Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring hair by transplanting hair follicles from one part of the body to another. There are two primary methods: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Both methods focus on the management of hair loss and require a skilled surgeon to perform precise grafting.
Turkey has become a global center for hair transplantation, particularly in recent years, thanks to its high-quality services, experienced team of specialists, and cost advantages.
A graft refers to a piece of skin containing one or more hair follicles. These follicles enable hair regrowth and are carefully transported during the transplantation process.
We know that there are approximately 100,000 to 150,000 hair strands on a person’s head. Interestingly, each graft usually contains between 1 and 4 hairs. This information reveals that, on average, there are about 25,000 to 40,000 grafts on a person’s head.
History of Hair Transplantation
The first modern hair transplantation was performed by Norman Orentreich in the 1950s. Early techniques used skin grafting, which has evolved over time into more refined methods such as robot-assisted surgery.
Hair Transplant Techniques
There are four main techniques of hair transplant in Turkey: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) and Sapphire FUE. Some modern clinics also offer NeoGraft, which is a robot-assisted surgery system.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also known as strip harvesting, is a method where a strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, typically from the back of the head.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a more advanced method that involves extracting individual hair follicles directly from the donor area without removing a strip of skin.
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a modified version of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). In this method, the hair follicles are extracted one by one, just like in FUE, but the key difference is in the implantation process.
Sapphire FUE
Sapphire FUE is a variation of the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method but uses sapphire blades instead of regular steel ones. These sapphire blades are incredibly sharp and smooth, allowing for more precise and cleaner incisions.
Causes and Types of Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia
The most common cause of hair loss is pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, which affects both men and women.
Genetic and Lifestyle Factors
Other factors, such as genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices like smoking, can also contribute to hair loss.
Other Forms of Hair Loss
Conditions like favus, an infection affecting the dermis and epidermis, can also lead to hair loss.
Candidates for Hair Transplant
Assessment of Hair Loss
A medical diagnosis is essential to assess the extent of hair loss and determine the best treatment.
Determining Suitability for Transplant
A patient‘s candidacy depends on factors like the availability of donor hair and overall health. Individuals with shock (circulatory) or severe bleeding issues might not be suitable for surgery.
The best time for hair transplantation is the fall and winter season. It is easier to be protected from the sun during these months. Cold weather makes healing easier.
Hair Transplant Procedure
Pre-Operative Considerations
Before the surgery, patients are advised to stop smoking and avoid shaving the scalp. A thorough evaluation of anesthesia and sedation needs is conducted.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Anesthesia and Preparation
Local anesthesia is administered to the scalp to numb both the donor and recipient areas. This ensures that the patient experiences minimal pain during the procedure.The donor area may be shaved to facilitate the extraction of hair follicles.
2. Extraction of Hair Follicles
Depending on the chosen technique, the hair follicles are extracted from the donor area.
3. Preparation of the Recipient Area
Once the hair follicles have been extracted, the recipient area is prepared for implantation:
- Small incisions are made in the recipient area using either a scalpel or sapphire blade, depending on the technique.
- In DHI, no pre-made incisions are needed, as the Choi Implanter Pen directly implants the hair follicles.
4. Implantation of Hair Follicles
The extracted hair follicles are then carefully implanted into the recipient area:
- In FUT and FUE, the hair follicles are manually inserted into the pre-made incisions, ensuring they are placed at the correct angle, depth, and direction to mimic natural human hair growth.
- In DHI, the hair follicles are implanted directly using the Choi Implanter Pen, offering more precision.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
After the surgery, antibiotics and pain medications such as analgesics are prescribed to prevent infection and reduce discomfort.
Long Term Care
Patients are often advised to use Minoxidil and other medications like Finasteride to promote human hair growth. Proper care of the wound is crucial to avoid edema and other complications.
Generally, 1-3 sessions of PRP application is recommended to support post-transplant healing. During the initial application period, treatment is performed for 3-4 months with one session every month. After this initial period, repeat sessions may be recommended once a year or every 6 months.
