Hair transplant in Istanbul
Hair transplantation moves follicles from a donor area to areas of hair loss. Sapphire FUE and DHI options depend on the assessment of your hair loss and donor area.
What is a hair transplant, and how does AVAN AESTH help?
A hair transplant moves hair follicles from a donor area, usually the back of the scalp, to thinning or bald areas. In Istanbul, Türkiye, it should be performed in a licensed healthcare facility by a qualified medical team. AVAN AESTH is a patient coordination service: we do not perform treatment, but we help organise your consultation, travel and follow-up communication.
This page is general information and does not replace a medical consultation.
≈ 4 h direct flight from London (≈ 10 h from New York) · Airport welcome · VIP transfer · Hotel · Interpreter in your language
What your package includes
Your package includes hotel accommodation, airport welcome, VIP transfers, interpreter support in your language, the hair transplant procedure, prescribed medication, one PRP session and one mesotherapy session, an aftercare kit, the first hair wash and 2-year follow-up after treatment.
- Hotel accommodation
- Airport welcome: Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
- VIP transfers
- Interpreter support in your language
- Hair transplant procedure
- Prescribed medication
- 1 PRP session and 1 mesotherapy session: included for every patient and given during your treatment to support the transplanted hair; the treating doctor decides on suitability.
- Aftercare kit: special post-transplant hat, neck pillow, forehead band, shampoo and lotion
- First hair wash
- 2-year follow-up after treatment
The number of nights and your appointment dates are set out in your written plan.
Representative animation; it does not show a real patient or result.
Day by day: what a hair transplant in Istanbul can look like
A typical hair transplant stay is about three days: arrival and consultation, the procedure day, and a check-up with the first hair wash before you fly home. The exact schedule is set by the medical team and written in your plan.
- Day 1 – arrival: airport welcome, transfer to the hotel, consultation, blood tests and final planning of the hairline and grafts.
- Day 2 – procedure: extraction and implantation under local anaesthesia. The procedure often takes most of the day, and you receive written aftercare instructions.
- Day 3 – check-up: check of the donor and recipient areas, the first hair wash and a review of aftercare. Then transfer to the airport.
- At home: 2-year follow-up – see the question “How does the 2-year follow-up work?”.
Book your flight only after your written treatment plan has been approved; choose your return date according to the length of stay in the plan.
Recovery: what can you expect?
Healing after a hair transplant happens in stages, and the final result only shows after many months. The table shows a common course; yours may differ.
| Period | Common course | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| First week | Small scabs and some swelling on the forehead can occur | Follow the washing instructions carefully and avoid scratching or rubbing |
| Weeks 2–6 | Transplanted hairs may temporarily fall out | This is common and does not mean the follicles have been lost |
| Months 3–6 | New hair starts to grow gradually | Growth can progress at different speeds in different areas |
| Months 12–18 | The result matures in density and texture | Review the result together with the medical team |
Checklist: how to choose safely
Don’t let quick replies or tempting offers decide for you. Find out who treats you, where the procedure takes place and what happens afterwards – and get the answers in writing.
- You have received a written treatment plan before arrival: area, technique, approximate number of grafts and dates.
- You have shared your full medical history, all medicines and any allergies in advance.
- The plan explains how the donor area is protected, including for possible future needs.
- Expectations are realistic: no reputable provider promises a specific result.
- You know whom to contact with questions or problems after you return home, and in which language.
- You take home a written treatment report that your doctor at home can review.
If you are travelling from the UK or the US
A direct flight from London Heathrow to Istanbul takes about 4 hours, and from New York JFK about 10 hours. Turkey is 2 hours ahead of the UK in summer and 3 hours ahead in winter, and 7–8 hours ahead of New York.
- Entry: GOV.UK says British citizens can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, and the US Department of State says no visa is needed for tourist stays of 90 days or less. Both also say that travelling for medical purposes may need a visa: GOV.UK asks anyone entering for medical purposes to check the information on applying for a visa, and the State Department says a proper medical visa is required for some medical procedures. Check the current FCDO entry requirements or the US Department of State page for Türkiye before booking. Entry requirements can change, so please check the current rules for your passport before you travel. We do not issue visas or give visa advice; we can help you understand the steps in your plan.
