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Hair Transplant in Turkey
- Why Turkey
- Why Us
- What to Expect
Over 60% of all hair transplants each year are performed in Turkey. Whether you just start orienting yourself, or have already decided to book a hair transplant in Turkey. You really should read this guide. We love what we do; we help people become (and live) their ideal me. Maybe we can help you too.
The Ideal hair restoration process
16 minute read
With 1000’s of treatments a year, our hair restoration process is tried and tested for the best results – in the most comfortable way. For you, it’s new, exciting and you are wondering what to expect from it all. We want to make sure you have an ideal experience. On this page, you can read exactly what to expect from your hair restoration process with IdealofMeD. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to book a free consultation.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Hair transplant in Turkey
Before we go into details, let’s start with why Turkey is such an ideal choice for your hair restoration.
Did you know that over 60% of all hair transplants in the world each year are performed in Turkey? Over 500,000 a year!
Yes, you read that correctly.
Turkey is home to over 500 hair transplant clinics. Traditionally, many Europeans choose to have a hair transplant in Turkey, but in recent years many patients from Canada, the US and Asia have followed. It is expected that Turkey will perform 65% of all hair transplants globally by 2023.
So how did Turkey become the leader in the hair restoration industry in less than 15 years?
If your first thought was hair transplant cost, you are correct!
Because of the lower hair transplant clinic costs, the cost of a hair transplantation in Turkey is also much lower for you. At the right clinics, this creates a positive loop. This is why Turkey performs over 60% of all hair transplants a year.
- Lower costs for us allow us to spend (much) more time on your treatment at a lower price;
- More time means more grafts, better methods and better aftercare;
- Which in turn leads to amazing rejuvenated hair;
- Which leads to you recommending friends (how do you get that amazing hair and look so much younger?);
- Creating economies of scale;
- Starting a positive loop!
So the real reason to choose a hair transplant in Turkey is that you get a better result.
Not enough reasons for you?
Turkey is also a great holiday destination. With sun all-year-round, plenty of sightseeing, culture and history you will be spoilt for choice on your rest day (or days if you choose our premium packages).
About IdealofMeD.
While our most common procedures are hair restorations, we offer all types of plastic surgery, dental procedures and medical checkups and our biggest passion, anti-aging (bio-hacking). Let us introduce ourselves and what makes us different.
With over 35 years of experience in Turkey, we have our roots in the Nordics. In our management and execution, we always aspire to combine:
- Nordic medical tradition;
- Northern European perfectionism; and
- Turkish hospitality
What does that mean for you:
Medicine:
- Having a 4 person surgical team, instead of 2, allows us to do double the grafts or more compared to a traditional clinic.
- Our 4 person surgical team also allows us to perform our own IdealofMeD combination surgery, combining FUE Sapphire with DHI for a natural look. We treat your entire scalp so that you have the same density of hair in all places.
- We are one of the few hair transplant clinics in Turkey to use the Sapphire FUE method, which uses a specific one-time use tool leaving no visible scarring.
- The possibility to add a hyperbaric chamber treatment, speeding up the healing process by up to 70%. Our executive hair restoration package includes 6 treatments. Additionally, it has anti-ageing properties.
Perfectionism:
- All our patients get our complimentary hair restoration box (pre-operation). This box includes specially selected products that will make your existing hair thicker and help to improve the condition of your scalp pre-operation. This box is fully climate-compensated.
- For the first two months after the hair restoration procedure, we supply you with our complimentary hair transplant recovery box. This box includes specially selected products that will make you heal faster and improve the result of your hair transplant.
- For our premium, executive and female treatment packages, we include our complimentary 12-month IdealofMed hair vitalisation product line. Shipped every 4-months; fully climate-compensated.
- You also have access to our holistic coaching program in our premium and executive package.
Hospitality:
- All our packages include a minimum 3-night stay at a 4-star hotel in Istanbul, giving our patients the opportunity to rest one extra day, allowing for speedier recovery and a better result.
- Our premium, executive and female hair restoration treatments include 4-10 nights at a 5-star hotel.
Our step-by-step hair restoration process for the different treatments
Make a reservation for your hair restoration procedure
Start by picking one of our treatment packages. Not sure what to choose? Book a free consultation where we help you.
- Standard Hair Transplant Package
- Premium Hair Transplant Package
- Executive Hair Transplant Package
- Female Hair Transplant Package
The hair loss treatment starts within a week!
