Hair Transplant

Hair Transplant offers an effective and permanent solution for hair loss using advanced techniques such as FUE and DHI. Choosing the right Hair Transplant approach ensures natural-looking results, minimal scarring, and long-term satisfaction for patients seeking fuller and healthier hair.

Hair Transplantation

Hair transplantation is a cosmetic surgery that provides a long-lasting, natural-looking option for people with hair loss or baldness. Healthy hair follicles are taken from a donor site (commonly the nape of the neck) and transplanted into sparse or bald areas of the scalp. The procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon and clinical team in a sterile clinic setting. Common techniques include FUE (follicular unit extraction), where follicles are removed individually, and FUT (follicular unit transplantation), where a thin strip of scalp is harvested; choice of method depends on the patient, donor availability, and treatment goals. Results vary by individual and may require medical support or future sessions to manage ongoing hair loss—consult a qualified surgeon for a personalized evaluation.

What is Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves healthy hair follicles from a donor area (most commonly the nape of the neck) into scalp areas with thinning or no hair. The goal is to restore hair in a way that looks natural and lasts long-term when donor hair remains stable.

Transplanted hair follicles can thicken thinning areas and replace lost hair; however, overall hair loss can progress over time, so many patients combine transplantation with medical treatments to preserve native hair and optimize results.

Everyday hair shedding varies by person; clinicians often cite roughly 80–100 hairs per day as a common range, but higher counts may be normal for some—persistent or rapid loss should prompt evaluation. When hair loss continues despite medical therapy or is localized and stable, a hair transplant may be considered after consultation with a surgeon or doctor.

Why is Hair Transplantation Performed?

People choose hair transplantation to restore hair and improve appearance and confidence. Causes of hair loss include genetic predisposition (androgenetic alopecia), hormonal changes, aging, stress, trauma (scars, burns), and some skin conditions. A careful assessment determines whether surgery is appropriate and whether medical treatments should be used first.

Transplantation is aimed at giving a more youthful and natural-looking hairline and density in target areas. Candidates should discuss expectations, likely outcomes, and maintenance plans with a qualified surgeon.

Common reasons people seek a transplant can be grouped into medical and cosmetic categories:

• Medical causes: stable androgenetic hair loss, hair loss from trauma or burns, localized scarring
• Cosmetic/quality-of-life reasons: diffuse thinning affecting self-confidence, desire for fuller hairline or density, limited response to topical/cosmetic products
• Note: some autoimmune conditions (for example active alopecia areata) typically require medical control before considering transplant surgery

Hair transplant procedures in Turkey

With its easily accessible geographical location, gorgeous historical places and landscapes, and vast array of options for accommodation, from luxurious to budget-friendly places, Turkey is already a big player that has proven its leading status in tourism and health tourism. Because Turkey hosts advanced medical centers and experts in hair transplantation, it has become one of the most popular choices for hair transplant surgeries over the years. Because the cost of a hair transplant in Turkey is much lower than in the UK, US, and Europe, hair transplant options in Turkey have gained popularity.

How much is a hair transplant? There is, of course, no set price for hair transplant operations anywhere in the world. However, an estimated price in the UK for such an operation ranges from £5,000 to £15,000, whereas in the US it can be anywhere between $4,000 and $20,000. The same operation in Turkey costs much less, even including accommodation in deluxe hotels, transportation, interpreter fees, and postoperative care. In addition, patients can stay in Turkey after healing from the operation and enjoy the marvelous cities and landscapes at reasonable prices.

Why choose Acıbadem Hair Transplant Center?

Turkey’s popularity with hair transplant patients around the world has caused some negative effects. In recent years, hair transplant clinics have been established all around the country. Due to inconsistent pricing, so-called unprofessional “experts,” and a lack of reviews from patients who have visited these clinics, finding a trustworthy and professional hair transplant treatment clinic with experienced surgeons and a hygienic environment that guarantees your well-being has become a confusing and difficult process. With professional medical staff and surgeons who have specialized in the field of cosmetic surgery and hair transplantation, at Acıbadem Hair Transplant Center, we offer medically proven hair transplant methods. Thirty years of experience and a nationwide web of connected healthcare services, comprising 21 hospitals and 13 medical centers, with more than 3,500 doctors and 4,500 nurses, make Acıbadem a prestigious and established household name in hair transplantation, not only in Turkey but also in Bulgaria, Macedonia, and the Netherlands, with hospitals providing various healthcare services.

