Hair Transplant in Turkey

What is hair transplantation?

Hair follicles that are resistant to shedding are extracted using special techniques and transferred to the balding or thinning areas of the individual. This two-step transfer process is called hair transplantation. In other words, hair transplantation is a procedure that involves relocating a person’s own hair. Therefore, the total number of hair follicles on the head remains unchanged.

The objective is to naturally and permanently restore hair coverage to areas affected by thinning or hair loss, achieving a seamless and authentic look. Hair transplantation becomes the primary solution, especially in cases where medical treatments do not yield results. Additionally, this procedure is also a permanent and definitive solution for beard, mustache, and eyebrow loss.

When did hair transplantation first begin?

The idea of hair transplantation began in the 1930s worldwide. However, in the early years, successful results were not achieved. In 1990, significant progress was made with the FUT technique, based on the concept of follicular units. The FUE technique was discovered in 2000 and quickly spread worldwide.

What is a graft? How many hairs are there in one graft?

In hair transplant terminology, "graft" is a very commonly used term because the foundation of the procedure relies on grafts. Therefore, we must understand what this term means, as it will be frequently used in this article and in other topics we will be explaining related to hair transplantation.

Hairs which are called follicular units, are typically found in groups of 1-6. This means that a follicular unit can contain a varying number of hair strands. Each follicular unit group in the scalp is called a graft. The number of hair strands per square centimeter varies depending on the individual’s hair density. Let's explain this with a simple example.

Let’s assume 1000 grafts are taken, and the number of hairs in each graft follows the pattern in the table below.

When we add up the numbers in the table, for example, we will see that 1000 grafts correspond to 2000 hair strands. In other words, the Hair Follicle / Graft average will be 2. The higher this ratio, the denser the hair will be. Keep this table in mind because the "hair follicle / graft" average we provided as an example in the donor area will apply equally to the transplanted hair.

As a result, we can say that two individuals who undergo hair transplantation with the same number of grafts will not necessarily achieve the same density. This entirely depends on the strength and characteristics of the donor hair. Because, a single graft may contain 1, 2, 3, or even more hair follicles.

Why Does Hair Fall Out?

In men with high testosterone levels, this hormone converts into its active metabolite which is dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone tends to accumulate primarily in the frontal and mid-scalp regions. The body's immune cells, responsible for defense, perceive this accumulated hormone as a foreign invader and attempt to remove dihydrotestosterone from the hair follicles. However, in doing so, the hair follicles weaken, become thinner, and eventually start shedding. This is the simplest explanation for androgenic alopecia, known as baldness, which is the leading cause of hair loss in men. However, the hair at the back of the head and the area between the ears is naturally insensitive to dihydrotestosterone. In other words, the hair in the nape area is hormonally resistant and consists of strong, non-shedding hair. Hair loss is also strongly linked to genetics and individuals with first-degree male relatives such as father, uncle, or maternal uncle who experience baldness are at the highest risk of hair loss.

Hair loss can also be caused by many factors such as stress, vitamin deficiency, medications, and regional loss due to burn surgery scars. We will discuss the causes of hair loss in detail as a separate topic. For those with hair loss, using minoxidil before hair transplant may help strengthen the hair.

Why Turkey for hair transplant?

Turkey has many reputable hair surgeons who successfully perform hair transplants. If you choose the right doctor, you can achieve better results paying half the cost compared to what you would pay in countries like the USA and the UK. We recommend that you consider both quality and price advantages when making your decision.

Why AHD Clinic in Turkey for hair transplant?

If you want natural and undetectable results, Dr. Hakan Doğanay and his team can provide that for you. Keep in mind that you definitely will not be happy with an artificial hairline.

Who is the best for hair transplant in Turkey?

If you ask us, our answer will definitely be AHD Clinic. We advise you to look for doctors and clinics with a realistic approach. After doing your research, make sure to compare clinics. The cheapest or the most expensive clinic does not necessarily mean it is the best.

How long does a hair transplant surgery take?

The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. A maximum of 2000-2500 grafts can be transplanted within an 8-hour period. However, if the number of grafts is higher, it is medically more appropriate to split the procedure into 2 consecutive days for the hair transplant.

How Can I Tell If I Am Suitable for a Hair Transplant?

After a consultation with Dr. Hakan Doğanay, a clear answer to this question will clearly be given to you. At AHD Clinic, a hair transplant is never offered or performed on individuals who are not ethically suitable for the procedure.

What Is the Success Rate of Hair Transplantation?

Success in hair transplantation means both a high percentage of hair growth and a natural appearance. If either of these factors is missing, it means that the procedure is unsuccessful. At AHD Clinic, the satisfaction rate of our patients is 95% or higher.

When Can I See the Results of My Hair Transplant?

After the procedure, a patience-requiring process begins. Initially, the transplanted hair will shed, and new growth will start around 3-4 months later. However, the first hairs that grow will be thin and sparse. You will need to wait 1 year to achieve the desired results.

How long does eyebrow transplantation take?

Eyebrow transplantation can take between 1 to 4 hours, depending on the number of grafts. With this procedure, performed under local anesthesia, you can achieve permanent and natural results.

How can the gaps in the beard be filled?

Some men may have irregular areas on their face where the beard does not grow. These gaps can be filled in two ways. The first is through minoxidil treatment, which may stimulate beard growth in the empty areas. However, it does not provide guaranteed results for everyone. These gaps can be filled permanently with beard transplantation.

How many years does a hair transplant last?

