Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about hair transplant and hair transplant surgery in Turkey — covering procedure types, costs, recovery, results, and how to choose the right clinic. Browse all 99 questions below.
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Hair Transplant Basics
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which hair follicles are harvested from one part of the body (usually the back or sides of the head) and transplanted to another area that is balding or thinning.
During a hair transplant, hair follicles are extracted from the donor site and then implanted into the recipient site. The hair follicles are usually taken from areas of the scalp where hair growth is still healthy and abundant.
The two main types of hair transplants are follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
The length of a hair transplant procedure varies depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. It can take up to 6–8 hours.
Local anesthesia is typically used during a hair transplant to numb the scalp and minimize discomfort.
The number of grafts needed depends on the extent of hair loss and the area that needs to be covered.
The success rate of a hair transplant depends on several factors, including the skill of the surgeon, hair transplant method, and the patient's individual response to the procedure.
FUE involves removing individual hair follicles from the donor area using a small punch tool, while FUT involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area and then harvesting individual hair follicles from the strip. FUT is a method that is no longer applied.
The best type of hair transplant depends on several factors, including the extent of hair loss, the quality of existing hair, and the patient's individual needs and preferences.
Am I a Suitable Candidate?
Good candidates for a hair transplant include people who have experienced moderate to severe hair loss and have sufficient donor hair to cover the balding areas.
Yes, women can undergo hair transplant surgery. But women need special hair transplant planning. You can examine the female hair transplant method.
There is no specific age limit for a hair transplant, but younger patients may need to wait until their hair loss has stabilized before undergoing the procedure. However, the surgeons recommend 22 years or older.
Patients with alopecia areata may not be good candidates for a hair transplant, as the condition can cause patchy hair loss that may make it difficult to harvest donor hair.
Patients with early-stage hair loss or thinning may still be eligible for a hair transplant, but it is important to discuss options with a qualified surgeon.
No, having a hair transplant should not affect your ability to donate blood.
Patients with diabetes may still be eligible for a hair transplant, but it is important to discuss options with a qualified surgeon and to make sure blood sugar levels are well-controlled before undergoing the procedure.
Patients with psoriasis or eczema may not be good candidates for a hair transplant, as the condition can cause inflammation and scarring that may interfere with the healing process.
Patients with a history of skin cancer should discuss their options with a qualified surgeon before undergoing a hair transplant.
Patients with a history of keloid scarring may not be good candidates for a hair transplant, as the procedure can potentially cause further scarring.
Patients with high blood pressure may still be eligible for a hair transplant, but it is important to discuss options with a qualified surgeon and to make sure blood pressure is well-controlled before undergoing the procedure. Since we have a cardiologist in our clinic, having high blood pressure is not a problem. Our doctor will make the necessary interventions.
Patients with a history of heart disease should discuss their options with a qualified surgeon before undergoing a hair transplant and may need to undergo additional medical testing before the procedure. A checkup by our clinic's cardiologist is required.
Patients with a history of autoimmune disease may not be good candidates for a hair transplant, as the condition can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss their options with a qualified surgeon before undergoing a hair transplant and may need to undergo additional medical testing before the procedure.
Patients with a history of mental health issues should discuss their options with a qualified surgeon before undergoing a hair transplant and may need to undergo additional medical testing or counseling before the procedure.
Hair transplants are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the procedure can potentially cause harm to the developing fetus or newborn.
Choosing a Clinic & Surgeon
When choosing a hair transplant surgeon, it is important to look for someone who is experienced, reputable, and has a proven track record of success.
During a consultation for a hair transplant, the surgeon will examine your scalp, discuss your medical history, and evaluate your hair loss to determine the best course of treatment.
Some important questions to ask your hair transplant surgeon include: What is your experience with this procedure? How long will the procedure take? What kind of results can I expect? What are the risks associated with the procedure?
When choosing a hair transplant surgeon, patients should look for a licensed medical doctor who holds the Ministry of Health Hair Transplant Practitioner Certificate, is experienced and has a good track record of producing natural-looking results.