With your reservation made, you will receive our Hair Restoration Box within a week. The products in this box will prepare your donor and transplantation area for the best result. It includes serums, shampoos and vitamins specifically designed to nurture your scalp and strengthen your existing hair. These products significantly improve the results of your procedure.
Based on your situation and preference, we also schedule up to two pre-operational online consultations. In these consultations, one of our senior specialists can guide and advise you about your hair loss, general health and which products – such as shower filters – can help your hair health.
A week before your surgery
A week before your surgery, your dedicated host will contact you to arrange for your pick up at the airport and to assist you with anything that you might need for your journey. We will also request some information from you that we need in order to prepare for your arrival and procedure.
This includes a survey about your medical background, used during your medical consultation at the hospital.
Speak to one of our experts and get free advice!
Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul
Today all will become real! Istanbul is a buzzing city. We’re here waiting for you and everything is arranged for you to have an ideal time.
Upon Arrival, our VIP Transfer service and your dedicated host pick you up
A week before you travel to Turkey, you will get a detailed information package with things like:
- Which door to exit at the airport;
- Telephone numbers in case of urgent help;
- Updated visa and Covid requirements;
- What kind of sign your local host will hold at the exit.
From the moment you exit the baggage claims area at the airport, you are met and accompanied by one of our hosts. You will be picked up and transported by our VIP transfer service during your stay.
For your hair transplant in Istanbul, you either fly to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
A quick stop to check-in at the hospital and for blood samples
Your ride from the airport to the hospital takes approximately one hour, a drive that we have tried to make as enjoyable as possible for you and your co-travellers with a complimentary mini-bar, free WIFI and of course the possibility to play your favourite songs.
In order for you to be relaxed on surgery day, you will have a short stop at the hospital on your way to your hotel. Check in to the hospital and taking the blood samples will take around 15 minutes. This also gives you the opportunity to see the hospital where you will have the hair restoration procedure the following day.
Only the best hotels close to the hospital
After the stop at the hospital, it’s less than 15 minutes drive to your hotel where you will be dropped off.
Depending on your package, you either stay in a 4-star or a 5-star hotel to make sure you are comfortable during your stay with us.
Day 2 - Hair Restoration Day
Your hair transplantion will either be planned for the morning or the afternoon and takes 6-8 hours. All-in-all, it’s a long day, and you will spend the majority of it laying down on the operating table. You can watch Netflix or listen to a podcast though!
Here’s what to expect on your operation day:
Operation Day starts with a fantastic (light) breakfast and getting ready
Your hotel serves a great Turkish breakfast. We suggest you start off with a light breakfast. Your itinerary shows when the driver will be ready to pick you up at the lobby to go to the hospital. Any co-travellers can accompany you, or they can explore Istanbul by themselves.
Some answers to questions we often get:
- You will be at the hospital for 6-8 hours, so it’s a pretty long day!
- There is WIFI at the hospital, so you don’t have to stress about downloading all your favourite series, podcasts, audiobooks or movies. Your host will share the login details with you when you arrive.
- During the procedure, you will wear our (not so) fashionable (but practical and comfortable) surgical clothes, so you don’t need to wear anything special when you go to the hospital. We do advise you to bring clothes that don’t need to be pulled over your head after the procedure.
- There are short breaks during the procedure, and we can always stop for a bathroom break.
- Yes, it’s perfectly fine if you want to sleep during the procedure; we monitor your vitals at all times with a finger-tip monitor.
Our senior patient consultant greets you and will be with you throughout the process
At the hospital, you will be greeted by one of our senior patient consultants who will guide you the entire day at the hospital. You can ask them any questions you have.
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The Medical Consultation
Time to meet the medical team! You will be asked some questions to make sure your expectations are aligned with our restoration plan and we’ll examine your scalp and grafts.
Well before you arrive at the hospital, the medical team assesses your pictures, background survey and wishes and comes up with a plan. Because each donor and transplant area is unique, however, we can’t be exactly sure what can be done until we meet in person.
We take time to plan your hair transplant in detail, where we aim to satisfy your expectations, within what is medically possible.
The next steps will help us determine this together.
Microscope to examine the donor area and determine the number of grafts
Using a digital microscope, the medical team looks at the donor to determine:
- The thickness of your hair
- The number of hairs per root
Based on these two variables, we can determine the grafts we need, and can transplant to the recipient area. The average person has between 120-140 roots per cm2, but 1 root rarely contains just a single hair. This is why the number of grafts does not necessarily represent the denseness of your hair.
We don’t want to deplete your donor area and give you the best transplant possible, that’s why we take time during the medical consultation to plan everything in detail.