When receiving treatment like hair transplantation, every patient has the right to be assured that the treatment will result in the best possible outcome. With this principle in mind, at Acıbadem Hair Transplant Center, we provide the best hair transplantation options for you, with state-of-the-art medical technologies and expert surgeons to ensure that your medical trip to Turkey will be a positive memory.

Who is Suitable for Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplantation is an option for people with localized or stabilized hair loss who have a sufficient donor supply of healthy hair. Typical candidates include those with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss), people with scarring from trauma or burns, and individuals with stable, localized hair patches after infection or injury.

Good general health and controlled chronic conditions make surgery safer; candidates should discuss medical history and expectations with a surgeon and clinical team. Some conditions—active autoimmune scalp disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or bleeding disorders—may require treatment or make transplantation unsuitable until controlled.

Use this quick suitability checklist to decide whether to consult a specialist:

• Donor availability: sufficient healthy follicles in the nape or other donor areas
• Stabilized hair loss: minimal ongoing shedding or managed with medical therapy
• General health: chronic diseases controlled and cleared by your doctor
• Scalp condition: no active infections, severe eczema, or psoriasis in planned areas
• Lifestyle factors: willingness to stop smoking and limit alcohol around the procedure to aid healing

Age guidance varies; many surgeons recommend waiting until patterns of hair loss are clearer (often after mid-20s), but candidacy is individualized. A consultation with an experienced surgeon will include donor assessment, discussion of transplant type, expected graft numbers, and any pre-op tests (blood work, scalp exam).

Both men and women can be candidates. The deciding factors are the type of hair loss, donor density, and overall health — discuss your specific situation with a qualified surgeon to confirm whether a hair transplant is the right choice for you.

How is a Hair Transplant Performed?

A hair transplant procedure moves healthy hair follicles (grafts) from a donor area — most commonly the nape of the neck — into thinning or bald recipient areas of the scalp. Grafts are the units that contain one or more hair follicles; preserving graft integrity during harvest and placement is essential for good hair growth and a natural-looking result. In rare cases where scalp donor supply is limited, body hair (from the chest, arms, or legs) may be considered, but body follicles differ in cycle and texture and are used selectively.

Typical procedural stages (summary):

1. Assessment and planning — the surgeon evaluates hair loss, donor density, and how many grafts will be required.
2. Preparation and anesthesia — the donor area may be trimmed; local anesthesia with or without light sedation is used to keep the patient comfortable.
3. Graft harvesting — follicles are removed using FUE punches, or a strip is taken for FUT; grafts are stored in appropriate solutions to reduce damage.
4. Recipient site creation — tiny channels are opened in the recipient area, planned for angle and hairline design.
5. Graft placement — grafts are carefully placed to recreate natural direction and density.
6. Immediate post-op care — a protective dressing is applied; the team provides instructions to reduce infection risk and promote healing.

Procedure time varies with graft count and technique — many sessions take about 4–6 hours, while very large cases or multiple sessions may require more time. Ask your surgeon or clinic team for an estimate of expected time and graft numbers for your transplant surgery.

Anesthesia and side effects: most hair transplant procedures use local anesthesia; sedation is optional to reduce anxiety. Anesthesia-related side effects are uncommon but can include mild dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness. The clinical team monitors you and typically discharges patients after a short period of observation.

Typical recovery notes: small crusts and mild swelling are common in the first week; scabs usually fall off in about 7–10 days. Some transplanted hairs shed during months 1–3 while roots adapt; new hair growth typically appears around month 3 and improves over 6–12 months. Follow your doctor’s post-op instructions closely to reduce risk of infection and support graft survival.

Questions to ask your surgeon/team before the procedure: estimated number of grafts, expected procedure time, anesthesia plan, infection-prevention measures, and follow-up schedule. Clear answers help set realistic expectations for transplanted hair and final result.

What are the Hair Transplant Methods?

The main types of hair transplant surgery are FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation). FUE harvests individual hair follicles (grafts) one by one, while FUT removes a thin strip of scalp from the back of the head and divides it into grafts under a microscope. Other techniques include DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) and advanced options such as robotic-assisted harvesting or adjunctive PRP to support healing.

Each method has different advantages depending on donor availability, desired graft numbers, and scarring concerns. Below are brief pros and cons to help patients discuss choices with their surgeon and team.

