If you plan to travel to Turkey for a hair transplant, bear in mind that it is a different experience than a vacation and that you need to do a few things beforehand.
From where and how you decide to have your surgery to what clothes to pack for your trip, this guide will help you out.
What To Consider Before Travelling To Turkey For A Hair Transplant?
Be sure you are clear on these things if you are considering getting hair transplantation surgery in Turkey:
Clinic’s Registration: The medical facility in which you’re booked for your hair transplant must be registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health. The Ministry has published the list of all the authorised providers on its website.
Surgeon’s Experience & Qualification: You should always check the qualifications and credentials of your surgeon and closely examine the work they have done. The problem of black market hair transplant clinics is not unique to Turkey; it is prevalent in many countries around the globe, including the United Kingdom. So, always do your research.
Availability of Aftercare: Make sure the practice provides aftercare services once you return home after getting a hair transplant abroad. Longevita, for example, offers face-to-face consultations in the UK as well as online aftercare support.
Treatment Plan Inclusions: Turkish clinics often offer all-inclusive treatment plans (e.g. hotel, private transfers), but double-check what’s included so there are no surprises or hidden fees to take care of.
Language Fluency: Language proficiency is important when communicating your expectations and aesthetic goals to your surgeon. Ensure the surgeon speaks English, and if there’s a language barrier, a translator will be provided.
Is It Safe To Get A Hair Transplant In Turkey?
As noted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), in the hands of a “licensed” and “trained medical doctor,” hair restoration surgery can be done safely — the same is true for Turkey.
The results of treatments provided by unregistered and inexperienced “doctors” can be poor anywhere in the world. It may result in unnatural-looking hairlines, poor hair growth, and overharvesting of the donor area, among other problems.
Exercise caution with clinics that make false or exaggerated claims about hair restoration surgery. For example, they may advertise the procedure as “scarless” — while modern hair transplants don’t leave visible scars, they’re not scarless.
Similarly, promises of “instant results” are misleading as hair growth starts 3-4 months after the surgery and final results can only be seen after 12-18 months.
Keep in mind, provided you find a licensed and experienced hair transplant surgeon, you can safely get a hair transplant in Turkey.
How To Prepare For Your Hair Transplant In Turkey?
Keep the following in mind when planning to travel to Turkey for your restoration surgery:
Check the Visa Requirements
Depending on where you’re coming from, you need to check the visa requirements for entering Turkey.
For those coming in from the UK, the Ministry’s website states the following:
"Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders (British citizens) are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Service and special passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye."
Visa information for foreigners is available on the website of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Therefore, make sure to take a look at it.
Book Your Flights
On a date that’s most convenient for you, make sure to book your flights and let the clinic know about this as well, so your surgery is scheduled for your desired date.
Dedicated Travel Coordinators at Longevita can assist you in booking your flight and finding the most affordable flight options.
Pack The Right Clothes!
Pack according to the season and the current weather in Turkey. However, the type of clothes you bring along is also important.
Keep clothes that button-down or zip at the front so you can wear them after your surgery. If you only bring clothes that need to be pulled over your head, they might snag your freshly transplanted hair grafts.
Have Your Itinerary Ready
It is important to have a detailed itinerary so that you know what to expect each day on your trip.
With Longevita, you should expect to stay in Turkey for at least 2 nights for your hair transplant, including your arrival and departure days. A typical patient journey is as follows:
- Day 1 – Arrival Day: You’d be picked up from your airport in your private transfer, arranged by us, and taken to your hotel for check-in.
- Day 2 – Day of Surgery: Your complimentary intracity transfer will take you from your hotel to the medical facility, where you’ll have a pre-operative consultation and then your surgery.
- Day 3 – Check-Up & Departure: The medical facility will perform a post-op check-up to make sure you are recovering normally. Afterwards, you can check out of your hotel and head to the airport.
A detailed itinerary will be provided to you before your trip to Turkey by Longevita.
Follow The Pre-Operative Instructions
Follow all pre-operative instructions provided to you to avoid your hair transplant surgery being delayed or cancelled on the scheduled day. You should follow them for your safety as well as to achieve the best possible outcome.
Stay In Touch After Surgery
Once you’re back home, make sure to stay in touch with the Aftercare Support team. They will monitor your recovery and act as your point of contact with your hair transplant surgeon.
Have Questions About Your Hair Transplant in Turkey?
If you’re curious to learn more about your hair transplant journey in Turkey or have any questions for us, feel free to get in touch!
