In 2022, the demand for medical tourism is at an all-time high, and Turkey has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for those seeking medical procedures abroad. The most common treatment being sought in the nation’s warmer and sunnier climes? The humble hair transplant.
Although private healthcare is of a high standard in the UK, it seems that hair transplants are one area in which Turkish medical clinics excel, and the surge in demand amongst both men and women is a contributor to the surging medical tourism market value, which is set to exceed £170 billion by 2025.
Although anyone can suffer from hair loss, it is particularly prevalent in men, with up to 80 percent suffering from some form of it in their lifetimes and 50 per cent forced to deal with it before they even reach the age of 30. Historically, there have been few viable solutions on offer for men experiencing the affliction and the almost inevitable loss in confidence that comes with it, but over the past decade, that has all changed.
Now, there are numerous at-home treatments available to purchase that have been proven to be effective with consistent and continuous use – but despite this, many men are seeking a more permanent solution. And the hair transplant, it seems, fits the bill. Although it involves going under the knife, most hair transplants offer long-term results provided the correct aftercare procedures are followed, allowing patients to enjoy a fully restored head of hair and a new lease of life along with it.
But is it really safe to get a hair transplant – and should you be doing it in Turkey? If you’re eager to know the facts before deciding whether or not to take the plunge, as well as whether travelling abroad for treatment is really worth it, then here’s everything you need to consider first.
What exactly is a hair transplant?
Before you can possibly make the decision about whether to travel to Turkey for a hair transplant, it’s essential to know what’s involved.
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure which is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, and involves the harvesting of follicles from a donor site – in other words, a part of the body where hair grows easily and where the follicles are considered to be healthy. These follicles are then transplanted onto the target area, which for most men, is the crown of the head or the hairline – although men suffering from complete baldness or extreme hair loss may require a full head of transplanted follicles to restore their locks to their former glory.
Why Turkey?
The chance to combine a few days of sunshine with your hair transplant treatment in Turkey is an obvious draw, but it isn’t the only reason a growing number of men are choosing to travel abroad for surgery. Turkey is home to some of the best and most advanced clinics and medical professionals in the world, and is widely considered to be a specialist in this particular type of treatment.
Prices are, in many cases, often favourable, and these days it’s relatively easy to book a medical tourism package in your home country, as there are many agencies who will do the legwork and arrange travel to Turkey for your hair transplant, with everything from transport and hotels to a full medical care package included. And now, a growing number of Turkey’s leading hair transplant clinics are opening consultation spaces in the UK – particularly London – so that you can be assessed before you travel and know exactly what to expect on arrival in Turkey.
Generally, a hair transplant cost in Turkey will depend on your particular set of circumstances and the severity of the hair loss you’re experiencing. To get a rough idea of how much you might expect to pay, check out leading Turkish hair transplant clinic Elithar’s price calculator.
What to expect when getting a hair transplant in Turkey
If you decide to go ahead and get your hair transplant in Turkey, then many clinics allow you to see a surgeon for a specialist consultation in the UK before you fly so that they can accurately assess your needs and provide you with detailed information on what to expect. During your consultation, you can ask questions and will undergo some pre-op tests to ensure it’s safe for you to have the procedure.
On arrival in Turkey, having been whisked to your luxury hotel by a private chauffeur, you’ll head in for your hair transplant, when the initial donor graft extraction will take place prior to implantation. In all, the procedure takes around five hours.
Your surgeon will provide you with some important information on post-op care, and also schedule a follow up appointment to check up on you and see how the graft is healing before you return to the UK.
Is it safe to get a hair transplant in Turkey?
Although better prices are one of the reasons some seek hair transplant treatment in Turkey, paying less does not mean you’ll receive a lower standard of care. If you take the time to do thorough research and ensure you’re choosing one of the most reputable clinics then you can be sure that you’ll be well taken care of from start to finish, with a highly skilled and experienced surgeon taking the reins during the procedure.
Look for a registered hair surgeon who has completed post-graduate training in plastic surgery or dermatology – ideally both – with specific training in hair restoration. In all, this level of training will require up to 11 years of study and hands-on experience.
As long as you take your time in choosing the right clinic and surgeon for you, getting a hair transplant in Turkey is just as safe as it would be in the UK – and you can relax and enjoy a tailored luxury package put together by your chosen medical tourism agency or clinic so that you don’t have to worry about the small stuff.