- Insurance: planned treatment abroad is usually not covered by standard travel insurance, so ask your insurer what applies to your trip. The UK GHIC and UK EHIC are not valid in Turkey.
- Follow-up at home: bring your treatment report and aftercare instructions so that you can show your doctor at home what was done.
- Communication: you can ask questions in your own language before, during and after your trip.
Planning from the UK, the US or Canada? Read our guides for UK patients, US patients and Canadian patients.
How does follow-up work once you are back in the US or UK?
Follow-up continues for 2 years after you fly home, and we contact you ourselves on WhatsApp. In the first week we stay in close contact and ask for photos of the treated area; after that we check in once a month until month 6 and then every 3 months until the end of the second year. Your photos and questions are passed on to the treating team, and we tell you the doctor’s assessment in your language. Take your treatment report and aftercare instructions home so that your own doctor can see what was done. The time difference with the UK and the US is taken into account when we arrange calls.
Interpreter support in your language
From your first contact to follow-up after you return home, you are supported by an interpreter who speaks your language; interpreter support is available in all 15 languages of this website. The interpreter is with you at the examination, on the treatment day and during your stay in Istanbul, so that you can ask your questions and understand the answers in your own language.
Typical graft ranges by Norwood stage
The ranges below are for general information only. The number of grafts you need depends on the extent of your hair loss, the density you want and the capacity of your donor area. The exact number is set by the treating doctor after an examination.
| Norwood stage | Typical graft range | Technique usually planned | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood 1 | 0 | – | No transplant needed; protecting the existing hair and preventive care |
| Norwood 2 | approx. 1,000–1,850 grafts | Sapphire FUE / DHI | Suitable |
| Norwood 3 | approx. 2,000–2,950 | Sapphire FUE / DHI / Hybrid | Suitable |
| Norwood 3 Vertex | approx. 2,500–3,700 | Sapphire FUE / DHI / Hybrid / FUE | Suitable |
| Norwood 4 | approx. 3,300–4,500 | Sapphire FUE / Hybrid / FUE | Suitable |
| Norwood 5 | approx. 4,300–5,500 | Hybrid / FUE | Detailed assessment needed; more than one session may be required |
| Norwood 6 | approx. 4,700–6,500 | FUE | Detailed assessment needed; donor capacity is decisive |
| Norwood 7 | No standard number | – | Usually not suitable; individual assessment if the donor area is sufficient |
Would you like to see your Norwood stage in an illustrated chart? Message us on WhatsApp and we will send it to you.
More detail: How many grafts do I need?
One graft usually contains 1–4 hairs; the number of grafts is not the same as the number of hairs. A higher graft count does not by itself mean a better result.
When do we say “no”?
A hair transplant is not right for everyone. The Norwood stage alone is not decisive; even with advanced hair loss (Norwood 6–7), a transplant may be possible. What decides it is the balance between the size of the area to be covered and the number of grafts the donor area can provide. Head size, hair thickness and hair type also affect this balance.
Your photos are assessed by a doctor; if it becomes clear that a transplant will not give you the result you expect, we tell you openly. We would rather be realistic than steer you towards a procedure that may disappoint you. Some recent enquiries where we said “no”:
- The patient insisted, but the doctor did not recommend it.
The hair loss was at Norwood 7 and the donor area was not dense enough to cover such a large area. The patient still wanted the procedure. The doctor explained that it could technically be done but the result would be insufficient; we passed this on to the patient clearly. - Hair loss had reached the donor area.
The hair loss was at Norwood 7; the donor area was very weak and the thinning extended into it. Because the chance of a successful result would be very low, a transplant was not recommended based on the doctor’s assessment; we told the patient this clearly. - The bald area was larger than the donor area could cover.
The hair loss was at Norwood 7 and the donor area was weak. The number of grafts that could be taken would not be enough to cover such a large area, so, based on the doctor’s assessment, a transplant was not recommended; we told the patient this clearly. - The donor area was good, but three sessions would have been needed.
