This is a slightly long review but hopefully useful to anyone considering getting a hair transplant
A Remarkable Hair Transplant Journey with Dr. Mehmet
I embarked on my hair transplant journey in 2023, determined to find the right clinic and surgeon to achieve the best possible results. After extensive research and conversations with many individuals who had undergone hair transplants, it became clear that Turkey was the premier destination for this procedure. The cost difference between Turkey and the U.S. was substantial, making Turkey the obvious choice for me. However, I quickly realized that prices varied widely among Turkish clinics, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. The challenge was finding a legitimate clinic with a qualified medical surgeon who would personally handle the surgery, rather than just an operation overseen by assistants.
After much consideration and conversations with multiple clinics, I chose Dr. Mehmet. His reputation as a skilled surgeon, who performs only one surgery a day, ensuring his full focus and attention on each patient, reassured me that I was making the right decision. From our initial engagement, Dr. Mehmet and his team were incredibly supportive. They were upfront about my limited grafts due to my age (over 50) but assured me they would maximize the use of what I had to achieve the best possible outcome.
I planned my trip to Istanbul for August 2024, and the process was smooth from start to finish. The clinic only required a copy of my ticket and passport to confirm my booking. However, as the day approached, I grew increasingly nervous, despite all the research and conversations I had leading up to it. The moment I arrived in Istanbul, I was greeted by a comfortable ride to my hotel. Although I had a day to rest before the surgery, my nerves and jet lag made it difficult to enjoy the free time.
The morning of the surgery, I was still anxious, but the driver reassured me that speaking with Dr. Mehmet would help calm my nerves—and he was right. Dr. Mehmet spent nearly two hours discussing the surgery in detail, addressing my concerns, and explaining the challenges and expectations. Importantly, no payment had been made at this point; it was entirely my decision whether or not to proceed.
The surgery began with graft extraction from the back of my head, which took about two hours. While there was some discomfort during the anesthetic injection, it was manageable, and the rest of the procedure was painless. The most challenging part was staying still during the extraction, but the clinic staff were considerate and offered breaks, though I chose to continue without interruption.
After a break for lunch in the clinic’s clean and comfortable facilities, we moved on to the next phase—making the incisions. Dr. Mehmet emphasized that the success of the transplant heavily depended on the precision of these incisions, as they determine the direction and angle of hair growth. He spent considerable time discussing the hairline with me, and while he provided several options, I trusted his expertise and went with his recommendation, which turned out perfectly.
The final stage of the surgery involved implanting the grafts, which took another two hours. By this point, I was so relaxed that I nearly fell asleep. The entire process was pain-free and meticulously carried out by Dr. Mehmet and his team, who were with me throughout the day.
After the surgery, I was given detailed instructions on post-operative care, particularly the importance of avoiding any bumps to the head in the first few days. Dr. Mehmet even made me practice some precautions to ensure I followed them correctly. The clinic provided me with all the necessary medications, and when I needed something stronger for pain relief, they quickly arranged for it to be delivered to my hotel.
The following day, I returned to the clinic for a check-up, where Dr. Mehmet reviewed my progress and showed me how to properly wash my hair. The attention to detail and care extended beyond the clinic visit. For the first 10 days after returning home, I sent daily pictures to Dr. Mehmet, who responded promptly with feedback and guidance. This ongoing support has continued, and I am now scheduled to send monthly updates for the next 18 months.
Three weeks post-operation, I am recovering well and fully prepared for the next stages, including the expected shock hair loss and gradual regrowth. Reflecting on my experience, I can confidently say that I would choose Dr. Mehmet again without hesitation. His dedication to his patients, his thorough approach, and the quality of his work have left me feeling secure in my decision to travel from the U.S. to Istanbul for this procedure.
Although the cost was on the higher end at $6,000, the peace of mind and exceptional care I received made it worth every penny. Dr. Mehmet’s professionalism, combined with his genuine concern for his patients’ well-being, sets him apart. I look forward to updating this review in the coming months as I start to see the full results of my transplant, but so far, my experience has been nothing short of excellent.