Should I Get A Hair Transplant In Turkey? Pros and Cons to Consider

The global hair transplant industry is worth more than $6 billion — and a sixth of this value comes from Turkey [1].

Turkey is a popular hair transplant destination, thanks to its cut-rate hair restoration treatments. You only need to spend a couple of days in the centre of Istanbul to see a swarm of bandaged heads buzzing around Taksim.

However, Turkey has a notoriously poor safety record when it comes to cosmetic surgery — including hair transplants. A 2021 survey by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons found that 100% of complications following cosmetic surgery occurred in Turkish clinics [2].

While there are some good hair transplantation clinics in Turkey, there are also many unlicensed surgeons offering black-market hair transplants. These fraudsters prey on people with low confidence and low budgets. So it’s essential that you know the red flags of hair transplant clinics in Turkey to look out for.

Ultimately, people who have a hair transplant operation on the black market can end up paying far more. Globally, a staggering 96.4% of ISHRS members reported that up to a quarter of the hair transplant procedures they performed last year were due to a previous black-market hair transplant.

Turkey has become a popular destination for hair transplants in recent years. With many state-of-the-art clinics and experienced surgeons, Turkey offers high-quality hair transplants at more affordable prices compared to the US and Western Europe However, deciding whether Turkey is the right option for you requires carefully weighing the pros and cons. This article examines key factors to consider if you’re wondering, “Should I get a hair transplant in Turkey?”

Why Consider Turkey for Hair Transplants?

There are several compelling reasons Turkey has become a prime destination for hair restoration:

Cost savings – Hair transplants in Turkey cost a fraction of what they do in the US. The average cost of a transplant in Turkey is around $2,000-$5,000, whereas the same procedure could cost $15,000-$30,000 in the US. The lower prices make hair transplants accessible to more people.
Experienced surgeons – Many Turkish doctors have been performing hair transplants for decades and have completed thousands of successful procedures Their expertise rivals top surgeons worldwide Several are members of prestigious organizations like the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS),
State-of-the-art techniques – Clinics use advanced techniques like FUE (follicular unit extraction) and DHI (direct hair implantation) to achieve natural-looking results. Turkey has rapidly adopted new technologies like robotic FUE.
High success rates – Satisfaction rates for patients are very high. Skilled Turkish surgeons are able to transplant large numbers of grafts in a single session to maximize fullness.
Travel opportunities – Getting a hair transplant in Turkey allows you to visit a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. Many patients couple their surgery with a vacation in Istanbul.

What are the Potential Downsides?

However, there are some potential disadvantages to weigh:

Communication barriers – English proficiency varies among Turkish doctors. Confirm your surgeon speaks English well enough to understand your expectations. Using a translator isn’t ideal.
Travel required – You’ll need to travel to Turkey for the surgery and remain nearby during the initial recovery period. This requires time off work and away from home.
Follow-up care – Attending in-person follow-up appointments long-term can be difficult. Virtual consultations are helpful but may not replace seeing your doctor face-to-face.
Legal differences – Medical malpractice laws differ in Turkey vs. Western nations. Be aware of your legal rights and protections as a medical tourist.
Hair transplant “mills” – Some unqualified clinics perform excessive procedures only for profit. Thoroughly research your surgeon’s credentials and clinic reputation.
Potential delays – Bad weather or other factors could delay your return home. Have backup plans for transportation and other logistics.

Questions to Ask Before Undergoing a Hair Transplant in Turkey

If you decide a hair transplant in Turkey is right for you, here are some key questions to ask your surgeon:

Are you certified by any hair restoration organizations?
How many transplants have you performed using my preferred technique?
Do you have before/after photos I can see?
What is your recommendation for the number of grafts I need?
What is your policy if I need a corrective procedure later?
Do you have English-speaking staff in your clinic?
What does follow-up care involve, and how often will I need to see you?

The decision to get a hair transplant in Turkey is highly personal. While Turkey offers obvious advantages like dramatic cost savings, you must weigh factors like travel, communication, and follow-up care. Thoroughly researching surgeons and asking the right questions can help ensure you have an outstanding experience. If a hair transplant is right for you, Turkey can be an excellent place to undergo this life-changing procedure.

should i get a hair transplant in turkey

How much does a hair transplant cost in Turkey?

We surveyed 87 hair transplant clinics to analyse the true cost and value of the hair transplant industry in Turkey. Our research focused on clinics offering Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) in Istanbul only, since this is Turkey’s central hub for international tourism.

We wanted to compare the results to the findings of our hair transplant costs UK study, so we requested quotes using the same photographs (male patient with Norwood Stage 2-3) for both studies.

Here’s what our hair transplant research in Turkey shows:

The average hair transplant in Istanbul costs £1,464 / €1,745 / $1,840
The cheapest price we were quoted was £850 / €1,000/ $1,050, while the highest was £2,490 / €3,000 / $3,150
The average price per graft was £0.55 / €0.46 / $0.69
90% of quotes included a minimum of 2 nights’ accommodation
100% of quotes included airport transfers to and from your hotel
On average, surgeons have 12 years of experience in completing hair transplant surgery

19% of the emails we sent bounced without reaching the recipient — suggesting that almost a fifth of the clinics advertising transplants are no longer in operation.

What to consider if you decide to have a hair transplant in Turkey

For many people, getting a hair transplant in Turkey is the right choice. They find licensed clinics with scrupulous health and safety measures and get a quality, lasting hair transplant. But to ensure this is the best decision for you, there are a few questions to consider:

What are the health and safety standards like? Safety should be the top priority for you and your surgical team. Check patient reviews and conduct thorough research to be certain the clinic follows high health and safety standards.
How keen are they to get you in the chair? In our research, one clinic was so eager for business that they offered to pay for our flights. This is a cause for concern, as clinics must be cutting costs somewhere to pay for these added extras.
Who’s assessing your hair loss, and how? It’s difficult to properly assess hair loss on a video call or photographs alone. So the number of grafts you’re quoted may not be accurate, especially if your consultant is inexperienced or unqualified.
Are the added extras really worth it? All-expenses-paid trips may sound luxurious. But in reality, hair transplant packages aren’t all that cost-effective. A taxi ride from the airport to the centre of Istanbul will set you back about £15. Accommodation is also reasonably priced, with a 2-night stay at a 4-star hotel costing around £100.
What can they do to fix your transplant if it goes wrong? From infections to grafts that don’t take, hair transplants can go wrong. When you have surgery at an overseas hair transplant clinic, you can’t go back for advice or aftercare, so you may end up paying a UK hair transplant clinic to fix it for you at a higher price.
What action can you take against the hair transplant clinic if your transplant goes wrong? In our research, 19% of emails sent to hair transplant clinics in Turkey bounced — almost a fifth of the total. Clinics open and close very quickly, which leaves you with little to no recourse if they botch your hair transplantation surgery.
What kind of aftercare will you receive? Hair transplant recovery is a long process, and many patients have questions and concerns throughout. An overseas surgeon will be unable to examine your transplant if you have concerns about your recovery.
Will there be communication barriers? When it comes to your health, communication is everything. You’ll probably have a lot of questions for your hair transplant consultant, so you need to be sure that you’re understood, and that you understand how the surgery will work.
What happens if you’re unhappy with your long-term results? The data suggests Turkish clinics tend to harvest more grafts than they need. This may compromise the hair follicles in your donor area for future transplants if needed. You may also see more significant scarring if your surgeon is inexperienced or unlicensed.

Below we have shared a video of ISHRS members discussing (January 2023) some of the dangers of having a hair transplant in Turkey, where they claim there are 300 low-cost clinics – the majority of which do not have a qualified medical professional on-site.

While this can lead to a botched hair transplant that requires fixing (if it can be fixed) it can also sadly be fatal as one hair transplant-related death was reported in Turkey in 2021. Thankfully there have been none in the United Kingdom.

Why Istanbul Is The Place to Get Your Hair Back

FAQ

Is Turkey better than the USA for hair transplant?

Hair Transplant Results in USA vs Turkey Surgeons often utilise the latest technology and meticulous precision, ensuring natural-looking hair restoration for patients. Turkey, on the other hand, has earned a reputation for offering impressive hair transplant results at more affordable costs.

How much does 5000 graft hair transplant cost in Turkey?

The cost of 5000 grafts for a hair transplant in Turkey can range from $2,000 to $5,500. Clinics with higher pricing may offer additional services or a higher level of expertise.

How long do hair transplants last in Turkey?

How long does the transplanted hair live? As the harvested hair is taken from the hair between the ears to the back side of the head that has a different gene code (non-loss) , it will remain in its new place for A LIFE TIME.

How much does 3000 grafts hair transplant cost in Turkey?

Generally, the costs of hair transplant in Turkey average from 1.25 $/ 0.98 £/ 1.17 € per graft : USD 2,500 for 2,000 grafts or GBP 1,960 / EUR 2,340; USD 3,750 for 3,000 grafts or GBP 2,940 / EUR 3,510; USD 6,250 for 5,000 grafts or GBP 4,900 / EUR 5,850.

Is Turkey a good place to get a hair transplant?

In terms of quality, Turkey competes with the top clinics in the US and Europe, and several clinics and surgeons have been awarded internationally, proving the quality of their work. So, in overall comparison, Turkey is better than the US and Europe for getting a hair transplant because of the price advantage.

How safe is a hair transplant?

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that moves active follicles from the back of the scalp to areas where the hair is thinning. Once transplanted, the hair grows normally. Overall, a hair transplant is very safe. Most importantly, anyone contemplating the procedure needs to know what the process involves and what cosmetic changes he or she can expect.

Why is hair transplant surgery so popular in Turkey?

Hair transplant surgery is a complex and intricate procedure that requires the expertise of a highly experienced team of professionals to be successful. The practice has become so commonplace in Turkey that the country boasts some of the world’s most experienced staff members, many of whom have years of experience working with hair transplants.

How long does a hair transplant take in Turkey?

The duration of a hair transplant procedure in Turkey can vary depending on factors such as the number of grafts required and the chosen technique. On average, the procedure can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Is the hair transplant procedure in Turkey painful? What is the cost of a hair transplant in Turkey compared to other countries?