Question 1

Why do patients choose Turkey for a hair transplant?

Accepted Answer

Istanbul is one of the world's leading centres for hair transplant surgery. Clinics perform a very high volume of procedures with experienced teams and the same techniques and equipment used in the UK and Europe. The lower cost comes from lower staff and clinic overheads, not from cutting corners on quality. For a personalised quote, book a free consultation.

Question 2

Is it safe to have a hair transplant in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when you choose a licensed clinic with a qualified doctor leading the procedure. Vellorian Hair works with licensed clinics where a doctor plans and oversees your surgery. Research the surgeon as well as the clinic, and ask for their credentials before booking.

Question 3

How do I know if a clinic is reputable?

Accepted Answer

Look for: (1) a qualified doctor who plans and oversees the procedure, not only technicians; (2) a Ministry of Health licence; (3) a before/after gallery with real patient photos; (4) transparent pricing with no hidden costs; (5) a clear policy on aftercare and follow-up. You can ask us for this information about any clinic we work with.

Question 4

How do I start the process?

Accepted Answer

Send us photos via WhatsApp, fill in the consultation form, or book a free video call. Send clear photos of your scalp from the front, top, back and both sides in good lighting. We reply within 24 hours with a personalised plan.

Question 5

Is the initial consultation really free and without obligation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The consultation is free, requires no payment and carries no obligation to proceed. We review your case, answer your questions, and give you a detailed treatment plan and price quote. Many patients ask questions over several weeks before deciding, and we welcome this.

Question 6

What languages does the Vellorian Hair team speak?

Accepted Answer

Our patient coordinators speak English and Italian. All clinic appointments include a medical translator, so you will always have someone to communicate with during your time in Istanbul.

Question 7

What is the difference between FUE, DHI and Sapphire FUE?

Accepted Answer

All three extract individual follicular units from the donor area. FUE uses steel micro-blades to open the channels and is the most widely used technique, suitable for large sessions. Sapphire FUE uses sapphire blades for finer channels, less tissue trauma and faster healing. DHI uses a Choi implanter pen that places grafts directly without pre-made channels, giving the surgeon closer control over direction and angle, which suits hairline work and no-shave cases. For most patients who need full coverage, FUE or Sapphire FUE is recommended; for refined hairline work, DHI is often preferred.

Question 8

How many grafts will I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the area to be covered and the density of your donor zone. As a general guide: early recession (Norwood 2–3) needs about 1,500–2,500 grafts; moderate loss (Norwood 4) about 2,500–3,500; advanced loss (Norwood 5–6) about 3,500–5,000. Your surgeon assesses your donor area during the consultation and gives you a precise estimate.

Question 9

When will I see the final result?

Accepted Answer

Transplanted hairs shed at weeks 2–6 (shock loss); this is normal. New growth begins at months 3–4, and you will see a noticeable improvement by month 6. Full density and the final result develop at months 10–14, and results can keep improving slightly up to 18 months.

Question 10

Is a hair transplant painful?

Accepted Answer

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you do not feel pain during extraction or implantation. The anaesthetic injections may sting briefly. Afterwards, mild tenderness and tightness in the donor area are normal for 2–3 days and are usually managed with standard pain relief.

Question 11

Can I have a hair transplant and a beard transplant on the same trip?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. If you have enough donor grafts for both, they can be done during the same visit to Istanbul, which saves a second trip. If your donor supply is limited, they are planned as separate sessions, usually 6–12 months apart. Your surgeon decides after assessing your donor area at the consultation.

Question 12

What is included in a Vellorian Hair package?

Accepted Answer

Standard packages include: the procedure, pre-operative blood tests, post-operative medication and aftercare products, hotel accommodation (usually 3 nights), airport transfers on arrival and departure, a personal patient coordinator throughout your stay, and follow-up video consultations after you return home. Flights are not included.

Question 13

How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a minimum of 3 nights: day 1 for pre-operative tests and consultation, day 2 for the procedure, and day 3 for the first post-operative wash at the clinic. Most patients fly home on day 4. An extra night or two is fine if you want to rest before flying.

Question 14

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your passport. Many EU citizens, including Italians, can enter Turkey visa-free for short stays, while other nationalities need an e-Visa. Requirements change, so check the official Turkish e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.tr) 2–3 weeks before you travel.

Question 15

Which Istanbul airport should I fly to?

Accepted Answer

Istanbul has two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, which handles most international flights, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side, used by many low-cost airlines. Transfers are available from both. Tell your coordinator which airport you are flying to and our driver will meet you at the right terminal.

Question 16

Can I bring a companion?

Accepted Answer

Yes, companions are welcome and many patients bring someone for support. We can arrange hotel accommodation for your companion, and they can join you at consultations and wait at the clinic during the procedure.

Question 17

What currency is used and how do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Clinic fees for international patients are usually quoted in EUR, GBP or USD and can be paid by bank transfer or card. Day-to-day expenses in Istanbul are in Turkish lira, and major credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants.

Question 18

Is Istanbul safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the world and is generally safe for international visitors. Normal city precautions apply: keep valuables secure and use licensed taxis or the clinic's transfers. Your coordinator will advise you on where to stay.

Question 19

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Pack button-up shirts or zip-up tops (nothing pulled over the head), a loose cap for the flight home, comfortable shoes, your passport, travel insurance documents and any prescription medication you take. We send a detailed packing list once your booking is confirmed.

Question 20

How do I care for my hair transplant after returning home?

Accepted Answer

You leave Istanbul with an aftercare kit (special shampoo, foam and lotion) and written instructions. For the first month: wash gently with the products provided; never pick the crusts (they fall off naturally around days 10–14); avoid gyms, swimming pools and saunas for 4 weeks; sleep with your head raised for the first week; and protect your scalp from the sun. You can send photos to your coordinator for review at any stage.

Question 21

The transplanted hair is falling out. Is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shedding of the transplanted hair shafts at weeks 2–6 (shock loss) is a normal part of the growth cycle. The follicles stay in place under the skin and start producing new permanent hair at months 3–4.

Question 22

When can I return to the gym?

Accepted Answer

Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms for 4 weeks. Light walking is fine from day 3. After 4 weeks you can gradually return to normal activity. Intense exercise raises blood pressure and sweating, which can disturb grafts in the early healing phase.

Question 23

What follow-up care is provided?

Accepted Answer

Vellorian Hair provides 12 months of aftercare support: a first wash at the clinic, a detailed home care routine, WhatsApp access to your coordinator, and video consultations at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months to track your progress.

Question 24

What if there is a complication after I return home?

Accepted Answer

For serious symptoms such as signs of infection, severe pain or swelling, seek local medical care first. For non-urgent concerns, send photos to your coordinator via WhatsApp, who will arrange a video consultation with your doctor within 24 hours. We can also provide a written report for any local doctor you see.

Question 25

How do I maintain my results long-term?

Accepted Answer

Transplanted hair is permanent and needs no special care beyond normal hair care. Your original, non-transplanted hair may continue to thin over time, so some patients use treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride, on medical advice, to slow further loss. We review this at your 12-month follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions