Istanbul is one of the world’s most popular destinations for hair transplantation. A good result, however, depends on sound planning, protecting the donor area and designing a natural hairline. In this guide New City Clinic explains the hair transplant process from start to finish.
What is the difference between FUE and DHI?
In both methods follicles are extracted one by one from the back of the scalp with a micromotor; the difference lies in implantation. In FUE the channels are opened first and the grafts placed afterwards, which suits larger areas. In DHI a special pen (implanter) opens the channel and places the graft in one step, and may be preferred for density work and hairlines. Your physician decides which is suitable after analysing your hair.
What happens on the day?
Your hairline is first drawn with you and approved by you. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and takes 6–8 hours depending on the number of grafts, with breaks for rest and lunch. The number of grafts that can be taken in one session depends on the density of your donor area; not over-harvesting it matters for your long-term appearance.
A Hair Transplant: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
A Hair Transplant with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about a Hair Transplant, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
Day 2–3
The first wash is done at the clinic and you are shown how to continue at home. You can fly after this check-up.
Day 10
Scabs fall away and the recipient area looks clean.
Weeks 2–6
Shedding of the transplanted hairs (shock loss) is an expected, temporary stage; the follicles remain in place.
Months 3–12
New hair grows from month 3; density is visible at month 6 and the final result at month 12.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hair transplant permanent?
Follicles from the back of the scalp are genetically resistant to hair loss and keep that characteristic where they are transplanted.
Is it painful?
You feel a brief sting while the local anaesthetic is given; the procedure is painless afterwards.
How many grafts will I need?
It depends on the extent of hair loss and your donor area. An approximate figure is shared from your photos in the New City Clinic preliminary assessment; the final plan is made at your examination.
Deciding on a Hair Transplant is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
