The ultimate guide to Hair Transplant in Istanbul

Last fact-checked: 30 November 2022

With a hair transplant in Istanbul, you can benefit from the expertise of world-class surgeons while saving up to 70% compared to prices in the UK, EU or USA.

Read on to see how much a hair transplant costs in Turkey at Medical Departures’ verified partner clinics, as well as details about the different procedures available (such as FUT, FUE and DHI), booking information and other useful tips for your medical trip abroad.

How Much Do Hair Transplants Cost in Istanbul, Turkey?

The table below shows average hair transplant prices in Istanbul compared with the same FUE surgery if performed in the UK. (Prices per number of grafts):

Please note: The above prices are based on an average cost of £85 (€100) per 100 grafts; please see our clinic listing pages for up-to-date price estimates per/number of grafts.

As you can see, it is easily possible to save between 50% and 70% on your hair transplant when getting treatment at one of our background-checked Turkish specialists.

Istanbul Hair Transplant Prices vs the UK: Is it Worth it?

In the UK, it’s not uncommon for hair transplants at top clinics in London, Manchester and Birmingham to cost upwards of GBP 10,000. Likewise, in the USA or other Western European nations, patients can expect to pay a similar amount in their respective currencies.

In Istanbul, for very light treatment where only a small number of hair follicles are transplanted during a single session–such as around the frontal hairline–patients can make decent savings of several hundred pounds or euros, which is certainly enough to cover travel expenses.

As for those who are starting to thin around the mid-scalp and crown of the head, it is possible to end up paying several thousand pounds or euros less–even when factoring in flight and accommodation costs.

What Determines the Price?

The two main factors that will determine how much you pay in Turkey:

1. Type of method used:

• FUE is currently the preferred technique for natural-looking results, leaving no visible scarring

• FUT may be more suitable for those in the more advanced stages of hair loss. While the quickest technique, it can leave a linear scar where the scalp is removed.

• Direct hair implantation (DHI), a modification of the FUE method that uses innovative tools for less invasive treatment, is another option that tends to be a little pricier than others.

2. Number of grafts
   
   As shown in the price table above, costs rise according to the number of grafts required to restore full hair growth,

Prices depend largely on the number of grafts needed and the particular method you need.

The reputation of the clinic, expertise/experience of the surgeon and type of equipment used (such as sapphire blades) may also have a bearing on the final cost of the treatment.

Why Choose Istanbul for a Hair Transplant?

Do you look in the mirror and worry about thinning hair, a receding hairline or bald patches? A hair transplant in Istanbul may just be the answer to your hair problems. If you have already tried everything ranging from "miracle" hair products to approved medicines and nothing has worked, then a hair transplant is the only solution if you want that full head of hair back.

Some kinds of hair loss may be temporary – it may be due to stress, hormonal problems, medications or even certain diseases. Often this loss is temporary and hair will grow back as before. At times, hair loss may be permanent. More often than not, baldness is due to heredity and there is nothing much you can do about that except a hair transplant.

With savings in Istanbul between 50%-70%, patients can easily save several thousand pounds in Turkey, even when factoring in flight costs and accommodation.

But low prices aren’t the only reason to choose Istanbul for your hair transplant.

Quality of Care:  This iconic Eurasian city has earned its reputation as the “hair transplant capital of the world” thanks not only to affordability but also the high standards of care on offer, with some of the top specialists in the world delivering natural-looking results.

The best surgeons in Istanbul have often completed part of their professional training overseas and hold professional memberships with global associations such as the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.

Impressive Results: Not so long ago, it was rather obvious when somebody had got “hair plugs”, as they used to be referred to; the telltale signs were uneven growth, isolated patches or strips and wobbly hairlines.

Today, thanks to innovative techniques, Turkish surgeons deliver natural-looking results, as well as quick, pain-free treatment in comfortable clinics that are dedicated to welcoming international patients.

Trusted Destination for Medical Tourism: Istanbul is home to some of the top hospitals in the region, with patients flocking here not only for hair transplants but also a range of plastic surgeries and dental work. Popular procedures include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), liposuction, eye bag removal, arm lifts, orthopedic surgery and holistic regenerative treatments.