Common methods:

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
• Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT involves removing a strip of scalp from the back head, which is dissected into grafts containing 1–4 hairs under magnification. Pros: efficient graft harvest for large sessions and often higher graft yield per session. Cons: a linear scar in the donor area that may be visible if the hair is very short; stitch removal commonly occurs around 12–15 days depending on surgeon protocol.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

FUE harvests individual grafts from the donor area using small punches. Pros: minimal linear scarring, quicker donor healing, and ability to wear shorter hairstyles. Cons: harvesting many grafts can take longer and may be more resource-intensive; outcomes depend on surgeon skill and graft handling.

Both FUT and FUE can produce natural-looking results when the hairline and direction are planned and executed correctly. The best type for you depends on donor density, scarring tolerance, graft numbers required, and your surgeon’s recommendation.

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) and other options

DHI uses specialized pens to implant follicles directly without pre-made channels, which may improve placement control in some hands. Robotic systems can assist harvesting precision. PRP and other supportive therapies are sometimes used before or after transplant surgery to boost healing and hair growth, though results vary and should be discussed with your surgeon.

How to choose: consult experienced surgeons to review your donor area, expected graft count, scarring priorities, and the type of look you want. Surgeons and clinic teams will recommend the method that balances graft survival, aesthetic outcome, and recovery time.

Before and After Hair Transplantation

Before a hair transplant, your surgeon evaluates your hair loss pattern, donor area density (how many usable grafts are available), and overall health. The clinical team will review medications, order any necessary tests, and create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and realistic expectations. If you have chronic conditions, the operation date is set once those are controlled.

Post-op recovery is predictable for most patients. Mild swelling and tenderness commonly occur for a few days—especially around the forehead and transplant area—and usually resolve without intervention. Follow the clinic’s instructions on bandage care, activity restrictions, and medications to lower the risk of infection and support graft survival.

Lifestyle measures that support hair growth include stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and staying well hydrated. Small crusts that form on the recipient sites typically fall off within the first one to two weeks, and some transplanted hairs shed in the early months before regrowth begins.

Expected timeline (typical):

• Day 0–7: protective dressing, mild swelling, and scabbing
• Weeks 2–4: scabs gone, many transplanted hairs may shed (normal “shock loss”)
• Months 3–6: new hair begins to appear and density improves
• Months 6–12: most patients see the final result and full hair growth progression

Pre-Hair Transplant Checklist

Before the procedure, follow these common steps recommended by your doctor: stop smoking for several weeks, avoid aspirin/NSAIDs as instructed, bring recent medical records, and have photos taken of the scalp for planning. Your surgeon may request blood tests or other evaluations based on your health history.

Post-Hair Transplant Recovery and When to Contact Your Doctor

Most patients resume light daily activities within a few days, but avoid strenuous exercise for the first week or as advised. Change bandages and use topical or oral medications exactly as your doctor prescribes. Contact your surgeon or clinic team if you notice increasing redness, heavy bleeding, fever, pus, severe pain, or sudden widespread hair loss—these can be signs of infection or complications.

Supportive Methods

Adjunctive therapies—such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or mesotherapy—may be offered before or after transplant surgery to enhance scalp circulation and potentially improve graft survival and hair growth. Evidence varies, so discuss potential benefits and timing with your doctor or surgeon to see if these supportive options are appropriate for your case.

Remember: follow-up appointments are important. Your doctor will monitor graft take, hair growth, and advise any additional treatments to optimize long-term results.

Temporary Hair Loss After Hair Transplantation

A temporary shedding of some transplanted hair — often called “shock loss” — is a normal and expected stage after transplant surgery. During the first few weeks many of the visible hairs may fall out as the follicles adapt; this does not mean the grafts have failed. New hair growth typically begins around 3–4 months and continues to improve over the following months.

Most transplanted hair remains permanent because grafts are taken from donor areas that are genetically resistant to balding. However, if native hair loss continues in other scalp areas, you may need additional treatments or future transplant sessions to maintain the overall appearance.

Hair Transplantation for Women

Women’s hair loss patterns are often more diffuse, so planning is more meticulous: the surgeon evaluates donor density and which areas of the scalp to target to preserve a natural look. In many female cases, combining transplant surgery with medical therapies (topical or oral) provides the best long-term result.

If you experience unexpected or excessive shedding, contact your surgeon or clinic team — they can confirm whether this is normal shock loss or signs that need review. Proper follow-up helps ensure transplanted hair grows into a durable, natural-looking outcome.

What are the risks of hair transplantation?

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure and, like any surgery, carries risks and potential side effects. The likelihood and severity of complications depend on the clinic’s hygiene standards, the experience of the surgeon and team, the patient’s health and skin condition, and how closely post‑op instructions are followed. Many risks are uncommon and can be reduced by choosing an accredited center and an experienced surgeon.