But, more about this when we discuss different hair transplant methods that combat baldness, hair density or both.
Drawing your ideal hairline
One of, if not the most, important steps today, is to draw your new hairline. We use a laser tool to draw a symmetrical hairline that aligns with your:
- Bone structure;
- Facial structure; and
- Your forehead muscles
Once you and the team agree, we move on to the next step. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and give your opinion.
The final planning of the hair transplant with the medical team
Now that your new hairline is determined, your medical team will reconfirm the final planning with you. This includes:
- The procedural plan;
- What is expected from the extraction of the follicles;
- How to plant the donor grafts; and
- Your expectations
We want to make sure that you are well aware of all the details of the upcoming procedure.
The final paperwork
When you have agreed and planned everything with the medical team, we have to sign the final papers. These include the number of grafts, the transplant method and that you acknowledge the risks of the procedure.
Short break
Time for a short break!
Speak to one of our experts and get free advice!
Our hairdresser cuts and styles your hair before the operation
Premium, executive and female hair restoration packages:
Since we only have to shave the donor area -typically the back of the head- our hairdresser will give you a new haircut that minimises the impact on your current style. For women, often we can cover the donor area with longer hair from the top. For men, usually, the back and sides are shaved with longer hair on the top, think Brad Pitt in Fury.
Why do we do this? In our premium packages, we use one of our IdealofMeD methods; using FUE for the bald areas and DHI between the existing hairs to guarantee an even and natural result.
Standard package:
For our standard package, our hairdresser will shave your hair completely. We generally use a combination of FUE for the sides and the bald area, and then do DHI on the back top so it is as dense as the FUE, which requires a full shave.
Watch Ashkay’s full journey on our YouTube channel
Operation room and monitoring system
After your haircut, you will be given one of our (not so) fashionable (but practical and effective) surgical gowns to wear. The 4-person medical team will be ready for you in the operation room. You will be monitored with a finger-tip monitor at all times.
Who will all be there?
- You;
- Our 4-person medical team;
- Our senior patient consultant will walk in and out;
- Any of your co-travellers, if you so wish
Disinfecting the donor area
After you are settled into the surgical chair, the first step will be to disinfect the donor area where the follicles will be extracted from. As this is an operating room, it might be a bit chilly at times. We can provide you with blankets when you get cold.
Local anaesthesia using Dermojet for hair transplant
Next, we apply local anaesthesia using a Dermojet (needleless Injection System). Your scalp will be partially numb and then, based on your feedback, we continue adding local anaesthesia to ensure a painless operation.
Follicle Extraction (1.5 – 2.5 hours)
To extract the hair follicles, micromotor punches are used. Each extracted follicle is placed in a petri dish to analyse and count. This way we know exactly how many grafts will be placed for your and our records.
Each petri dish will hold up to 200-250 grafts. Whether you have high or low density in your donor area, we always extract the optimum number of donor follicle units, without over harvesting or harming the donor site.
The end goal is to ensure an even density of hair across your scalp.
Depending on the number of the grafts, the extraction can take up to 2.5 hours.
Processing and classifying grafts
Each hair follicle is unique in size and shape. To give the most natural result, several steps are followed for each extracted follicle.
First, they are classified based on the number of hairs.
- With a single hair;
- Double hair;
- Triple hair;
- Or more.
Then we classify the follicles based on the diameter of the root for an even result.
By doing this we can place the follicles in the correct places during the transplanting phase.
- Single hair follicle units are placed in the first hairline rows;
- Double hair follicle units further back;
- And lastly triple hair follicle units and above are planted further back.
All of this will lead to the most natural result.
Lunch Break (20 min)
Generally after the incision part, there is time for a short lunch. Most patients feel good enough to move around freely without assistance. You are provided catered food directly at the hospital.
The break is limited to 15 to 20 min.
After having lunch, you will come back to the operating room for the final stage of your hair transplant, which is the actual planting of the grafts.
The different methods of transplanting hair
When the extraction is done, local anaesthesia is applied to the hairline and top. This takes around two minutes. Then, based on the operational method agreed, the procedure continues.
The different hair transplant methods are:
- FUE Sapphire Method
- DHI Method
- IdealofMeD (Ideal Combination Surgery)
- IdealofMeD (Exclusive Surgery)
- IdealofMeD (Female Surgery)
Most of the time, we decide on using a combination of different methods.
FUE Sapphire Method
When we use the FUE Sapphire Method: Completely bald patients or where baldness is severe. It is also the ideal method to use in completely bald areas of the scalp.
