in person first? For example, I live in Texas. It would be a big expense to go there for a consultation and then return later for the operation. If a doctor seems to have a very good reputation (like yourself) would a photo consultation be enough for someone to have confidence in the outcome? Thanks so much for your time in doing this Blog.

1. Some doctors recommend FDA approved drugs such as topical minoxidil or oral 1mg finasteride (Propecia) for hair loss. These drugs may benefit recently transplanted hair from falling out. In my opinion, to claim that a drug or a product will be prevent the natural shedding of recently transplanted hair seems too good to be true.
2. A photo consultation is certainly a good start and in healthy men, I have been known to draw conclusions on the course and take on a patient coming in from a distance. Generally it is a good idea to meet with a hair transplant doctor and establish a patient-to-doctor relationship first. You should feel comfortable and 100% certain that your hair transplant doctor will meet your expectations. I appreciate your trust in my reputation. I will be more than happy to start a phone/photo consultation with you. Anything is possible from there.