Experience report women’s hair transplantation in Istanbul with MedicalTravel from December 2023

I had been suffering from thinning hair for some time. The areas most affected were mainly the parting and the back of the crown. Seeing myself in a photo, a video call, or an online meeting was always very uncomfortable for me. About ten years ago, I had travelled to Istanbul with MedicalTravel to treat my short-sightedness with laser treatment. I was very satisfied with the organisation by MedicalTravel and the results of the treatment at that time. For this reason, it was clear to me that I would also arrange the planned hair transplantation through MedicalTravel.

The preliminary examination in Zug went well, the consulting doctor from Istanbul spoke English, and a German-speaking translator was also present. This prevented any misunderstandings and allowed me to ask all my questions. Following the consultation, MedicalTravel provided me with a quote. The consultation appointment in Zug was non-binding and free of charge.

I then decided to go ahead with the treatment. I was told that a full shave was absolutely necessary for a hair transplantation. I thought to myself that I would rather have a bald head now than feel uncomfortable with my hair for the rest of my life.

The organisation went smoothly, just as it had ten years ago. The day before travelling to Istanbul, I was contacted by the driver via WhatsApp. He showed me in a video where to go when I left the airport and asked for my flight number. When I landed in Istanbul the next day, I immediately received a message asking if I had arrived safely and reminding me of the meeting point. Once there, we waited for other patients. Meanwhile, Turkish tea was served. The driver spoke neither German nor English, but thanks to Google Translate communication was not a problem. Shortly after my arrival, I was also called by the interpreter, who informed me about the treatment scheduled for the next day.

The next day, my interpreter arrived by taxi to pick me up on time. The regular driver got stuck in traffic, which can happen in a city like Istanbul. Upon arriving at the clinic, the examination by the doctor (the same one from Zug) took place immediately. He marked the hairline and asked again about any illnesses, allergies, or medications. Since there was nothing preventing the treatment, we proceeded right away. After signing what felt like a 100-page consent form (in German), a surgical assistant shaved my head. Photos were then taken, and the assistant began injecting the local anaesthetic. This was a little painful as it burned quite a bit, but fortunately, it didn’t take long for the anaesthetic to take effect.
After that, the procedure became a test of patience. First, the grafts were taken from the donor area at the back of my head, for which I had to lie on my stomach. Once the grafts were successfully harvested, they were implanted into the parting and crown area while I lay comfortably on my back. I was able to listen to audiobooks using my own headphones during this part. The interpreter was present in the clinic at all times, sometimes even in the operating room, explaining each step of the procedure.
After the surgical team completed their work and bandaged me, the interpreter instructed me on how to care for myself and provided the medications and care products. Additional photos were taken, and the doctor explained how the procedure had gone.

In hindsight, I would have appreciated being informed before the procedure that a neck pillow or cervical pillow would be very useful for sleeping during the first few nights after the operation. The sleeping position should be upright, and the recipient area should not come into contact with the pillow. This is important to avoid disrupting the growth of the grafts and the healing of the wounds.

After the procedure, I was taken back to the hotel and rested for a while. I didn’t really feel like sightseeing with my head bandaged anyway.

The next day, I was picked up on time again and taken back to the clinic. There, the bandage was removed and my head was gently cleaned. This was also the last appointment I had there. I then spent the rest of the day in the city, buying gifts for my children and drinking Turkish coffee. The following day, I was driven to the airport and looked forward to flying home.

The organisation was once again very good. Of course, the results of a hair transplantation can only be seen once the hair has grown back. However, I have a good feeling and am glad that I decided to go ahead with the procedure.

Sabrina Mühlhaus