The hospitals and clinics listed on our site are modern, with skilled medical teams using high-tech equipment and the latest technology to ensure patient safety and satisfaction.

> Read More: Ultimate Guide to Doctors in Turkey

Ideal Location for Post-Surgery Recovery: Following treatment, you’ll be advised to take things easy, staying in the country for around 5-7 days before flying home – allowing the scalp to start healing and swelling to subside. It just so happens that Istanbul is a great place to lay low for a while–away from the rest of the world’s prying eyes.

With favorable exchange rates, accommodation is relatively inexpensive for a major city, and there’s plenty in the way of low-key activities to pass the days, as outlined in the Istanbul travel section further down.

Is it Safe to Get a Hair Transplant in Istanbul?

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk; even when undergoing treatment with the finest surgeon in the world, complications can occur due to the simple fact that our bodies are all different and thus have the potential to react differently.

One factor that makes hair transplants safer than other surgical procedures is the fact that local anesthesia is used to number the affected area–rather than general anesthesia, which brings with it a range of other risk factors.

Whatsmore, hair transplant success rates are extremely high in Turkey, and the chance of any complications is mitigated further when booking with a fully verified, background-checked specialist through Medical Departures. 

And by following international protocols on sterilization methods and aftercare, hair transplants are becoming safer all the time.

Finding the Best Clinics and Surgeons for Your Hair Transplant in Istanbul

When undergoing surgery of any type for the purpose of looking better, the quality of the end result is hugely important. Without using a trustworthy third-party resource, how can you be sure that you are going to the right place, have qualified doctors, and that the amenities at the hospital or clinic meet your expectations?

And what about your surgeon's experience and qualifications? Do they have affiliations or memberships with professional organizations, like the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery–or at the very least, can you be sure that they are registered with domestic boards like the Turkish Medical Association or the Turkish Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (TSAPS)? 

That is where Medical Departures come in. We do your homework for you. We make sure that the clinics and hospitals on our list meet our standards–checking qualifications, professional memberships, and legal/criminal records.

It is our mission to connect prospective patients like you with experienced medical providers across the world where treatment is more affordable; as for hair transplants, we only partner with the top experts in Turkey who specialize in FUE, FUT, and DHI techniques to help restore your hair growth for a fraction of the cost back home.

How We Verify Clinics:

Before any doctor, clinic or hospital is listed on our site, our team:

• Investigates all of the paperwork for clinics to legally operate within their jurisdiction.

• Checks the track records of the doctors, their qualifications, experience and accreditations

• Compiles real patient reviews and interviews past patients about their experiences.

• Checks the amenities and ambiance to ensure that they meet the standards you may be accustomed to.

• Looks into the quality of each clinic’s equipment and specialized technology to carry out successful hair transplants

• Engages in dialogue with management to ensure they are ready to welcome international patients, offering additional services like transfers, translation, and help to get to and from the clinic.

• Reviews the clinic’s official records with regard to success rates and any incident reports

Book with Medical Departures on Your Side — with Live Chat Support

A big advantage of booking with Medical Departures is the 24/7 live chat support you’ll receive–at no extra cost. You can speak to a member of our team before, during, or after your trip to Istanbul–so should you have any questions that need answering, we’ll be ready to help.

Other benefits of using Medical Departures to arrange your hair transplant:

• There are no additional costs for using our platform

• You can obtain a free quote by entering your details via the “Book Consultation” tab on each of our clinic listings

• You’ll have access to exclusive Medical Departures promotions, available at select clinics

• We guarantee the best prices online

Top Hair Transplant Clinics & Surgeons in Istanbul

Medical Departures only lists the best hair transplant clinics and hospitals in Turkey that offer this life-changing procedure, all of which boast high success rates, a roster of certified, skilled specialists and glowing testimonials from past patients who have securely booked their free appointment through our site—or via our Customer Care Team.

See below for 5 of our top-rated clinics in Istanbul for hair transplants–recommended by both past patients and the team here at Medical Departures:

• Istanbul Aesthetic Center - Medical

• Estherian Clinic

• Hisar Hospital Intercontinental

• HealthPoint World Clinic

• Esteworld Clinic Turkey

Our full list of hair transplant clinics and hospitals in Istanbul can be found here.

