Short answer
A hair transplant moves permanent hair follicles from the back and sides of your head to thinning or bald areas, where they keep growing for life. The procedure usually takes 6 to 8 hours under local anaesthesia, most patients stay in Istanbul for 3 days, and new growth is visible from around month 3 with the final result at 12 to 18 months.
What is a hair transplant?
A hair transplant is a minor surgical procedure that moves your own hair follicles from a dense donor area to areas of thinning or baldness. Donor follicles at the back and sides of the head are genetically resistant to the hormone behind pattern hair loss, so they keep growing after they are moved.
Follicles are taken as natural groups of 1 to 4 hairs, called grafts. Each graft is placed at the angle and direction of your natural hair, so the result looks like your own hair because it is your own hair.
Hair loss has several causes. The most common is androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, which follows a predictable pattern in men and a more diffuse one in women. Other types include traction alopecia, scarring alopecia and shedding after illness or stress, and not all of them are treated with surgery.
Who is a good candidate?
You are usually a good candidate if your hair loss has started to stabilise, your donor area is dense enough and you are in good general health. Our doctors review your photos first and confirm suitability in person before any procedure.
- Male pattern hair loss (Norwood stages 2 to 6)
- Female hair loss in a defined area, such as a high hairline or thin temples
- Receding hairline or thinning crown
- Scarring from injury or previous surgery
- Beard and eyebrow restoration
Which technique is right for me?
All our techniques extract grafts one by one, so there is no linear scar. The difference is mainly how grafts are implanted, and your doctor recommends the approach that fits your hair loss pattern and goals.
- Sapphire FUE: fine sapphire blades open channels, ideal for large areas and high graft counts
- DHI: an implanter pen places each graft directly, ideal for hairlines and precise work
- Hybrid: Sapphire FUE for volume and DHI for the hairline, in one session
- Unshaven: existing hair stays long, for small to medium areas
Your 3-day schedule in Istanbul
Most patients need 3 days in Istanbul. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land, and a personal coordinator stays in touch from your first message to your 12-month check-up.
- Day 1: airport pick-up, hotel check-in, consultation, hairline design and blood tests
- Day 2: your procedure, completed in one day with breaks for rest and lunch
- Day 3: check-up, first professional wash and aftercare instructions, then transfer to the airport
How many grafts will I need?
Your graft number depends on your hair loss stage, donor density and hair thickness. As a rough guide, Norwood stage 3 needs about 2,000 to 3,000 grafts and stage 4 about 3,000 to 4,000, while stage 6 and above may need two sessions.
Send us photos of the front, top, crown, sides and back, and our doctors reply with a written plan and an estimated graft range. The final number is confirmed at your consultation, and we only take what your donor area can safely give.
Risks and safety
A hair transplant is a low-risk procedure, but it is still surgery. Temporary swelling, redness, numbness and itching are common, and infection, folliculitis or patchy growth are possible but uncommon. Over-harvesting the donor area is the main avoidable risk, which is why we plan graft numbers conservatively.
Metropolmed holds the Turkish Ministry of Health international patient authorisation (USHAŞ AK-0164). Blood tests are done before your procedure and a doctor assesses your suitability in person. You are never operated on without the doctor's approval.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1-3Mild swelling and tenderness; first professional wash at the clinic before you fly home.
- Day 10-14Small crusts fall away and the donor area looks almost normal.
- Week 2-8Most transplanted hairs shed. This is expected and the follicles stay in place.
- Month 3-4New, fine hair starts to grow through.
- Month 6A clear change in coverage is visible.
- Month 12-18Final result as the new hair thickens and matures.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hair transplant permanent?
Yes, the transplanted hair is permanent. Your existing native hair can still thin over time, so your doctor may recommend PRP or medical treatment to protect it.
Will I have visible scars?
No linear scar. Our techniques leave tiny dot-like marks in the donor area that heal within days and are not visible once the hair grows back, even with a short haircut.
What is the difference between a graft and a hair?
A graft is a natural follicular unit that holds 1 to 4 hairs, around 2 to 2.5 on average. So 3,000 grafts usually means roughly 6,000 to 7,500 hairs.
When can I fly home?
Usually the day after your procedure, once the first wash and check-up are done.
Is it normal for transplanted hair to fall out?
Yes. Between weeks 2 and 8 most transplanted hairs shed. The follicles stay in place and start growing new hair from around month 3.
What is included in the hair transplant package?
Your procedure by an expert doctor, needle-free local anaesthesia, PRP, laser hair therapy, hair growth serum, a care kit, hotel, VIP transfers, an interpreter and one year of follow-up. Premium and Elite packages add sedation and further extras.