This depends on the strength of the donor area. For example, if the hair in the donor area is still strong after 10 years, the hair in the recipient area will also remain strong and will not fall out.

Is it possible to get a hair transplant without shaving the hair?

In traditional hair transplantation, the hair is completely shaved. In some special cases, a hair transplant can be performed without shaving the hair. The DHI technique is the most accurate and successful solution for hair transplants without shaving.

Who are not suitable candidates for hair transplant?

Individuals with an insufficient donor area are primarily not suitable for the procedure. Suitability for hair transplant should be assessed based on criteria such as age, type of hair loss, speed of hair loss, and chronic diseases.

How many grafts do I need? How can I find out?

We can provide you with the answer to this question after a consultation with us. To know the degree of hair loss and the required number of grafts, we need pictures of your head taken from different angles. Alternatively, after a video consultation with us, we can give you the answer.

Can a completely bald person undergo a hair transplant?

In Norwood Type 7 baldness, the maximum number of grafts that can be taken from the donor area is around 2,000-2,500 grafts. However, the number of grafts required to cover the recipient area exceeds 10,000. Therefore, a highly efficient result cannot be achieved. In such cases, it is definitely not recommended to perform a hair transplant on someone aged 25-30, as they will not be satisfied. However, a person aged 45-50 may be happy with the results.

What are the donor areas used for hair transplantation?

The primary donor area used in hair transplantation is the back of the head, specifically the nape area between the two ears. This is because the hair in this region is insensitive to dihydrotestosterone, making it strong and unlikely to fall out. If the hair from the donor area is insufficient, additional donor sources such as beard and chest hair can be used.

What is the best season for hair transplantation?

Hair transplantation can be performed in all 12 months of the year. This means there is no specific season required for the procedure. The choice of season depends entirely on the individual's lifestyle and profession. For example, teachers often prefer to undergo hair transplantation during summer vacation, while those working in the tourism sector typically opt for October and November, as the tourism season winds down during these months. If you plan to swim in the sea and sunbathe every day during the summer season, we recommend having your hair transplant after the summer season ends.

Will I feel pain during a hair transplant?

Hair transplantation is performed under local anesthesia, meaning the patient remains conscious during the procedure. The areas to be treated are numbed with local anesthesia. To prevent pain during the transplant is aimed with this. Patients may feel pain for a few minutes during the anesthesia injection. After that, the patients do not experience any discomfort, and the procedure is completed comfortably.

Can someone else’s hair be transplanted?

Due to genetic incompatibility, one person’s hair is not compatible with another person, and even if a transplant is done, it will not work. This is why a person’s own hair is used in hair transplantation. However, identical twins have complete genetic compatibility, and hair from one can be transplanted to the other. AHD clinic performed such a case in 2013. However, this is a rare occurrence, happening once in a million. There have been studies regarding the transplantation of mother’s hair to a male child, but no positive results have been found yet.

How to choose the right hair transplant center and doctor?

For a successful hair transplant result, choosing the right doctor and clinic to perform the procedure is crucial. For this, you should conduct thorough research without rushing before the operation. Research the before and after results of the clinic or doctor where you plan to have the hair transplant. Pay special attention to reviews from people who have had hair transplants before on local and international forum sites. Check complaints and recommendations. A good hair transplant center will not make you unrealistic promises. Compare clinics that provide realistic information with regard to price and other criteria. Ultimately, based on your evaluation, you will find the best hair transplant center or doctor for you.

What are the risks and complications of hair transplantation?

Like any surgical procedure, hair transplantation also has some potential risks and complications. Some of these are minor complications that do not significantly affect the outcome. However, the majority of them are usually due to errors by the doctor or technician and may negatively impact the results. Now, let's examine these item by item

1. Bleeding: During hair transplantation, some bleeding occurs during graft extraction and implantation. After the transplantation, the donor area may experience slight blood oozing on the first day. These are normal occurrences. In the DHI method, the amount of bleeding during implantation is less. Additionally, it is important to ensure that blood-thinning medications are not used before the operation.
2.  Redness and Pimples: This is generally normal, but if they appear in excessive numbers or stay for a long time, they may be considered a sign of infection.
3. Infection: Normally, the scalp is an area with high blood flow. In regions with high blood flow, the risk of infection is lower. However, if the transplantation is not performed under sterile conditions, hair follicles in both the donor and recipient areas may become inflamed. If the infection spreads to the transplanted hair follicles, many grafts may be damaged and fail to grow. Infection must be brought under control with antibiotic treatment.
4. Numbness and Loss of Sensation: Loss of sensation may occur in the donor and recipient areas for up to 1month. It usually heals on its own.
5. Pain: There might be a Mild pain in the donor and transplanted areas during the first few days. Simple painkillers will be sufficient.
6. Shedding of Existing Hair: During hair densification procedures, improper implantation may damage existing hair.
7. Insufficient Hair Growth and Sparse Appearance: This occurs entirely due to errors made by the doctor and the assisting team. If proper planning is not done, the number of grafts per square centimeter becomes insufficient.
8. Unnatural Appearance: Unnatural results are commonly seen as a result of incorrect angles and directions, as well as an improperly designed hairline. This is entirely the fault of the doctor and the team.
9. Necrosis: A significant undesirable complication in hair transplantation surgery. Tissue damage in the transplanted area disrupts blood flow, leading to dead tissue formation. These areas are called necrotic tissue, and hair does not grow in necrotic regions.
10. Incorrect Anesthesia: The improper use of anesthetic drugs in the wrong dosage can lead to serious heart and rhythm disorders.