Out-of-Town Patients
Hair Restoration
For Patients Hailing from Anywhere
Virtual Consultation Comes First
Travel, Hotel, and Day-Of Logistics
Remote Follow-Up After You Fly Home
How Our Out-of-Town Process Works
Chicago Hair Institute serves hair restoration patients from across the United States and internationally. The out-of-town experience runs as a designed process from your first virtual consultation through your remote follow-up after you fly home. The sections below walk through each step.
Start With a
Virtual Consultation
The first step for every patient is a virtual consultation. You submit a short intake form with your hair loss history, your goals, and a set of photos taken from specific angles, and one of our surgeons reviews your information before the consult. The conversation covers candidacy, the procedure that fits your case, and a realistic timeline for the work.
The virtual consultation usually runs 30 to 45 minutes. You can ask questions, see example cases, and decide whether you want to move forward without booking a flight first. If you do move forward, our team coordinates the travel and procedure dates around your schedule.
Travel, Hotel, and Local Guidance
Arriving at a Chicago Airport
Arrivals exit on the ground floor and can find ground transportation directly outside. If you plan to rent a car, our Oakbrook Terrace office is accessible from both O'Hare and Midway airports in under an hour. Taxis and rideshares are also available, and can be an excellent choice if you are unfamiliar with Chicago or not used to driving in large metro areas. We will gladly provide you with directions to our offices or any other information you need to feel confident traveling from the airport to your hotel or our office.
Your Day at the Office
Most procedures for out-of-town patients take most or all of the day at our Oakbrook Terrace office. You’ll typically be asked to arrive early in the morning. Bring any medications the office has instructed you to take or review (preferably in their original containers), any records requested during your virtual consultation, and a button-up shirt that opens in the front so you can change comfortably after the procedure.
Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. You’ll have opportunities to take a lunch break, as well as other short breaks as needed during the day. Many patients leave the office in the late afternoon and return to their hotel to rest for the evening.
Recovery and Departure
We recommend staying in town for at least four days after the procedure. The four-day window allows for our staff to see you for follow-up checks and gives you the most comfortable departure when you do fly home.
Privacy & Discretion en Route
On the day you fly out, a hat can be worn through nearly all of the airport. You can leave the hat on through metal detectors but will be asked to briefly remove it during security screening. Once airborne, the cabin lights are dim enough to disguise the grafts so the hat can come off in your seat.
Booking a seat toward the back of the airplane gives you the most privacy and quick access to the restrooms if you want to mist the grafts during the flight. Be careful with bumping your head on the overhead luggage compartment or the cabin ceiling.
Having a Comfortable Flight
Ziploc bags can hold ice; the flight attendant should be happy to provide it. Icing during the flight helps, especially if your surgery was within 72 hours of departure. Keep all medications in your possession and in their original containers. A small spray bottle is also useful.
Remote Follow-Up After You Fly Home
Our care does not end when you leave Oakbrook Terrace. We schedule remote post-op check-ins at predetermined intervals so we can monitor your healing, answer questions, and confirm the result is progressing as expected.
If you have a concern between scheduled check-ins, you can reach our office directly. Patients who fly in from around the world appreciate the ongoing contact.
“I just got an FUE hair transplant with them and I am very happy with how the procedure went. If you are considering a transplant, I would recommend Chicago Hair Institute.”
– BMO, 5-Star Review
Common Questions
From Out-of-Town Patients
How long should I plan to stay in Chicago?
We recommend at least four days in town after your procedure. The four-day window allows for our staff to see you for follow-up checks and gives you the most comfortable departure when you do fly home. Some patients stay longer for sightseeing or to combine the trip with other plans.
How does the virtual consultation work?
You submit a short intake form and a set of photos taken from specific angles. One of our surgeons reviews your information in advance, and you meet over a video call to discuss your candidacy, the procedure that fits your case, and a realistic timeline. The conversation usually runs 30 to 45 minutes.
Can I fly home the day after my procedure?
We strongly recommend staying at least four days in town. The grafts are most vulnerable in the first 72 hours, and we want our team to see you in person during that window. Flying earlier increases the risk of accidental impact during travel and limits our ability to address any concerns immediately.
Can family or friends travel with me?
Yes. Both recommended hotels can accommodate companions, and the surrounding Oakbrook Terrace area has restaurants, shopping, and other activities your travel companion can enjoy while you are at the office for the procedure.
What happens if I have questions after I fly home?
We schedule remote post-op check-ins. You can reach our office directly between those check-ins if you have concerns. Chicago Hair Institute is committed to providing the support you need and deserve, no matter where you live.