The hair loss was at Norwood 7. The donor area was healthy, but covering the bald area would have required three sessions. The doctor judged that taking so many grafts could thin and irritate the donor area, so a transplant was not recommended; we told the patient this clearly. - The donor area was the best of these cases, but still not enough.
The hair loss was at Norwood 7 and covered a very large area. The donor area was the best among these examples, but its density could not provide enough grafts to cover such a large area. Based on the doctor’s assessment, a transplant was not recommended; we explained the reasons to the patient clearly.
Want to know where you stand? Send photos of the front, top and back (donor area) of your head on WhatsApp; the form is only for us to contact you. We will tell you honestly what the doctor’s assessment shows and what the alternatives are.
The information you send is used only for the preliminary assessment; details are in our privacy notice.
More frequently asked questions about hair transplants
Is it safe to have a hair transplant in Turkey?
No one can promise a risk-free procedure or a specific result. Safety depends mainly on who performs the procedure, where it takes place and how aftercare is handled. Use the checklist above and ask for the answers in writing.
How long does a hair transplant last?
The follicles are usually taken from an area where hair is less sensitive to hereditary hair loss, which is why transplanted hair tends to be long-lasting. The existing hair around it may continue to thin, so ask the doctor about a long-term plan.
Does a hair transplant hurt?
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia. The anaesthetic injections and the first days afterwards can feel uncomfortable, so ask the medical team which pain relief is planned for you.
Can I have a hair transplant if I have a chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes or epilepsy?
If you have heart disease, cardiology clearance is required before a hair transplant depending on the medicines you take and their doses; the procedure is planned only after this clearance. For other chronic conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy, suitability is decided by the doctor after an individual assessment. Share your full medical history, all the medicines you take and any allergies in advance.
Is there a minimum age for a hair transplant?
Whether you are suitable is decided by the treating doctor after an individual assessment. Hair loss can still be progressing at a younger age, so share your family history, medical history and medicines in advance so that the doctor can judge the right timing.
Will I have an interpreter in my own language during treatment?
Yes. An interpreter who speaks your language supports you from your first contact, at the examination, on the treatment day, during your stay in Istanbul and at follow-up after you return home.
What is an FUE hair transplant?
FUE (follicular unit extraction) is a hair transplant technique in which follicular units are taken one by one from the donor area, usually the back of the head, and placed into small channels in the thinning area. It leaves tiny dot-like marks instead of a linear scar. Whether FUE suits you is decided by the treating doctor after an examination.
How many grafts will I need for a hair transplant?
The number of grafts depends on the size of the area to be covered, the density you want and how many grafts your donor area can safely provide. Plans commonly range from about 1,500 to more than 4,000 grafts, but this is only general information. The exact number is set by the treating doctor after examining your scalp, not from photos alone.
Can I have an Afro hair transplant?
Whether an Afro hair transplant is suitable for you is decided by the treating doctor after examining your scalp, donor area and pattern of hair loss. Afro-textured hair can be transplanted, but it needs careful planning and experience with curly follicles. Before you travel, share your medical history, including any tendency to keloid scarring, and the medicines you take. Read more on our Afro hair transplant page.
Why is an Afro hair transplant different?
Afro-textured hair grows from curved follicles that also curve under the skin, so extraction and implantation need extra care to avoid damaging the follicle. The team may adapt the extraction technique, punch size and angle, and experience with this hair type matters. Because each curl covers more of the scalp, fewer grafts may give visible coverage; the treating doctor sets the plan. More about curved follicles and technique: Afro hair transplant.
Are healing and the risk of scarring different with Afro hair?
Healing is often similar, but people with Afro-textured hair and darker skin may have a higher tendency to keloid or raised scars and to changes in skin colour. The treating doctor should assess any personal or family history of keloids before planning and may suggest a small test area. Tell the team about previous scars and follow the aftercare instructions closely. Keloid assessment and aftercare are explained on our Afro hair transplant page.
When is the first hair wash after a hair transplant?
