Hair loss, which affects both men and women, can harm one’s self-esteem and emotional health. This assertion is backed up by the fact that the hair restoration industry in America has reportedly crossed the 3.5 billion dollar level.
Hair transplants are expensive procedures that can cost anything from $3000 to $15000. As a result, many patients travel to neighboring countries where the procedures are less expensive. For example, a hair transplant procedure might cost as little as $1500 in South Africa and Turkey.
Turkey has become a mecca for hair transplants, with a slew of highly regarded hair transplant surgeons. However, be cautious because there are a lot of gamblers out there, and some services aren’t compliant.
Based on our research, we suggest you look into some clinics like Blue Magic Group, Smile Hair Clinic & Hair of Istanbul. However, look for more clinics offering the best hair transplant in Turkey and compare them to your requirements.
How to Get a Glimpse of Turkey’s Hair Transplant Industry?
Every year, thousands of men and women pack their bags and travel to Turkey in the hopes of regaining their hair. The hair transplant industry in Turkey, based in Istanbul, is valued over $1 billion. As the industry is booming, it becomes all the more important that you do research before ending up in Turkey for a hair transplant. Here are some things you can do to get a better understanding of the hair transplant industry.
- Do your Research
Although Turkey has struggled with economic and political turmoil in recent years, with the Turkish Lira losing a lot of value, patients from the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East go to the country for hair transplants. The cost of hair transplant in Turkey is inexpensive, as is the cost of flights.
Most patients travel from the UK , USA, Ireland and Italy to Turkey for a hair transplant. It is because the cost of hair transplant in Turkey is 3 – 4 times lower compared to these countries. In Turkey, you will find clinics that charge more and some that charge less. However, keep in mind that clinics which are expensive have the latest technologies, experienced surgeons and proven record of results, they are sure to provide you the best results. The same cannot be said for clinics that charge less, as they might lack the proper technology and expertise to perform this complicated procedure. To counter the issue of high cost, some clinics in Turkey like Blue Magic provide flex payment solutions. This allows patients to avail flexible payment options if they don’t want to make the complete payment at once.
- Keep an eye on the competition
Turkey’s hair transplant market is fiercely competitive. Most clinics charge between $1500-$4000 to attract medical tourists. Because of these low numbers, unqualified and inexperienced specialists can fill the gap by offering a “solution” – do your research on the competitors thoroughly.
Some interesting statistics:
- In Turkey, almost 500 doctors are competent hair surgeons.
- There are about 350 hair transplant clinics in Istanbul alone.
- The industry is believed to be worth more than a billion dollars.
- Each year, over 60,000 medical tourists travel to Turkey for hair transplants.
- Accredited clinics
This point cannot be overstated. If you’re planning on going for a hair transplant clinic in Turkey, make sure an internationally recognized body accredits the clinic like the JCI. Also, ensure they have an updated local licensing.
- Don’t be fooled by marketing gimmicks
Clinics with a good reputation will never employ persuasive language or pay for customer referrals to promote their services. It’s difficult to pick a winner in a competitive market, so don’t be fooled by recommendation hunters. Your best bet is to get proof of clinical outcomes and speak with the clinic directly.
- Look for others who share your interests
If you are new to the hair transplant industry, we recommend that you first use the Norwood Scale to determine your hair loss stage and then look up similar patients on hair loss forums to see how they fared. You can also request samples of similar Norwood scale case studies and patient testimonials from the clinic.
Collect reviews and research patients that have undergone a hair transplant from the particular clinic through google reviews, quora, reddit, facebook and hair transplant forums in social media. You can ask the previous HT patients about the results and overall quality of the treatment.
- Ensure surgeon performs the surgery
Before committing to a hair transplant surgery, double-check that the surgeon performs it. Sometimes surgeons delegate tasks to junior personnel or helpers with little or no training in the subject.
- Verify the surgeon’s credentials
Don’t be deceived by a catchy headline. Because your hair is likely to be your crowning pride, verify that the surgeon is Board Certified and accredited to conduct this procedure in his country.
The International Society of Hair Restoration Doctors (ISHRS) carefully examines surgeons, and its elite membership reflects the field’s top experts. From Turkey, only a few surgeons are listed as ISHRS experts (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons).
- Get photos as proof
Photographic evidence of hair restorations, such as before-and-after photos, is essential for evaluating a surgeon’s style and skill. They should be willing to exhibit instances of their work at different phases, such as before surgery, after surgery, a few months afterward, and two to three years later. Patients who are willing to provide testimonies would also be valuable. Clinics that use stock photos should be avoided. Make sure you run a Google search for any photos that have been used twice.
Prepare questions for your first appointment by conducting your research and checking for real patient testimonies. Research the clinic thoroughly and speak with the surgeon via video call. Trust your instincts, and if any of the responses make you nervous, double-check your options. Remember, going for a hair transplant particularly in a foreign country is a big decision to make. So, ensure that you collect all relevant information and are ready before traveling to Turkey.
