Hair Transplantation

1. What Is Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplantation is the procedure of permanently transferring hair follicles that are genetically resistant to shedding from the donor area at the back of the scalp to bald or thinned areas.

The aims are to:

• Fill areas with thinning
• Create a natural hairline
• Achieve a denser and more balanced hair appearance

The transplanted hairs retain their resistance to hair loss.

2. Why Does Hair Loss Occur?

Hair loss most commonly occurs due to:

• Genetic predisposition (androgenetic alopecia)
• Hormonal factors
• Stress
• Incorrect hair care practices
• Certain diseases and medications

Hair transplantation is particularly effective in individuals with permanent hair loss.

3. Hair Transplant Methods (FUE – DHI)

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction):

• Hair follicles are harvested one by one and transplanted into channels opened in the recipient area
• Suitable for transplantation of larger areas

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation):

• Hair follicles are implanted directly using special implanter pens
• Allows denser and more controlled placement

The choice of method is determined according to hair characteristics and the desired density.

4. Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Hair Transplantation?

Suitable candidates are:

• Individuals with permanent hair loss
• Those who have sufficient donor area in the nape region
• People whose general health status is suitable
• Men and women with realistic expectations

In young patients whose hair loss is still active, planning is done more cautiously.

5. Preoperative Evaluation and Planning

During the planning stage, the following are evaluated in detail:

• Type and degree of hair loss
• Donor area capacity
• Hair shaft thickness and direction
• A hairline appropriate to the shape of the face

For a natural result, the hairline is planned individually for each patient.

6. How Is Hair Transplantation Performed?

Main steps of the procedure:

• Numbing the donor area
• Harvesting hair follicles one by one
• Preserving and sorting the grafts
• Transplanting the grafts into the recipient area

No pain is felt during the procedure.

7. Graft Count and Hairline Planning

• The number of grafts is determined according to the size of the balding area
• The frontal hairline is designed with a natural, slightly irregular pattern
• Overly straight and artificial looking lines are avoided

This stage directly affects the aesthetic success of the hair transplant.

8. Anaesthesia and Procedure Day

• The procedure is comfortably performed under local anaesthesia
• Since the procedure takes a long time, breaks can be given when needed
• A slight feeling of tightness in the scalp after the procedure is normal

9. The First Days After the Procedure

• Crusting and redness occur in the first days
• Swelling can last 2–4 days
• Crusts generally fall off within 7–10 days
• The first wash is performed at the clinic

10. Staying in Istanbul and the First Wash

A stay of 3–5 days in Istanbul is usually sufficient for:

• The first wash
• Early follow up checks

Washing and aftercare are explained to the patient in detail.

11. Returning to Social Life, Work and Sports

• Desk based work: 3–5 days
• Everyday social life: about 1 week
• Sports and intensive sweating: 2–3 weeks

Wearing a cap is generally allowed after 7–10 days.

12. Possible Risks and Limitations

• Shock shedding (temporary shedding of transplanted and existing hairs)
• Temporary redness
• Infection (rare)
• Temporary sensitivity in the donor area

An experienced team and correct aftercare minimise these risks.

13. Results and Expectation Management

Hair transplantation is a procedure that requires patience.

• Shedding in the first months is normal
• Real results start to become visible after the sixth month
• Final density is assessed at around one year

The aim is a natural, age appropriate and permanent hair appearance.