The first hair wash is usually done one to two days after the procedure, often by the team, who also show you how to wash gently at home. For about the first two weeks, you wash carefully without rubbing the grafts. The shampoo and lotion you will use after the first wash are included in your package. The exact timing and method follow the written aftercare instructions of your treating team.
Hair transplant, PRP or medication: which is right for me?
Which option suits you is decided by the treating doctor, based on the cause and stage of your hair loss, your donor area and your health. A hair transplant moves existing follicles to thinning areas, while PRP and medication aim to support the hair and slow ongoing hair loss and are sometimes used alongside a transplant. Share your medical history and current medicines before deciding.
What if my donor area is weak or insufficient?
If your donor area is weak, the treating doctor may recommend a smaller, more conservative plan that prioritises the areas that matter most for your appearance, or may advise that a transplant is not suitable for you at this stage. In some cases, beard or body hair may be considered as an additional source. Medical or non-surgical treatments may also be discussed after your donor density has been examined.
Can a hair transplant be completed in one session?
Many hair transplants are completed in a single session, usually within one day, but this depends on the size of the area, the number of grafts needed and your donor capacity. Extensive hair loss may be planned in two stages to protect the donor area and the survival of the grafts. The treating doctor explains in writing whether your plan involves one session or more.
When is a second hair transplant session needed?
A second session may be considered when the first could not cover the whole area, when more density is wanted, or when hair loss continues in areas that were not treated. It is usually discussed only after the result of the first procedure has matured, often around 12 months later. Whether it is possible depends on your remaining donor area and is decided by the treating doctor.
How many days should I stay in Istanbul for a hair transplant?
Most people stay in Istanbul for about three days: arrival and consultation, the procedure day, and a check-up with the first wash before flying home. Some plans need an extra day, for example for a larger session or a late flight. Your exact itinerary is confirmed in writing by the treating team, so check the timing of your return flight with them before booking.
How does the 2-year follow-up work?
Channel: Follow-up takes place on WhatsApp; you send your photos and questions there. Schedule: AVAN AESTH gets in touch with you. We follow you closely in the first week, then once a month until month 6 and every 3 months until the end of the second year. For hair transplants, a daily photo is requested for the first 10 days. If you have a question or concern in between, you can write to us at any time. Who you are in contact with: your patient coordinator, who speaks your language. All follow-up messages are checked one by one every day by the founder of AVAN AESTH. Additional costs: for the conditions of a correction when a problem is caused by the procedure, see the question “Who pays for any additional costs?”.
What determines a successful, natural-looking hair transplant result?
A natural result depends mainly on realistic planning, the quality and number of grafts your donor area can provide, and careful placement that follows your natural hair direction, angle and density. A hairline designed to suit your age and face, gentle handling of the grafts and good aftercare also matter. Your hair type and any ongoing hair loss influence the result, which no one can guarantee.
Can I find out how many grafts were extracted and implanted at the end of the procedure?
Yes. At the end of the procedure, the number of grafts extracted and implanted is given to you in writing. Keep this record with your treatment documents; it is useful during follow-up and if you see another doctor later. Updated: 14.10.2026 · Source: AVAN AESTH coordination process
Do I have to pay a deposit to book?
No. There is no deposit or advance payment. Your plan and price are confirmed in writing, and you pay in Istanbul on the day of treatment.
Is the 2-year follow-up included in the package?
Yes. The 2-year follow-up on WhatsApp is part of every package and continues after you return home.
Who pays for any additional costs?
For hair transplant, dental and plastic surgery treatments: if a problem that appears within 2 years after your treatment is caused by the procedure itself (by the healthcare facility or the doctor), AVAN AESTH covers only the fee for the corrective procedure (the surgery itself). Flights, hotel, transfers, medication, tests and all other costs for the correction are your own. Whether the problem is caused by the procedure is decided on the basis of the treating doctor’s assessment. You pay all costs in these cases: the rules, aftercare instructions or doctor’s recommendations given to you are not followed; problems that arise after the 2-year period in which the result develops has ended, from reasons on your side, such as aftercare not being continued; other health problems unrelated to the procedure; a request for a new and different procedure.
How does the process work?
