Hair Transplant

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) removes individual follicular units one by one using a tiny punch, leaving scattered dot scars that are virtually invisible, even with short hair. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) removes a strip of scalp from the donor area and dissects it into individual grafts, leaving a linear scar that is hidden by hair above a certain length. FUE has a faster recovery, less post-operative discomfort, and no linear scar, making it the more popular choice. FUT can yield more grafts in a single session and may be preferred for patients needing maximum coverage. Some patients benefit from combining both techniques across multiple sessions.

The number of grafts depends on the area of hair loss, desired density, and available donor supply. As a general guide: hairline refinement may require 800-1,500 grafts, moderate frontal hair loss 1,500-2,500 grafts, and extensive hair loss (Norwood V-VI) may require 3,000-5,000+ grafts, sometimes across multiple sessions. Each graft contains 1-4 individual hairs, so 2,000 grafts represent approximately 4,000-6,000 individual hairs. Your surgeon will provide a personalized graft estimate during consultation based on your specific pattern and goals.

Yes. The transplanted follicles are taken from the donor area at the back and sides of the head, where they are genetically programmed to resist the effects of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for pattern hair loss. When these follicles are moved to a new location, they retain this genetic resistance. The transplanted hair will continue to grow naturally, can be cut and styled normally, and does not fall out. However, your existing non-transplanted hair may continue to thin over time, which is why many surgeons recommend medical therapy (finasteride, minoxidil) alongside transplantation to protect native hair.

The shedding phase (telogen effluvium) at 2-4 weeks after surgery is a completely normal and expected part of the process. The transplanted hair shafts fall out, but the follicles remain alive beneath the skin. This happens because the trauma of extraction and reimplantation causes the hairs to enter a resting phase. New hair growth from these follicles typically begins at 3-4 months and continues to mature in thickness and density until the full result is visible at 12-18 months. This waiting period requires patience, but the eventual growth is permanent.

Turkey has become the world's most popular destination for hair transplants, performing an estimated 500,000+ procedures per year. Prices are significantly lower than in Western Europe or North America (often EUR 1,500-4,000 for procedures that would cost EUR 5,000-12,000 elsewhere), and many clinics offer all-inclusive packages with hotel, transfers, and PRP therapy. However, quality varies enormously. The best results come from clinics where a qualified, experienced surgeon (not just technicians) performs or closely supervises the procedure. Research the clinic thoroughly, ask for before-and-after photos of their work, check patient reviews, and ensure the clinic has appropriate certifications. Choosing the cheapest option without due diligence is the most common mistake.

Absolutely. Female pattern hair loss (Ludwig classification) affects millions of women and can be effectively treated with hair transplantation. Women often experience diffuse thinning rather than the receding hairline pattern seen in men, which may require a different surgical approach. Women are typically good candidates if they have a stable pattern of thinning with adequate donor density, and if medical causes of hair loss (thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances) have been excluded. The female hairline is typically preserved in its original position, and the goal is to add density to thinning areas.

The transplanted hair itself is permanent and requires no special maintenance. However, your existing native hair (which was not transplanted) remains susceptible to pattern hair loss. To protect it, most hair restoration surgeons recommend medical therapy: finasteride (oral, 1 mg daily) blocks DHT and can slow or stop further loss in the majority of men, and minoxidil (topical, applied twice daily) stimulates hair growth. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, performed every 6-12 months, may also support hair follicle health. A comprehensive long-term strategy combines the transplant with ongoing medical therapy to maintain both transplanted and native hair.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and injecting it into the scalp. The growth factors stimulate hair follicle activity and may improve graft survival, accelerate healing, and support the health of existing native hair. Many clinics include PRP as part of their transplant package, administering it during surgery and in follow-up sessions. While research on PRP is still evolving, the majority of studies show a positive effect on hair density and growth when used as an adjunctive therapy.