Hair

Three days in Istanbul: what your hair transplant trip looks like

Arrival and analysis, operation, first wash and fly home — with the parts that surprise people flagged in advance.

Day one: analysis and design

Airport pickup, hotel check-in, then to the clinic for densitometry, blood tests and hairline design. You draw the line with the doctor and photograph it from three angles. Nothing is cut until you approve it.

Day two: the operation

Six to eight hours with breaks, local anaesthesia only, music or films throughout. The first hour — anaesthetic injections — is the uncomfortable part; after that most patients are bored rather than in pain. Lunch is served mid-procedure.

Day three: first wash and briefing

The team performs the first wash, shows you the technique on your own head, hands over medication, lotion and a printed protocol, and answers questions with your translator present. Evening flights home are fine.

What surprises people

The forehead swelling on days 2–4, how ordinary the operation feels, and how strange the transplanted area looks for the first fortnight. All three are normal and all three are explained before you fly.

Swedish Clinic
Swedish Clinic IstanbulReviewed by our clinical team
Frequently asked questions

Three days in Istanbul: what your hair transplant trip looks like

We strongly advise against it. One night's rest before flying reduces swelling and the risk of dislodging grafts.

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