Hair restoration is one of the most sought-after medical procedures in Istanbul, attracting thousands of international patients annually due to advanced techniques like FUE and DHI. Turkey has established itself as a global hub for this treatment, offering high-quality results at competitive prices compared to Europe and North America. This guide covers the essential details of planning your procedure with Istanbul European Clinic.
OVERVIEW
Procedure
Hair Transplant
Duration
4 – 8 hours
Length of Stay in Hospital
Same day treatment
Anesthesia
Local Anesthesia
Cost in Turkey
€2,000 – €3,500
Success Rate
90% – 95%
Final Results
12 – 18 months
Scars
No
Pain
Slight
Medically reviewed by Dr Mehmet
Written by Akya Karahan
Published on December 26, 2025 12:00 am
TABLE OF CONTENT
Benefits of Hair Transplant in Turkey
World-Class Medical Expertise
Turkey is home to internationally accredited medical facilities and surgeons who specialize exclusively in hair restoration. Clinics in Istanbul utilize advanced technologies, such as Sapphire blades and Choi Implanter pens, ensuring high precision and natural-looking density for patients from around the world.
Significant Cost Savings
The turkey hair transplant cost is considerably lower than in the UK, US, or Western Europe, often saving patients up to 70%. This affordability is driven by lower operational costs and the cost of living in Turkey, not by a compromise in medical quality or safety standards.
Comprehensive All-Inclusive Packages
To simplify the process for international travelers, top clinics offer a turkey hair transplant package. These bundles typically include the surgical procedure, VIP airport transfers, accommodation in 4 or 5-star hotels, and translation services, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.
Hair Transplant Cost in Turkey Compared to Other Countries
The following table compares the typical costs of hair restoration procedures. Prices in Turkey are significantly more affordable while maintaining high medical standards.
Country
Typical Price Range (€)
Turkey
€2,000 – €3,500
United Kingdom
€7,000 – €30,000
United States
€6,000 – €13,000
Note: Prices vary significantly by patient case, number of grafts required, and the specific clinic chosen; request a personalized quote for accuracy.
How to Choose Safe, Reputable Clinics and Surgeons for Hair Transplant in Turkey
Surgeon credentials & experience
Verify that your surgeon is a medical doctor with specific training in hair restoration. Look for memberships in reputable organizations like the ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) or equivalent Turkish medical boards.
Clinic/hospital standards & accreditations
Ensure the facility is registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health. International accreditations, such as JCI (Joint Commission International) or ISO certifications, indicate that the clinic adheres to strict global safety and hygiene protocols.
Before/after evidence & case similarity
Review the clinic’s gallery for consistent lighting and angles in photos. Look for patients who have a similar hair loss pattern and hair texture to yours to gauge the surgeon’s ability to handle your specific case type.
What to Consider Before Getting a Hair Transplant in Turkey
Medical eligibility & health history
You must be in good general health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or blood-borne illnesses may affect your eligibility. Be honest about your medical history during the consultation to ensure safety.
You will undergo blood tests upon arrival to check for infectious diseases and blood count. You will be advised to stop blood thinners, vitamins, smoking, and alcohol for at least a week prior to surgery.
Plan to stay in Istanbul for at least 3 to 4 days. Bringing a companion is helpful for emotional support, although most clinics provide ample assistance so you can manage solo if necessary.
Post-op plan, mobility, and pain management expectations
Expect some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days. You will need to sleep in an upright position to protect the grafts. Pain is usually manageable with the painkillers provided in your aftercare kit.
Most patients can return to a desk job within 3 to 5 days. However, if your job involves physical labor, heavy lifting, or wearing a helmet, you may need to wait 2 to 4 weeks before returning to work.
Sufficient Donor Hair: You must have enough healthy follicles in the donor area (back/sides of head) to cover the balding areas.
Stabilized Hair Loss: Candidates over 25 years old are preferred, as hair loss patterns are more predictable.
Good General Health: You should be free of conditions that impair healing or increase surgical risk.
Realistic Expectations: You understand that the goal is improvement and coverage, not necessarily restoring the density of a teenager.
Hair Transplant in Turkey Results
What is the success percentage?
Hair transplants in Turkey generally have a high success rate, with graft survival typically ranging between 90% and 95%. However, the final outcome depends heavily on the patient’s adherence to aftercare instructions and individual biological factors.
What is the patient satisfaction rate?
Patient satisfaction is generally very high, especially when expectations are managed correctly during the consultation. Satisfaction is measured by the natural appearance of the hairline and the significant improvement in coverage compared to the pre-operative state.
Hair Transplant Turkey Recovery Time
Hair Transplant 1 Week Post Op: During the first week, the recipient area will be scabby and red, and the donor area will heal rapidly. You must follow the washing instructions carefully to gently remove crusts without dislodging grafts.
Hair Transplant 3 Weeks Post Op: By week three, most scabs should have fallen off. You may experience “shock loss,” where the transplanted hair falls out. This is a normal part of the cycle and indicates the follicles are entering a resting phase.
Hair Transplant 3 – 6 Months Post Op: New hair growth typically begins to appear around the third or fourth month. The hair may initially be fine and thin but will thicken over time. This is often the “ugly duckling” phase where growth is uneven.
Hair Transplant 1 Year Post Op: By the 12-month mark, most patients see the full result of their hair transplant in Turkey. The hair will be thick, fully mature, and can be styled, cut, or dyed just like your natural hair.