How it works: Micro incisions to place follicle units are created by using a Sapphire Blade, which leaves virtually no scarring that can be seen with the bare eye.
The FUE Sapphire Method should not be confused with the standard FUE Method where scalpels are used instead of sapphire blades. The standard FUE method is a more invasive surgery, with a tool that is much less sharp. This can create severe discomfort, lengthens the healing process and causes visible scarring. For this reason,
IdealofMeD does not use the standard FUE Method at all.
The micro incision part of an FUE Sapphire surgery is one of the most important stages of this type of hair restoration and it demands significant skill, expertise and experience.
The angle in which the micro incisions are done, and the density planned, will determine the success of the entire hair restoration. The micro incisions can take up to 1 hour to plan and execute. Every single incision done by the medical team is accounted for and noted in the surgical report.
DHI Method
When we use the DHI Method: The DHI Method is the best method to increase density for patients who lack hair density.
How it works: The method is similar to the FUE Sapphire Method when it comes to follicular unit extraction from the donor area. Where it differs, is when it comes to insertion of the follicular units.
The follicle units are not inserted into micro incisions created with a sapphire blade. Instead the follicle units are inserted into a so-called Ideal Choi Implanter, which is then used to insert the follicle units between existing hair units, without damaging the surrounding area with micro incisions.
IdealofMeD (Ideal Combination Surgery)
IdealofMed is one of the places where you can get combined FUE Sapphire and DHI Method surgery in one treatment.
When we use the Ideal Combination Surgery: With the FUE Sapphire Method being the best for completely bald areas and the DHI Method the best for thin areas, we can address both at once if needed.
How it works: We combine both procedures in a single treatment. For example if you have a bald crown, but low density in the top and hairline.
If possible, we always aim to help you long term, avoiding short term solutions requiring you to come back for additional surgeries. Our treatment plan is often an Ideal Combination surgery, giving you the best of both worlds.
IdealofMeD (Executive Surgery)
What is different about our Executive surgery is that you are with us for a longer stay. Typically, the executive surgery treatment combines FUE Sapphire on the hairline temple/sides and the rest is done using the DHI Method between the (long) units. You stay with us in Istanbul for up to 10 days, where we include:
- 2 x PRP treatments
- Washing of the hair by a specialised nurse each day;
- Hair Vitamins;
- And maybe most importantly for a speedy recovery, the hyperbaric chamber.
For executives, extra care is taken to ensure that any traces of the procedure are invisible and ‘representable’ when you leave, usually by a hair cut with short hair in the neck and long hair on top of the head.
IdealofMeD (Female Surgery)
Similar to the executive surgery treatment, the female surgery combines (if possible) FUE Sapphire on the hairline temple/sides and using the DHI Method between the (long) units, and a stay of 10 days in Istanbul. Also here, we include:
- 2 x PRP treatments
- Washing of the hair by a specialised nurse each day;
- Hair Vitamins;
- And maybe most importantly for a speedy recovery, the hyperbaric chamber.
For a female hair transplant, we take extra care to assure that any traces of the procedure are invisible and ‘stylish’ either with a new “Rihanna-look” or by making sure that the shaved donor area is fully covered by hair.
Insertion Phase (2-4 hours)
It’s time to start inserting the grafts!
The medical team will insert the follicle units into the micro insertions that have been made.
All the follicle units are planted one by one, in a fast pace, to avoid too much contact with open air.
This part of the procedure takes around 2 to 4 hours depending on the number of grafts.
After the insertion stage, the medical team will do their final check after which a bandage will be put on the donor site for 36 hours.
Once all checks have been completed and you feel good, you can leave the operation room.
Post Operational Consultation (30 min)
Finally, the medical team and your Senior Patient Coordinator will evaluate the process with you.
- You get a report with all the details of the procedure, including the number of grafts;
- All pictures taken before and after the procedure are shared with you;
- We discuss the final do’s and don’ts again;
- We provide you with our Ideal Hair Transplantation Box that contains the shampoos, lotions, vitamins and serums you will use for the next few months;
- We answer any questions you may have.
Transfer to your hotel
After the post operational consultation, our VIP Transfer Service will be ready to take you back to the hotel so that you can rest.
We are always available if you have any questions or concerns, to make sure everything goes well the first day after the procedure. The hotel has restaurants and room service available at times. We recommend patients to rest the day after their hair transplant.
Speak to one of our experts and get free advice!
Day 3 - One day of rest and exploring wonderful Istanbul (or Izmir)
While our most common procedures are hair restorations, we offer all types of plastic surgery, dental procedures and medical checkups. Let us introduce ourselves and what makes us different.