Head through to our listing pages to see FUE prices, hair transplant before & after photos, surgeon profiles and their professional memberships, reviews, and links to book your free consultation.

See More:

> All Hair Transplants Clinics in Turkey
> All Hair Transplants Clinics in Antalya
> All Hair Transplants Clinics in Izmir

Traveling to Istanbul as a Medical Tourist

Istanbul is a truly spectacular city straddling both Europe and Asia, on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait.

The Old Town features narrow, cobblestone streets, old wooden houses converted into shops and bars, as well as a treasure trove of stunning, ancient architecture to explore.

The European side is where most of Istanbul’s landmarks are located, whereas the Asian side affords some magnificent views of the domes and minarets puncturing the skyline across the water. Here, you’ll also find a few trendy, tourist-friendly districts with a lively bar and café scene, so both sides are definitely worth checking out if you have enough time.

The city is a great destination for medical tourists: Istanbul’s hair transplant clinics are modern, welcoming and adhere to the highest clinical and service standards.

How Do I Get to Istanbul? Can I Fly to Turkey?

The opportunity to fly to Istanbul cheaply from a number of UK airports has helped to fuel the rise in medical and health tourism here—with low-cost flights available from most major airports in England, Scotland, Ireland and other EU destinations.

The average flight time is approximately four hours from London, with airlines to choose from including British Airways, Turkish Airways, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and EasyJet.

How Much Do Flights to Istanbul Cost from the UK?

At the time of writing (via Skyscanner), return flights to Istanbul from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton) start from just GBP 100, with average prices closer to the GBP 150–200 mark when flying with checked-in luggage.

At the time of writing, British nationals can enter Turkey without applying for a formal visa, staying for up to 90 days at a time.

Country entry requirements across the world change all the time, so do remember to check the latest entry requirements via gov. before planning your trip.

Where to Stay in Istanbul?

Istanbul has a wide choice of hotels, from budget single rooms for less than GBP 20 to five-star palace-like hotels costing several hundred per night.

For mid-range options, the majority of three- and four-star hotels in Istanbul fall into the GBP 50–100 price bracket (via booking.com).

Price comparison sites can also be used to find everything from luxury resorts, serviced apartments, backpacker hostels, guesthouses, and also private houses/apartments when using a holiday rental site like Airbnb.

Istanbul boasts a handful of exciting, hip neighborhoods; the area right for you may well be where your clinic or hospital is located, saving you a long taxi ride across this sprawling metropolis before and after treatment.

In Brief: What to Know About Hair Transplants

Note: Head to Medical Departures’ Ultimate Guide to Hair Transplants Abroad for more detailed information about hair transplant procedures, such as what the treatment involves, methods, pros & cons, number of grafts required, etc.

What Are the Different Hair Transplant Methods in Istanbul?

As detailed below, the most common hair transplant methods offered at our clinics in Istanbul include:

• FUE (follicular unit extraction)

• FUT (follicular unit transplant)

• DHI (direct hair implantation, a modification of the FUE method)

FUE Hair Transplant in Istanbul

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is the most widely used method of hair transplantation due to the fact that it is minimally invasive and does not leave any scarring.

FUE involves transferring individual grafts from a donor region, normally at the back or sides of the head, to the recipient, i.e., the balding/thinning area. It is worth noting here that one “graft” is composed of a single follicle, which normally contains a group of 1-4 hairs.

Hairs at the back of the head are much less susceptible to falling out thanks to their resistance to the hormones believed to cause hair loss. This is typically the last area to start thinning as we get older.

During the procedure, anywhere between 500 and 6,000 grafts are transplanted, depending on the severity of hair loss; the number of grafts required is determined by the Norwood Scale (you can find more information on under the section “How Many Grafts Do I Need”).

Sapphire FUE

Specialists in Istanbul may also offer “sapphire FUE,” a modification of the original technique whereby sapphire blades are used; these are smoother and sharper, allowing the surgeon to create smaller incisions (or “canal openings”) in the recipient area, thus enhancing precision.

FUT Hair Transplant in Istanbul

The clue to this method lies in its alternative name: strip harvesting. As an invasive procedure, the surgeon extracts a strip of hair, normally from the back of your head where there is sufficient hair growth, leaving a small linear scar.