When you refer a friend or family member to Hermest Clinic, both you and the person you refer can benefit from special rewards. After your referral completes their hair transplant procedure, you will receive a referral bonus or discount on future services. Simply fill out the referral form on our Referral Program page.
Patients can search for qualified hair transplant surgeons online or ask for recommendations from friends, family members, or healthcare providers. It is important to do thorough research and choose a surgeon with a good track record of producing natural-looking results. You can also search Google or Bing for similar questions.
Safety, Licences & Accreditation
Operations take place at Hermest Hair Clinic in Fenerbahçe, Kadıköy, Istanbul, a clinic registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health. Each operation is led by our doctors, Dr. Ahmet Murat and Dr. Nesim Tugen, who both hold the Ministry of Health Hair Transplant Practitioner Certificate.
Yes. The clinic holds a Clinic Compliance Certificate and a Hair Transplant Unit Operating Permit from the Ministry of Health. You can see both documents, and verify the permit on e-Devlet, on our certificates page.
No, the clinic itself is not JCI accredited. Hermest works with the Florence Nightingale hospital group, whose İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital holds JCI accreditation.
Yes. Hermest holds ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 10002 (customer satisfaction) certificates. AAMI ST79 is an international standard for sterilising medical instruments. It is a standard we apply in our clinic, not a certificate.
Hermest works with Eren Hastanesi, Florence Nightingale Hastaneleri and Aydin Arslan Muayenehanesi. You can find them on our Contracted Institutions page.
Yes. The members of our medical team who assist in hair transplants hold Ministry of Health certificates for this work.
Cost & Payment
The cost of a hair transplant varies depending on several factors, including the location of the surgeon, the type of procedure, and the number of grafts needed. On average, the cost ranges from $2,300 to $3,700.
In most cases, hair transplant surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance in your own country. But in our clinic, you are 100% under our protection.
The cost of a hair transplant varies depending on several factors, including the extent of hair loss, the type of procedure, and the geographic location of the clinic.
Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of elective cosmetic procedures like hair transplants.
Preparing for Surgery
It depends on the type of procedure being performed. For FUE and DHI, the donor area will need to be shaved, but for the Unshaven Hair Transplant method, it will need to be trimmed.
Before a hair transplant, patients should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as any medications that may thin the blood.
Patients should avoid alcohol and any medications that may thin the blood before a hair transplant and should follow a healthy, balanced diet after the procedure.
Patients should discuss any medication use with their surgeon before undergoing a hair transplant, as certain medications can increase the risk of bleeding or other complications during the procedure.
Smoking can interfere with the healing process after a hair transplant and should be avoided both before and after the procedure.
Pain, Anaesthesia & Risks
Hair transplant surgery can be uncomfortable, but it is generally not painful. Most patients report feeling only minor discomfort during the procedure.
Like any surgical procedure, hair transplant surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and postoperative pain and discomfort. Choosing an experienced clinic and following your aftercare instructions helps keep these risks low.
The effects of local anesthesia usually wear off a few hours after the procedure.
Most patients experience very little pain, but some discomfort and soreness are normal during the recovery period.
Long-term side effects of a hair transplant are rare, but some patients may experience mild scalp irritation, itching, or swelling.
The risks associated with anesthesia during a hair transplant are generally low, but patients should discuss any concerns with their surgeon before the procedure. Our medical team includes a cardiologist, Dr. Ahmet Murat, and every patient has a pre-operative cardiac check-up, so any reaction can be recognised and treated quickly.
Recovery & Aftercare
Most patients are able to return to work within a few days of the procedure. However, it is important to avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting for several weeks after the surgery.
It is generally recommended that patients avoid wearing hats or other head coverings for at least a week after a hair transplant to allow the scalp to heal properly.
No, it is not recommended to drive yourself home after a hair transplant due to the residual effects of the anesthesia.
Patients should avoid any strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or rubbing the scalp for at least two weeks after the procedure.
The incisions usually take about 7–10 days to heal, but complete healing may take up to several weeks.
Yes, some swelling and bruising are normal after a hair transplant.
Most swelling resolves within a week or two after the procedure.
