Dr. Ahmet Ayık is a physician practising Eyebrow Transplant in Sancaktepe, Istanbul.
Best Hair Transplant Doctors in Turkey
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair follicles from the balding-resistant back and sides of the scalp to thinning or bald areas. This page explains how FUT, FUE and DHI differ, who is suitable, the recovery timeline, risks, cost factors and how to choose a doctor.
Doctors in Türkiye (8)
Ranked by plan, rating and patient reviews
Dr. Hasan Demir is a physician practising Hair Transplant in Pendik, Istanbul.
Dr. İshak KARAKURT is a physician practising Hair Transplant in Ankara.
Dr. Görkem Kazan is a physician practising Hair Transplant in Ankara.
Dr. Hüseyin Örs is a physician practising Hair Transplant in Ankara.
Dr. Ömer Ambarcıoğlu is a physician practising Rhinoplasty in Trabzon.
Dr. Egemen Güdül is a physician practising Hair Transplant in Ankara.
Dr. Hamid Aydın is a physician practising Hair Transplant in Beşiktaş, Istanbul.
Hair Transplant guide
What is a hair transplant?
A hair transplant moves your own hair follicles from a balding-resistant area to a bald or thinning one. The area the follicles come from is called the donor area, usually the back of the head and the sides above the ears. Follicles here are genetically more resistant to male pattern hair loss, and they largely keep this trait after being moved.
Unlike medication, a hair transplant moves follicles to where hair has been lost. It does not create new hair; it redistributes existing hair. The capacity of the donor area therefore limits what can be achieved. Each transplanted unit is called a graft and usually contains one to four hairs.
What are the hair transplant methods?
Hair transplant methods differ in how follicles are removed from the donor area and how they are placed in the recipient area. There are three main approaches.
| Method | How follicles are removed | How follicles are placed | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUT (strip method) | A thin strip of skin is taken from the back of the head and follicles are separated from it | With forceps into incisions made beforehand | Leaves a linear scar on the back of the head |
| FUE | Follicles are taken one by one with a fine punch | Channels are opened first, then grafts are placed with forceps | Leaves small dot-like marks in the donor area |
| DHI | Taken one by one, as in FUE | An implanter pen opens the channel and places the graft in one step | Slower and usually more costly |
FUE and DHI differ only in the placement stage. The same techniques are also used on the face for beard, moustache and eyebrow transplants.
How is a hair transplant done?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure done under local anaesthesia that usually takes 6 to 8 hours. More grafts mean a longer session. Whatever the method, the basic steps are:
- Consultation and plan: The doctor assesses the pattern of hair loss, donor density and hair type. The hairline is drawn and an approximate graft count is set.
- Tests: Blood tests are requested and your medicines are reviewed. If blood thinners need to be paused, this is decided with the prescribing doctor.
- Local anaesthesia: The donor and recipient areas are numbed. You stay awake throughout.
- Harvesting: Follicles are removed as a strip or one by one and kept in a suitable solution.
- Placement: Grafts are placed at the natural angle and direction of hair growth.
- Dressing and instructions: The donor area is covered, and washing, sleeping position and medicines are explained.
How many grafts can be moved in one session depends on donor density, hair thickness and the size of the bald area. For very large areas, one session may not be enough and a two-stage plan may be suggested. A first check and dressing change usually take place the next day.
Who is suitable for a hair transplant, and who is not?
A hair transplant suits people whose hair loss has settled into a stable pattern and whose donor area is strong enough. It is most often done for male pattern hair loss. It may also help some women with female pattern hair loss and some people with scars on the scalp.
A transplant is usually not recommended, or is postponed, in these situations:
- A sparse or weak donor area
- Diffuse thinning across the whole scalp
- Active alopecia areata or active scarring hair loss conditions
- Untreated causes of hair loss such as thyroid problems or iron deficiency
- Uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease or a bleeding disorder
- Young people whose hair loss is progressing quickly
- Expectations that the donor area cannot meet
The doctor decides on suitability after an examination. Medication or tests for the cause of hair loss may be suggested first.
What is recovery like after a hair transplant?
Healing takes weeks, while results take months to show. The timeline varies, but the general course is:
- First days: Swelling may appear on the forehead and around the eyes and usually settles within a week.
- Days 7 to 10: Scabs in the transplanted area come off with washing.
- Weeks 2 to 8: Some or all of the transplanted hairs fall out. This is called shock loss; the follicles remain.
- Months 3 to 4: New hairs begin to grow.
- Months 12 to 18: Hair thickens and the final result is assessed.
Most people can return to desk work within a few days to a week. Follow your doctor's advice on when to resume exercise, swimming and sun exposure.
Is a hair transplant permanent?
Transplanted follicles are largely permanent because they come from a balding-resistant area. Your own hair around the transplanted area may continue to thin, and new areas of loss may appear over time. Your doctor may suggest medication to protect existing hair. Minoxidil and finasteride are the most commonly used for male pattern hair loss, and their side effects and suitability should be discussed with a doctor. Many people later consider a second session, so it matters that the donor area is not used up in the first procedure.
What are the risks and side effects of a hair transplant?
Common side effects are swelling, pain, itching and scabbing, which usually clear within a few weeks. Less common risks include:
- Infection and inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis)
- Bleeding
- Temporary numbness in the donor or recipient area
- Cysts in the transplanted area
- Temporary shedding of surrounding native hair
- Lower graft survival than expected
- An unnatural hairline or hair direction
- Permanent thinning and scarring from over-harvesting the donor area
What determines the cost of a hair transplant?
The cost depends on the method and the number of grafts needed. Other factors include:
- The method: FUT, FUE or DHI
- The size of the bald area and the planned graft count
- How much of the procedure the doctor performs personally
- The city and the type of healthcare facility
- Whether follow-ups, medicines and care products are included
Current ranges are shown in the price section of this page. The final fee is set after a consultation.
What should you look for when choosing a hair transplant doctor?
A hair transplant is surgery and should be done in a licensed healthcare facility under a doctor's responsibility. In Turkey it is mostly performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. You can compare them in the doctor list by city. Questions to ask:
- Does the doctor carry out the consultation and planning?
- Who designs the hairline, harvests the grafts and opens the channels?
- Is the planned graft count explained, and can your donor area supply it?
- Are the risks and a possible second session discussed?
- Who carries out the follow-up visits?
The information on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. The suitable method for you can only be determined by a physician examination.
Hair Transplant Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours does a hair transplant take?
A hair transplant usually takes 6 to 8 hours. The time depends on the number of grafts, the method and how the team works. It is done under local anaesthesia and you stay awake.
When does hair grow after a transplant?
New hair usually starts to grow between the third and fourth month. A clear change is mostly seen after six months. The final result is judged at one to one and a half years.
What is shock loss?
Shock loss is the shedding of transplanted hairs in the first weeks after surgery. The follicles stay in place and new hair grows within months. Your own hair around the area may also shed temporarily.
Can women have a hair transplant?
Some women can have a hair transplant. The hair loss needs to be concentrated in one area and the donor area must be strong enough. With diffuse thinning, the cause of hair loss is investigated first.
Is FUE or DHI more suitable?
Both methods remove follicles the same way; they differ in how the grafts are placed. The choice depends on the size of the area, hair type and whether you want to shave. Your doctor will advise after an examination.