In simple terms, Hair transplantation is the surgical removal and re-implantation of donor hair follicles, from a viable donor site to the bald or balding areas of the patient. This surgical treatment was initially established in Japan in the 1930s and later spread and developed, in the west (USA), as a permanent and viable hair loss and balding surgical treatment. The reason why hair transplantation surgery is so successful is due to the fact the hair follicles are extracted from the patient's existing hair, there are no chances of rejection and any compatibility issues. Since, the 1950s, doctors have enhanced the surgical techniques for better hair aesthetics; innovated newer surgical methods, such as FUT, FUE, FUE Sapphire and the latest DHI method of hair transplant.
Generally, any hair transplant surgery is just a re-implantation of hair follicles from one place to another, on the skin of the patient. However, surgeons are constantly updating and innovating newer techniques for more natural hair aesthetics and improved overall results, with minimum invasive surgical procedures.
Currently, in medical practice, these are the following surgical methods:
In a day and age, where more than 50% of the male and female population suffers from hair loss in one form or the other, Hair transplant surgery seems the only logical and permanent solution. Hair loss may be prompted by either genetic conditions, aging, injuries caused by trauma or hormonal diseases and other various medical conditions and diseases. The good news is that a hair transplant surgery can easily correct this, successfully, for any person suffering from hair loss; as long as there is a sufficient number of donor hair follicles, irrespective of the reason of the hairless. And with the help of the latest surgical techniques; which are minimum invasive, hair transplant if just not limited to the scalp; but in fact can be applied to areas such as eyebrows, mustache, and beard.
For any hair transplant procedure, it is recommended to have a consultation with a specialist doctor; to determine the patient’s viability for the procedure. For a hair transplant surgical determination; the doctors need to examine and consider several factors; such as age, medical history, the extent of hair loss and the available donor grafts and extraction sites. Additionally, the doctor needs to take in to account the hair loss history of the patient, the skin and hair structure; plus, if any genetic factors are promoting hair loss. After all, these elements are taking into consideration; the doctor can firstly recommend the best method of hair transplant in the patient's case and recommend the number of sessions and grafts that they would be requiring
A typical hair transplant surgery may be spanned throughout several sessions of 3 to 4 hours each, depending on the balding area which is to be treated. The actual time required is dependent on the method of surgery selected; for example, a normal FUE surgery can span between 4 to 6, depending on the number of grafts required. On the other hand, an average 4000 grafts DHI transplant could last up to 10 hours, this the whole transplant can be spread over several sessions.
Generally, a hair transplant procedure is carried out with the help of local anesthesia; and in certain cases can also be carried out under sedation as well. The post-surgery pain; which is minimalistic, is managed with general pain killers; and it subsides within a few days post-surgery.
The transplanted area, after the surgery, is covered with a special bandage, after the procedure and the patient is discharged within hours, after the surgery. Although the general anesthesia covers the pain aspect, the pain is managed with a course of pain killer medication. After a 2 to 3 day home rest, the patients are free to return to their daily work and life, with certain precautions like keeping the head covered. After the 5th day, the patients are usually asked to return for their first wound dressing changing.
Generally, hair follicles can be extracted from the nuchal area or the backside of the scalp; and are referred to as hair grafts. However, in rare cases where the backside or nuchal region of the scalp does not contain viable grafts; another part of the patient’s body can be used for hair follicular extraction, such as the chest or arm region.
After the transplant, it is normal for the grafted hair to shed with a few weeks, as the transplanted hair follicle, takes ground in its newly grafted home. However, with a few months, generally 3 to 4; the grafted follicles will grow back hair and this time they will sustain growth and will not shed. However, having said that it must be borne in mind that hair transplant cannot affect the normal hair life cycle and as other non-grafted hairs fall out; so at some stage, the transplanted hair might as well; as hair loss may not stop post-transplant; especially if caused by hormonal changes or some medical disease. Hence, to counter these effects as a second transplant procedure may become necessary, in the future.
A Hair transplantation surgery is, in reality, a minor surgical procedure, usually carried on an outpatient basis. However, it must be borne in mind, that, it is a surgical procedure, nonetheless and can carry the risk of complication; if carried out by an unprofessional medical team. Thus, it is recommended that a hair transplant procedure must be carried out by an experienced surgical team; with years of experience, preferably in a hospital setting; to minimize the risk of any complication. It becomes important to choose an experienced surgeon, to increase the chances of having a successful transplant experience.
The key to any successful hair transplant surgery; is that the donor hair follicle is grafted as soon as possible, once extracted. As the more time they spend outside the body; the more the chances of hair follicle morbidity. If the transplant is carried out by an experienced team, the survival rate could be above 90%. Furthermore, to give the transplanted hair a more natural aesthetic; the surgeons need to adhere to the correct distance, angle, and density of the follicles.
Like any other surgical intervention; a hair transplant procedure also carries a risk of complication such as infection from unsanitary medical clinics or equipment; is the primary reason for complication. Hence it is very important to have the transplant at a standard medical facility. Furthermore; it is very important to ascertain the experience of the surgeon; to avoid any unnecessary scarring, due to poor grafting and extraction technique, by an inexperienced medical professional. However, the patient may experience temporary pain and bruising post-surgery; the pain can be managed with pain killer medication and the bruising may subside with a few days, post-surgery.
Normally, the only real side effect after the hair transplantation surgery is the post-op scarring; even that is now dependant upon the surgical method opted by the patient. The latest method of hair transplantation are minimalists in post-op scarring, such as DHI and FUE. Furthermore, there is a list of possible risks which may include the following:
pus drainage due to infection or crusts around the surgical areas
pain, swelling, itching or inflammation of the hair follicles (Folliculitis)
loss of sensation or bleeding around the surgical sites
uneven hair density or hair loss due to hormonal factors
BulMD medical tourism is the number one search portal for medical treatment options in Turkey. We are connecting doctors and patients, bridging the language gap and provide the best care for our patients possible. We keep a close eye and regularly conduct audits of the medical clinics and hospitals we work with ourselves. We only work JCI certified medical facilities with a google score of 4.5 and above; to provide the highest quality and satisfaction to our patients.
BulMD strives to provide its patient’s with world-class healthcare services; serving patients from all over the world, coming to turkey from over 90 countries. We are providing healthcare services with more than 3 hospitals and several medical clinics in Istanbul, Turkey.
Our medical top of the class hair transplant packages is specially tailored to make your surgical experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our packages include everything from VIP airport transfers to Hotel accommodation, specially tailored to the needs of our international patients. Furthermore, our expert patient’s consultants are always ready and available 24/7 to assist our patients in their native languages.
We understand that hair transplant is a surgery that can transform a patient, but before you embark on this journey, we would like you to consider glancing at the doctors, medical teams, transplantation methods, and related prices.
BulMD - Clinics and Treatments
To find out more about the best Turkish Hair transplant clinics and their relative costs
Best Hair Transplant Clinics & Costs in Turkey
Furthermore, for more information regarding Hair Transplant surgeries in Turkey, please write to us at [email protected]
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