Istanbul
Founded on the seven hills and geographically located on two continents, Istanbul is a unique city. Being like a bridge between The East and The West, travelling for a hair transplant in Turkey is convenient and affordable.
Having had the honour of being the capital of the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul has always been attractive for travellers. It is rated a top destination for foreign visitors both during the warm summer and the mild winter months, particularly due to its many historical sights and its breathtaking nature. The country is also one of the largest centres for healthcare and plastic surgery globally, and hosts hundreds of skilled institutions, specialised in various types of plastic surgery procedures.
Helpful Links:
- Things To Do in Istanbul from TripAdvisor
- 39 unmissable things to do in Istanbul from TimeOut
- Istanbul from Lonely Planet
Izmir
While we advise you to take it easy, going to Izmir for a day can be very relaxing. Only a one-hour flight from Istanbul, Izmir is located at the Aegean coast.
Helpful links:
- Explore Izmir by TripAdvisor
- Izmir by Lonely Planet
Day 4 - Following operation day and one day of rest
If you have selected our standard package, this will be your last day with us in Istanbul. Before you leave we make sure your bandages can be removed and that you are all set to go.
Control, hair wash and removing bandages
After one day at the hotel (or out and about), you are taken to the hospital on the fourth day of your stay for another checkup.
What will happen today:
- Removal of the bandages;
- Checkup of the donor and recipient area;
- The first hair wash.
Because of the hair transplant methods we use, your bandages will always be removed before you leave Istanbul. During the first hair wash, we will record how this is done with an explanation so that you can do it yourself for the next couple of days when you arrive home.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair transplantation
PRP has many potential uses in dermatology. Autologous PRP is retrieved from your own blood and spun in a centrifuge to yield a final product of plasma with high concentrations of platelets. These platelets then activate and release key growth factors that initiate signalling cascades, ultimately maximising tissue repair and rejuvenation.
PRP could improve hair regrowth, making the PRP procedure a strong alternative to finasteride or minoxidil. At IdealofMeD, we use our discretionary PRP method particularly developed for hair transplantation methods. So right after the washing procedure, PRP will be injected directly into your scalp to optimise nutrition intake and stimulate the blood circulation there.
Day 5 - Premium Package - with Hyperbaric Chamber
Premium Package Only The premium package is 4 nights instead of 3. This treatments on your extra day greatly speed up the healing process.
In the premium package, you go to your hotel and can enjoy Istanbul for one extra day. On day 5 you are picked up for a trip to the hospital, where our nurse will start with washing your hair, but you will also enter the hyperbaric chamber and get a vitamin injection to speed up your recovery process.
- Extra day of washing with a nurse +
- Hyperbaric Chamber +
- Vitamin injectection =
Faster recovery and better results.
Day 5-10 - Executive & Female Package - Recovery
Executive- and Female Package Only If you don't want anyone to know you had a hair transplant; this is the package for you. Enjoy 5-star luxury.
Besides the joy of holidaying in Istanbul – really getting to know the city or any other of our beauty or anti-ageing treatments – you will get picked up by your car each morning and be transferred to the hospital for a half day that starts with washing your hair, but most importantly hyperbaric chamber, additional PRP-treatments and some mesotherapy. The extra days will also allow you to recover from redness and for the crusts to fall off before you go back home.
Listen to Sebastian, CEO of a wealth management company in Sweden.
Transfer to the airport and your trip home
When the treatment and the final check-up have been completed, you are ready to be transported to the airport and fly home at your convenience.
Some patients opt to take advantage of our facilities and have additional procedures or post-operational treatments while in Turkey. Post operational procedures, which assists in fast healing can be procedures like Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and Oxygen Therapy (included in premium and executive treatments), and other procedures which can improve your results such as Artificial Stem Cell and Mesotherapy.
When back home, we check on you 1-2 times a month
When the hair restoration treatment and the final check-up have been completed, you are ready to be transported to the airport and fly home at your convenience.
Some patients opt to take advantage of our facilities and have additional procedures or post-operational treatments while in Turkey. Post operational procedures, which assists in fast healing can be procedures like Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and Oxygen Therapy (included in premium and executive treatments), and other procedures which can improve your results such as Artificial Stem Cell and Mesotherapy.
This is our hair restoration process, from beginning to end. We hope it answers your questions and takes away some of the hesitations you might feel. We’re always here to answer any questions you have.
Feel free to book a free consultation, and we hope to see you in Istanbul soon!
Speak to one of our experts and get free advice!