The strip is then dissected into hair grafts which are then implanted into the recipient (balding) area, much like the final stage of the FUE method (above).

DHI Hair Transplant in Istanbul

This innovative technique is essentially a modification of the FUE method, where follicles are harvested and then transferred one by one; the difference lies in the instrumentation used to extract the hairs.

With direct hair implantation, the surgeon uses a Choi Implanter Pen to extract the follicles; this micromotor method allows for a faster procedure that does not require canal openings for the grafts to be transferred to the donor region.

Which Hair Transplant Method Is the Right for Me?

Is a FUT right for me? To FUE or not to FUE? What about DHI?

While we can give you some guidance, the final choice will ultimately depend on your current stage of hair loss, your budget and personal preference. If you are still not sure, a final decision can be made in Turkey upon consultation with your surgeon—who will know which hair transplant method is best for you.

A few guidelines:

• FUE is generally the preferred method for patients with shorter hair in the early stages of hair loss. It is minimally invasive; thus no scar is left, promising a quicker recovery time. For those in need of a large number of grafts, do be prepared to sit in the operating chair for four hours or more (you can use your smartphone or tablet during the procedure!)

• If you are in the more advanced stages of hair loss or seeking particularly long and fuller hair, it might be worth considering FUT. Although it’s often the quickest method, do remember that a small linear scar will be left; as this is normally at the back of the head, it will become less noticeable once the hair starts to grow back.

• Thinking about an FUE but want better control over hair density? Then DHI might be for you. This may, however, be the most expensive option, and not all clinics in Turkey offer this relatively new method.

How Many Grafts Would I Need?

The Norwood Scale is commonly used by our partner specialists in Istanbul to determine the number of grafts you need to achieve the desired result Once you know roughly how many grafts are needed, price estimates can also be calculated (as you’ll see in the following section).

Refer to the infographic below highlighting each stage of the Norwood Scale:

Credit: Medical Departures, LLC

There are a total of seven classification stages, with the first stage (IIa) described as “slight hair loss or recession of the hairline,” to the final stage (VII) which is “severe hair loss where only a small band of hair around the sides remains.”

Transplanting Hair to Other Body Parts

As well as hair transplants, clinics and hospitals in Istanbul also offer:

• Beard transplants

• Moustache and goatee transplants

• Eyebrow transplants

• Sideburn transplants

How Long Does it Take for My Hair to Grow after a Transplant?

A ‘resting phase” follows surgery, during which time hair will actually tend to shed, rather than grow. While the lack of immediate hair growth might be frustrating (and annoying to wear a hat every day), good things come to those who wait.

At the three-month stage, new hair growth can be expected (around 10%), increasing to approximately 50% at around six or seven months.

Patients can show off their new full head of hair after about one year; the hair will continue to grow and thicken up 15-18 months after surgery.

See the table below for a hair regrowth timeline:

How Do I Book with Medical Departures?

After browsing our list of fully licensed, background-checked hair transplant clinics in Turkey (most are located in Istanbul), get the ball rolling by reaching out to our Customer Care Team.

Medical Departures’ representatives are on standby 24 hours a day, ready to assist you in booking an appointment or providing you with a free quote based on the number of grafts you require.

Connect via the free-phone number, online chat, email, or social media channels.

Sources:

American Society of Anesthesiologists. Risks. Website accessed: 17 November 2022. https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/preparing-for-surgery/risks/

Turkish Medical Association. Website accessed: 17 November 2022. https://www.aomrc.org.uk/statements/turkish-medical-association/

Skyscanner. Website accessed: 17 November 2022. https://www.skyscanner.net/

Airbnb Turkey. Website accessed: 17 November 2022. https://www.airbnb.co.uk/a/stays/Turkey

Faruqi, S. The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Istanbul. The Culture Trip. 3 April 2021. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/turkey/articles/the-coolest-neighbourhoods-in-istanbul/

Turkey. Gov.uk. Website accessed: 17 November 2022. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements

Gupta, M., & Mysore, V. (2016). Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 9(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.178536

Hwang S.T. (2018) Implanter Pen: How to use it. In: Pathomvanich D., Imagawa K. (eds) Practical Aspects of Hair Transplantation in Asians. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-56547-5_42