My experience with hair transplantation in Istanbul – Report from Friday, 9 February 2018
I have been considering a hair transplant for about 3-4 years. I have read a lot about it online and have thoroughly informed myself.
About 2 years ago, I decided to take the step and went for a consultation at a clinic in Zurich. They offered me 13,000 CHF for 3,000 grafts, which immediately shocked me. I also sent photos of my hair to other providers in Switzerland to get quotes, but here the prices even went up to 18,000 CHF. At that point, it became clear to me that a hair transplant in Switzerland was not an option.
Of course, I also read a lot about hair transplants in Turkey online, but I was always a bit skeptical. I kept waiting for someone who might have had a transplant in Turkey and could recommend a clinic to me.
One day, at my workplace, I saw the advertisement for Medical Travel in the 20 Minuten newspaper. It immediately caught my attention because I knew a Swiss company was behind it all. Along with two other colleagues, we immediately contacted Medical Travel. We sent photos of our hair and quickly received a response with a recommendation and an offer (the price was 5 times less than in Switzerland). For peace of mind, we then went to a free consultation in Zug, where we also had the chance to meet a doctor from the clinic in Turkey. From that moment on, it was clear to me that I definitely wanted to go ahead with the hair transplant.
On Sunday, 22nd January 2018, I flew to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines along with my colleague. Upon arriving at the airport, we were immediately greeted by the Acibadem team, which even has its own stand at the airport. From there, we were taken directly to the Levent Hotel. The next day, we were picked up by a chauffeur who drove us to the clinic. The clinic looked very clean and modern. We were warmly welcomed by a German-speaking interpreter, who accompanied us throughout the entire treatment. His very friendly and informative manner made me feel very safe and reassured.
On the first day, we had the PRP treatment, and the doctor was the same one who had been present during the consultation in Switzerland. The next day, it was time for the transplant. After about 5 hours, it was completed very well and, most importantly, completely painlessly. A total of 3,600 grafts were transplanted. I almost fell asleep during the procedure because I didn’t feel anything at all. I felt very good once the surgery was finished. On the third day, we went back for a follow-up check-up, and the bandage was changed. In the evening, we were already flying back.
I then took 10 more days to recover at home, and I never had any pain afterwards. Since then, I’ve been in constant contact with my German travel companion via WhatsApp. I send him photos of my hair, and he provides me with tips and updates on the next steps. It’s been 2 weeks since the surgery, and I must say I feel great. I can also go out and about without any concerns, as there is only a little redness left, and nothing else from the surgery is visible. I can’t say much about the final result yet, as it will only be visible in a few months, but I have a good feeling and am 100% confident that it will look great.
To sum it up, I can honestly say that I am really very satisfied with the entire trip and can wholeheartedly recommend it. The clinic and the hotel were excellent, and the entire trip, including the pick-up service and travel assistance, was very well organised.
My tip for those still undecided: It’s best to get a no-obligation offer, then attend a consultation with the doctor, and after that, any doubts should be gone. Three nights in Istanbul are enough, but I recommend staying one more week at home afterwards. If you book and pay everything through MedicalTravel like I did, around 100 euros should be more than enough for meals for 3-4 days in Istanbul.
Pascal B. 07.02.2018