Patients are usually advised to wait at least 24 hours before washing their hair after a hair transplant.
Patients should use a gentle shampoo and avoid scrubbing the scalp vigorously.
In some cases, patients may be instructed to wear a headband to help hold bandages in place.
It is generally recommended that patients wait at least four weeks before coloring their hair after a hair transplant.
Patients should avoid swimming or submerging their head in water for at least two weeks after a hair transplant.
Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week after a hair transplant to minimize the risk of bleeding or other complications.
Patients can usually resume most normal activities within a week or two after the procedure.
Patients may be prescribed antibiotics or pain medication to help manage their symptoms after a hair transplant.
No, it is not necessary to wear a compression garment after a hair transplant.
Patients can travel as desired after hair transplantation. There are no obstacles.
Patients should wait at least 2–3 months before cutting their hair after a hair transplant.
Most patients can return to work within a few days of the procedure.
The scabs usually fall off on their own within 7–10 days after the procedure.
The donor area usually heals within a few weeks after the procedure.
Patients should avoid styling their hair for at least two months after a hair transplant to allow the scalp to heal properly.
Patients should avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least two weeks after a hair transplant.
It is generally recommended that patients avoid wearing tight-fitting headgear for at least a week after a hair transplant, but loose-fitting hats or helmets can be worn if necessary.
Patients will usually have several follow-up appointments after a hair transplant to monitor healing and ensure that the grafts are growing properly. At Hermest, every package includes 12 months of post-operative care and access to our 24/7 post-op team. Partner doctors in Miami, London and Berlin also offer in-clinic support after you return home.
Patients should wait at least 4 months before coloring their hair after a hair transplant.
No, a hair transplant should not affect the ability to wear a hairpiece or wig.
Patients should avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least two weeks after a hair transplant, but should be able to resume normal physical activity within a few weeks after the procedure.
Patients should wait at least 2–3 months before getting a haircut after a hair transplant.
It is generally recommended that patients avoid tight-fitting headgear for at least a week after a hair transplant, but loose-fitting hats or other head coverings can be worn if necessary.
Results & Long-Term
It usually takes 4–12 months for transplanted hair to start growing, and full results may not be seen for up to a year after the procedure.
Yes, if the procedure is performed correctly, the transplanted hair should look completely natural.
It is very difficult to lose hair due to transplanting from the hair with the strongest roots. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to help prevent further hair loss.
It depends on the extent of your hair loss and the amount of donor hair available. Some patients may require multiple procedures to achieve their desired results.
It may take several months for the transplanted hair to fully integrate into the scalp.
It may take up to 4–18 months to see the full results of a hair transplant.
It is normal for the transplanted hair to fall out before growing back in.
Some scarring is normal after a hair transplant, but it is usually minimal and can be easily concealed.
Patients should discuss any concerns they have about the results of their hair transplant with their surgeon.
Shock loss is a temporary condition that can occur after a hair transplant where the existing hair around the transplanted area falls out due to trauma or stress.
No, shock loss is usually temporary, and the hair will typically grow back within a few months.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent shock loss after a hair transplant, but it can sometimes be minimized by using a gentle surgical technique and avoiding any unnecessary trauma to the scalp.
Maintaining good scalp hygiene and following a healthy lifestyle can help preserve the results of a hair transplant.
If well taken care of, the permanence of the hair transplant result is lifelong.
Most patients should wait at least six months between hair transplant procedures to allow the scalp to fully heal.
Some scarring is normal after a hair transplant, but it is usually minimal and can be easily concealed.
Hair transplants are generally considered to be permanent, and reversing the procedure is usually not possible.
Alternatives & Benefits
There are several non-surgical hair restoration options available, including medications and low-level laser therapy.
A hair transplant is generally considered to be the most effective long-term solution for hair loss.
Many patients report feeling more confident and positive about their appearance after a hair transplant.
In addition to improving self-esteem, a hair transplant can also help reduce anxiety and depression associated with hair loss.
A full head of hair can give the appearance of youthfulness and vitality.
There are several non-surgical hair restoration options available, including medications, low-level laser therapy, and scalp micropigmentation.
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