- You share photos of your hair and donor area and relevant medical history.
- A licensed provider reviews them and, if appropriate, prepares a written treatment plan.
- You confirm your travel dates; we arrange your appointments, hotel accommodation and transfers, which are included in your package.
- The consultation and procedure take place in Istanbul with the treating medical team.
- Before you fly home, the treating team gives you written aftercare instructions.
- After you return home, we stay in contact and pass your questions to the treating team.
FUE, Sapphire FUE and DHI compared
The three names describe variations of the same basic idea. They differ mainly in how recipient sites are prepared and how grafts are placed.
| Technique | Extraction | Implantation / channel approach | Shaving considerations | Typical considerations | Important limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUE | Follicular units are removed one by one from the donor area | Recipient channels are opened with fine steel blades or needles, then grafts are placed | The donor area is usually trimmed; recipient shaving depends on the plan | The base method on which the other two build | Limited by donor capacity; the result depends on planning and the team's experience |
| Sapphire FUE | Same as FUE | Recipient channels are opened with sapphire-tipped blades, then grafts are placed | Similar to FUE | A variation of the channel-opening step | The blade material alone does not determine the result |
| DHI | Same as FUE | An implanter pen creates each recipient site and places the graft in one step | In some plans the recipient area does not need full shaving | Often discussed for adding density between existing hairs or for hairline work | Placement can take longer per graft; experience with implanter pens matters |
No technique is best for everyone. The treating doctor should explain which approach is proposed for you, and why, after assessing your hair loss, donor area and goals.
Sapphire hair transplant · DHI hair transplant
Who decides which technique is suitable?
The treating doctor decides after assessing the cause and pattern of your hair loss, the density of your donor area, your existing hair and your goals. A technique name on its own does not predict the result, so ask how the proposed plan fits your situation.
Questions to ask before you book
- Who will perform graft extraction, channel opening and implantation?
- How many grafts are planned, and how does that relate to your donor area?
- Which technique is proposed, and why for your case?
- What exactly is included in the written plan, and what is not?
- What aftercare will you receive, and who answers your questions after you return home?
- Is the facility licensed, and is it authorised to treat international patients?
Personalised treatment plan
Your package contents are listed under “What your package includes” on this page. Your dates and length of stay in Istanbul depend on your treatment plan; before booking, confirm them in writing together with the number of hotel nights and aftercare arrangements.
Travel and length of stay
Ask for an individual schedule before booking flights. Confirm the number of visits, review appointments and when the treating professional expects you to be fit to travel. Some treatment plans require more than one visit.
Follow-up after returning home
We follow up with you for 2 years after you return home; how this works is explained in the question “How does the 2-year follow-up work?” on this page.
Request information →Hair transplant in Istanbul: frequently asked questions
Is a hair transplant in Istanbul suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on the cause and pattern of your hair loss, your donor area and your general health. Some types of hair loss need medical assessment or treatment first. Only a licensed doctor can decide after reviewing your case.
What does AVAN AESTH do, and what does it not do?
AVAN AESTH coordinates your journey: consultation requests, appointments, travel arrangements, interpreting support where included and follow-up communication. We do not diagnose, perform procedures or make medical decisions; these are the responsibility of the licensed treating team.
Which is better: FUE, Sapphire FUE or DHI?
None is best for everyone. The main differences are in how recipient sites are prepared and how grafts are placed. The treating doctor should explain why a technique is proposed for your hair loss and donor area.
How can I check a clinic in Turkey before travelling?
Ask for the facility's licence details and whether it is authorised to serve international patients, and check this against official Ministry of Health health tourism sources. Also ask who will perform each stage of the procedure.
What happens after I return home?
You follow the written aftercare instructions from the treating team. We stay in contact, share your updates and pass your questions to the treating team. Growth after a hair transplant develops gradually, so the first weeks do not show the final result.
Tell us which treatment you are considering, your country and your preferred contact time. We will help you understand what information is needed for an initial assessment.
Before booking, discuss your goals, suitability, alternatives and risks with the treating professional. Request a written treatment plan and realistic expectations. The plan should be based on your individual assessment.
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