Dr Abdulaziz Balwi has the answers
What you need to know if you want to get new hair in Turkey
Dr Abdulaziz Balwi has the answers
Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi(Image: UGC)
The number of people from the UK searching for hair transplants in Turkey has soared by 46% over the past year, as many look for more affordable treatment abroad. While Turkey offers competitive pricing and access to modern techniques, the rapid expansion of the sector means standards can vary significantly between clinics.
Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, a leading hair surgeon at Elithair, has outlined essential safety checks patients must carry out before booking a hair transplant procedure to ensure a safe and successful outcome.
- Check that a medical consultation is mandatory. A reputable clinic should always begin with a detailed medical consultation. This initial assessment must cover your full medical history and scalp condition, offering clear guidance on your suitability for surgery.
- Verify hygiene and clinical standards. Patient safety is heavily dependent on the clinical environment where the procedure takes place. You should confirm that the facilities are sterile and that strict infection control protocols are actively followed.
- Ensure there is a clear plan for postoperative follow-up. The procedure does not end when you leave the clinic, and safe providers include structured aftercare. This post-operative guidance should include scheduled follow-up checks, recovery instructions, and access to medical advice for complications.
- Confirm the surgeon’s experience and qualifications. Patients must verify the credentials, training, and professional experience of the primary surgeon performing the hair transplant. This information should be transparent and, where possible, independently verifiable through recognised medical bodies.
- Clarify the roles of the entire surgical team. In Turkey, it is legal for medical assistants to carry out parts of the procedure under supervision, which you must confirm applies to your chosen clinic. A reputable clinic will fully explain who is responsible for each stage of the procedure and how tasks are supervised to ensure quality and safety.
- Make sure only proven techniques are used. The techniques utilised directly impact safety and results, with follicular unit extraction (FUE) for graft harvesting and direct hair implantation DHI for implantation being the most recommended methods. These modern techniques remove follicles with minimal trauma and allow for precise implantation.
- Be cautious of older or poorly executed methods. Patients should be wary of procedures using the strip method or robotic-assisted FUE, as these can cause long-term damage. These older methods carry risks such as scarring, uneven density, follicle loss, and permanent donor area damage.
- Confirm the treatment plan is personalised. Safe clinics will never use standardised packages for such a permanent medical procedure. Treatment must be tailored to your individual needs, with patients charged only for the number of grafts required for their specific case.
- Evaluate pricing transparency. Hair transplants in Turkey are typically more affordable than in the UK, but the overall cost should be clearly itemised and explained. Transparent pricing is a key indicator of a trustworthy clinic that is not cutting corners.
- Treat extremely low costs with caution. Prices that fall well below the industry average should be considered a red flag, as they may indicate inadequate medical oversight. Such low costs often point to inexperienced staff or a failure to provide proper aftercare provision.
