Hair transplant surgery in Turkey has become one of the most sought-after and recognized treatments worldwide due to its high quality, effective results, and competitive prices. Turkey, especially Istanbul, is a key destination for those seeking solutions for hair loss, and its popularity in medical tourism continues to grow. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step procedure, advanced techniques like DHI, and everything you need to know about surgery, recovery, and what to expect from the clinic you choose.
1. Understanding Hair Transplants: What You Need to Know
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves transferring hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back of the head) to a recipient area where hair loss has occurred. This procedure is effective not only for men but also for women experiencing hair loss or alopecia.
2. Advanced Techniques: FUE, DHI, and FUT Explained
In Turkey, hair transplant techniques have advanced significantly. The most commonly used and recommended techniques are:
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FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): This is an extraction technique where hair follicles are individually taken from the donor area using a small extraction device. The follicles are then implanted into the recipient area. FUE is less invasive, leaves no visible scars, and provides natural-looking results.
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DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): It is an evolution of the FUE technique, but instead of making incisions to implant the hair, a device called the Choi Implanter Pen is used to directly insert the hair follicles into the recipient area. DHI allows for greater precision, less damage to the scalp, and denser results. Additionally, there is a new procedure called Robotic DHI, which is a revolutionary technique that guarantees a much higher follicular survival rate.
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FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): Although less common than FUE, in this technique, a strip of skin from the donor area is removed, which is then divided into individual follicular units for implantation in the recipient area. This method leaves a linear scar, making it less ideal for people with short hair.
3. Step-by-Step Process of a Hair Transplant
The hair transplant procedure in Turkey usually lasts between 6 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the area to be treated. Here’s how the surgery is typically carried out:
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Initial Consultation and Evaluation:
Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a detailed consultation with a specialized doctor, where the condition of the scalp and the type of hair loss are evaluated. The patient’s expectations are discussed, and the most suitable technique is determined. -
Preparation of the Donor Area:
The donor area, usually the back or sides of the head, is shaved. This facilitates the extraction of hair follicles. -
Local Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia is applied to both the donor and recipient areas to ensure the patient feels no pain during the procedure. -
Extraction of Follicles:
In FUE, the hair follicles are extracted individually using a specialized device. In DHI, a pen-like device is used to place the follicles directly into the desired areas without making incisions beforehand. -
Implantation of Follicles:
The hair follicles are carefully inserted into the bald areas of the head. The doctor ensures that the direction and angle of the follicles align with the natural growth pattern of the hair. -
Closure and Post-Op Care:
Once the follicles are implanted, no sutures are required. The patient can rest in the clinic and will be given post-surgery instructions on how to care for the treated area.
4. Recovery and Postoperative Care: What to Expect
Recovery from a hair transplant in Turkey is generally quick. However, it’s important to follow medical instructions to ensure the best results. The recovery process includes:
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First Days:
Swelling and redness in the treated area may occur, but these side effects typically subside within a few days. -
First Weeks:
During the first weeks, the transplanted hair will fall out, which is completely normal. This is the “shock loss” process, which is temporary, and the hair will regrow in a few months. -
Growth Time:
New hair will begin to grow after 3-4 months, but full results are typically visible after 9-12 months.
5. Choosing the Right Clinic for Your Procedure
The clinic plays a crucial role in the success of the hair transplant. It is important to choose a clinic with experience in hair transplants, a qualified medical team, and complete follow-up services. In Turkey, many clinics offer complete packages that include the transplant, accommodation, transportation, and postoperative medications, making the experience easier for international patients.
DTM Research Team’s Evaluation of Istanbul Clinics
After conducting thorough research on several clinics in Istanbul, our team at DTM Magazine has identified Dr. Terziler’s Exclusive Clinic as one of the standout options for hair transplants in the city. The clinic has gained recognition for its focus on quality, the use of advanced technologies, and the personalized care provided to patients. They implement a new procedure called Robotic DHI, which is a revolutionary technique that guarantees a much higher follicular survival rate.
To better understand how the procedure is performed and what the patient experience is like, we decided to send one of our team members to undergo the transplant procedure at Dr. Terziler’s clinic. This team member of DTM Magazine went through the entire process: from the initial consultation, the surgery, to the recovery phase. However, in our upcoming issue or article, we will provide more details about how the procedure was carried out, what we did, and our direct experience with the clinic.
It is important to highlight that our evaluation is not based solely on the procedure itself but on an objective observation of the care, recovery times, medical staff experience, and the overall service quality. While we have found positive aspects of this clinic, each patient must conduct their own research and decide based on their personal needs.