Common risks and what to expect:

• Infection: Rare if sterile technique and postoperative care are followed; report increasing redness, pus, fever, or worsening pain.
• Bleeding and edema (swelling): Mild bleeding or forehead swelling can occur and usually resolves in days.
• Scarring: FUE typically leaves tiny dot scars that are hard to see; FUT can leave a thin linear scar on the back head—visibility depends on hair length and donor closure technique.
• Unnatural hairline or poor aesthetic outcome: Results depend on planning and graft placement; choose skilled surgeons to minimize this risk.
• Numbness or altered sensation: Temporary numbness in donor or recipient areas is common and usually recovers over weeks to months.
• Shock loss (temporary ongoing hair loss): Surrounding native hairs may shed temporarily; in most cases hair regrows, but continued hair loss may require further treatment.
• Rare complications: Allergic reactions, prolonged pain, or delayed healing are uncommon but possible.

When to contact your doctor: contact your surgeon or clinic team promptly if you develop fever, increasing redness or swelling, heavy bleeding, pus, severe pain not relieved by medications, or any sudden and unusual changes. Early intervention helps prevent serious infection and protect grafts.

Hair Transplant Prices

Pricing depends on several factors: number of grafts required, the transplant type (FUE, FUT, DHI), clinic location and equipment, and surgeon experience. Many centers price per graft; skin and hair type, and the size of the recipient area also influence cost. When comparing options, prioritize surgeon credentials, clinic hygiene and team experience over lowest price to reduce risks and achieve the best outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Transplantation

How is a hair transplant performed?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which grafts—units of one or more hair follicles—are moved from a donor area to thinning or bald areas of the scalp. The surgeon and clinical team assess donor density, plan the hairline, harvest grafts (FUE, FUT or other methods), create recipient sites, and place grafts to recreate natural direction and density.

How long does the hair transplantation procedure take?

Procedure time depends on graft count and technique. Many cases take about 4–6 hours; larger sessions or multiple grafts can take longer or be split into more than one session. Ask your surgeon for an estimate of expected time and graft numbers for your transplant surgery.

Will I feel any pain during hair transplantation?

Most hair transplant procedures are done under local anesthesia (with optional sedation). Proper anesthesia keeps you comfortable during the procedure; mild soreness afterward is common and usually managed with simple pain medication recommended by your doctor.

Will the transplanted hairs grow?

Transplanted grafts generally produce new hair when harvested, stored, and implanted correctly. Success depends on graft handling, surgeon skill, and patient factors; absolute guarantees (100%) are unrealistic. Expect new hair to begin appearing around month 3, with continuing growth through months 6–12.

When can I go out after hair transplantation?

You can usually go out the same day or the next day. Small pink dots or scabs may be visible for the first week; these fade and scabs fall off within 7–10 days. Avoid strenuous activity and sun exposure as instructed by your surgeon during early recovery.

When will the transplanted hair grow?

Initial new hair often appears around 3 months; significant cosmetic improvement is typically seen by 6 months, with final results commonly by 9–12 months. Individual timelines vary by person, graft count, and technique.

Will the transplanted hair fall out in the future?

Transplanted follicles are usually taken from donor areas that are genetically resistant to balding and often remain permanent in the new location. However, native hair elsewhere can continue to thin, and some patients may need medical treatment or additional transplant sessions later to maintain overall appearance.

Will it be obvious that I had a hair transplant?

When planned and executed by experienced surgeons and teams, hair transplant results can look natural and hard to detect. Outcome quality depends on hairline design, graft placement, and matching hair direction and density—choose a qualified surgeon to maximize the chance of a natural look.

Who performs the hair transplant?

Hair transplant surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon or a qualified hair restoration surgeon supported by a trained clinical team. Verify surgeon credentials, experience with graft counts similar to your case, and clinic accreditation when choosing where to have the procedure.

How much does the hair transplant procedure cost?

Cost varies by region and clinic but is typically driven by number of grafts, transplant type (FUE, FUT, DHI), technology used, and surgeon experience. Many clinics quote per graft; ask for a written estimate that details graft count and any follow-up visits.

Questions to ask your surgeon

• How many grafts do you estimate I will need?
• Which transplant type do you recommend and why?
• What is the expected downtime and recovery plan?
• Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases?
• What follow-up and supportive treatments do you recommend to maintain results?

Next steps: book a consultation with a certified surgeon to get a personalized plan and graft estimate. A clear discussion with your surgeon and team sets realistic expectations for transplanted hair, growth timeline, and final result.