Hair Transplant in Turkey Before and After
Before and after photos are essential for evaluating a surgeon’s skill. Authentic photos should show the patient in similar lighting and angles to accurately depict density improvement. Keep in mind that full results take up to a year, so “after” photos typically reflect the final outcome at 12+ months.
How Does The Hair Transplant Turkey Procedure Work?
Upon arrival at the clinic, you will have a face-to-face consultation with your surgeon. They will analyze your hairline design, check donor density, and finalize the number of grafts needed for the best aesthetic result.
Before the procedure begins, blood tests are conducted to screen for infectious diseases (like HIV, Hepatitis) and to check your blood count and coagulation levels to ensure surgery is safe.
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia. It involves two main steps: extraction of grafts from the donor zone and implantation into the recipient canals. The process takes 4 to 8 hours depending on the technique (FUE/DHI).
Immediately after surgery, your head will be bandaged, and you will be given a post-op kit containing medications and special pillows. You will return to your hotel to rest, keeping your head elevated.
The day after surgery or before your flight home, you will visit the clinic for a final check-up and the first hair wash. The medical team will teach you how to wash your hair safely for the next 10 days.
Side Effects of Hair Transplant in Turkey
Swelling: Common around the forehead and eyes, usually subsides in 3-5 days.
Itching: A sign of healing in the donor and recipient areas.
Shock Loss: Temporary shedding of transplanted or native hair.
Numbness: Temporary loss of sensation in the scalp.
Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles (pimple-like spots).
Infection: Rare, but possible if hygiene protocols are not followed.
What our PATIENTS say
tuba çetin
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Samimi, profesyonel ve ilgili bir ekip. Güvenle tercih edilebilir.
Lale Gökdemir
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After two pregnancies, I wanted to restore my abdominal area. IEC arranged the consultation, surgery, and even accommodation. The clinic staff were attentive and the surgeon was very skilled, explaining each stage in detail. The recovery plan was strict but clear, and now my stomach looks flat and toned again. I couldn’t be more satisfied with both the results and the care provided.
Sofia Martinez
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My Lipo 360 with IEC was organized end-to-end — transfers, clinic, and a clear recovery plan. Surgeons were experienced and the nursing team checked on me regularly. After following the aftercare, swelling reduced as expected and the contour is much improved. Professional and reassuring experience.
İlayda
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
What I loved most about Istanbul European Clinic was the personal attention I received. The team genuinely cared about my comfort and well-being, not just the procedure. The facility itself was beautiful and modern, and everything was run very smoothly. A fantastic experience overall!
Jessica White
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
IEC offers outstanding service — very reliable, organized, and caring. They made sure all details were taken care of, and I could focus on my treatment and recovery without worry. A great choice for health tourism.
Marvin Hugh
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My experience with IEC in Turkey was fantastic. They handled everything from consultation to follow-up in a professional and stress-free way. I always felt well-informed and supported, which made the whole process so much easier.
Gisel H.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Did teeth whitening at IEC before my wedding. Color changed like 3 shades whiter, friends noticed right away. Price was fair, very happy with the result ✨
Deniz
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had eye surgery at IEC two weeks ago. clinic was modern and equipment looked new. Receptionist english not perfect but we managed fine.
The price typically ranges between €2,000 and €3,500. This variance depends on the clinic’s reputation, the surgeon’s experience, and the specific technique used (FUE vs. DHI).
The lower cost is due to the lower cost of living, lower wages, and lower operational expenses in Turkey compared to Western Europe, not a lack of quality.
Potential negatives include the recovery downtime, temporary “shock loss” shedding, potential swelling, and the patience required to wait 12 months for full results.
Like any surgery, there are risks such as infection or necrosis, but these are extremely rare when performed by qualified professionals in accredited clinics.
Yes, by one month post-op, the grafts are fully secured. You can gently scratch your scalp, but avoid using fingernails aggressively to prevent irritation.
Transplanted hair is genetically resistant to hair loss and should remain permanent. However, your non-transplanted native hair may continue to thin, potentially requiring future touch-ups.
Research clinics thoroughly, look for international accreditations, and schedule a video consultation before booking. Using established clinics like Istanbul European Clinic ensures better safety protocols.
Check if the clinic is registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health. Verify reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot or Google, and ask the clinic to show you full video testimonials.
Reputable clinics offer aftercare support via telemedicine. If a complication arises, they will guide you through treatment remotely or advise you to see a local specialist if immediate physical intervention is needed.
Long flights can increase the risk of swelling or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). To mitigate this, stay hydrated, walk around the cabin, and keep your head elevated during the flight.
Most major clinics in Istanbul offer all-inclusive packages. You can obtain these by contacting the clinic directly through their website to request a package deal.
You will typically need to send clear photos of your head (front, top, back, and sides) via WhatsApp or email. The medical team reviews these to estimate the graft count and price.
A standard Turkey hair transplant package includes the operation, blood tests, PRP therapy (often), 2-3 nights in a hotel, airport/clinic transfers, and a translator.
Ask for a breakdown of what is included. Some clinics quote low prices but exclude medication or accommodation. Ensure you are comparing “all-inclusive” final prices.
Check the hotel names provided in the package offer. Reputable clinics partner with 4 or 5-star hotels known for hygiene and comfort, which is crucial for post-op recovery.