After hair transplantation, mesotherapy is recommended for faster recovery and healthy hair growth.
Mesotherapy is a method of delivering nutrients through tiny injections under the skin. In hair mesotherapy, vitamins, minerals and amino acids are injected under the skin to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
Other Medications
Rogaine and Propecia are common medications used in post-operative treatment.
Risks and Complications
Common Side Effects
Bleeding, infection, and scarring are common side effects of hair transplantation. Some patients may experience inflammation or necrosis.
Managing Complications
In severe cases, complications like anaphylaxis or folliculitis can occur, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Long Term Risks
Long term risks include poor human hair growth or unnatural hairline transplants. Regular monitoring is needed to ensure optimal results.
Expected Results and Growth Timeline
Initial Hair Growth
Human hair growth typically begins within three months after the procedure. Shock loss, where transplanted hair follicles temporarily fall out, is a common occurrence.
Long-Term Expectations
Full results are usually visible within 12 months, with continuous improvement in hair density and texture.
Alternative and Supplementary Treatments
Medications and Topical Treatments
Besides hair transplantation, medications like Finasteride and topical treatments like Minoxidil can help manage hair loss.
Combining Hair Transplant with Other Therapies
In some cases, stem cell therapies or hair cloning may be explored as future solutions.
Laser Treatment
Another method that has the potential to slow hair loss and stimulate hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles.
Prosthetic Hair
This method is to attach artificial hair that mimics the appearance of natural hair to the scalp or existing hair.
Hair Transplant Cost in Turkey (2025)
In 2025, the average cost of hair transplantation in Turkey is 3,000 USD, and varies between 800 USD – 5,000 USD according to different clinics.
Hair transplant prices according to the number of grafts
Hair transplantation costs in Turkey are determined depending on the number of grafts and may vary from city to city, clinic to clinic and the method and technology used.
3000 graft hair transplant Cost: The average cost range for a 3000-3500 graft hair transplant varies starting from at least 1000 USD.
4000 graft hair transplant cost: The average cost range for a 4000-4500 graft hair transplantation varies between 1.500 USD in 2024, depending on the hair transplant center and specialist.
5000 graft hair transplant Cost: The cost of 5000-5500 graft hair transplantation starts at an average price of 3.000 USD
These costs may vary depending on the location of the clinic, the experience of the doctor, the technology used and the hair transplant method to be applied (for example, FUE or DHI).
FAQ
Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow, which can result in the newly transplanted hair follicles not being properly nourished and oxygenated. In addition, smoking slows wound healing, increases the risk of infection and weakens the immune system. Nicotine and other harmful substances can inhibit hair growth and cause hair follicles to weaken.
After the FUE method, small, indistinct scars are usually left and these scars become more indistinct over time. The scars are usually close in color to the scalp and become more difficult to see as the hair grows.
After the FUT method, a long, thin scar is usually left along the donor area. This scar can be hidden as the hair grows, but may be more prominent in individuals with short hair.
After the procedure, as the anesthesia wears off, mild to moderate pain may be experienced in the donor area and the transplantation site. This pain is usually most intense in the first few days and decreases over time.
Hair transplantation can damage existing hair, especially if the doctor performing the procedure is inexperienced or if the wrong techniques are used. The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique is a minimally invasive method that can reduce the risk of damaging existing hair.
Yes, thin hair can also be transplanted, but transplanting thin hair can be more challenging for hair transplant specialists and the results may be different than those of thicker hair.
While transplanting hair from another person may seem like an organ or tissue transplant in theory, in practice it often fails because the body recognizes and rejects hair follicles from a genetically different individual as foreign material.
Hair transplantation may not always be suitable or possible for bald individuals. If the level of baldness is too advanced and the donor area is insufficient, hair transplantation may be difficult or impossible.
Yes, hair transplantation from body hair (Body Hair Transplant, BHT) can be performed. This procedure may be an option for individuals who do not have enough hair follicles from typical donor areas on the back and sides of the head.