The secret behind Turkey’s success with hair transplants

In a world where influencers take the lead to sell goods and services, the hype created on social media about a certain lifestyle or buying the latest air fryer works. This may not necessarily be because people actually need these products or because they trust the influencer. Sometimes, the hype is just hype and people buy the latest smartphone without a valid reason.

This argument does not fit into some areas, such as having surgery. This is especially true when it comes to hair transplant surgery. One may opt to undergo rhinoplasty or get a Brazilian butt lift without having any issue whatsoever, but nobody gets a hair transplant unless their hair is thinning or they have signs of balding.

Dr Seda Oleroglu, a sought-after hair transplant surgeon at Heva Clinic in Istanbul, speaks about the essence that made her country the famous destination for hair transplants:

“When you think about it, the foundation of the clinic-patient interaction is based on trust. In other words, patient confidence is driven by the surgeon’s and the clinic’s credibility as a whole. Once you make the time to establish this trust, patients keep coming.

The thing is that hair loss creates a far deeper wound in terms of a lack of confidence than most people realise. Our patients come to Heva Clinic so that we can provide the care that they need. Being a patient nearly always involves a sense of uncertainty and a surrender of control, yet they are seeking care. We understand that people feel vulnerable, and establishing a high degree of trust is therefore the right approach. I would say that this is what we do differently in Turkey: we show genuine interest and listen to patient concerns while knitting trust. Regardless of how long a patient is in my care, I am aware that developing a relationship based on trust is crucial.”

What Oleroglu emphasises is the importance of building trust with patients where there is a certain risk involved, namely all surgeries and the entire field of medicine.

A hair transplant surgeon who stands out in their field is one who possesses a unique combination of technical expertise, artistic sensibility, and a patient-centred approach.

In terms of technical expertise, a distinguished hair transplant surgeon should have a thorough understanding of the various hair transplant techniques, including DHI and FUE, and possess the surgical acumen to select the most appropriate technique for each patient. They should also have exceptional dexterity and precision in the execution of the procedure to ensure optimal results.

Artistic sensibility is another key aspect that sets a noteworthy hair transplant surgeon apart. A surgeon who can create natural-looking results, with a hairline that blends seamlessly with the patient’s existing hair and a density that is appropriate for the patient’s age and hair type, demonstrates a high level of aesthetic judgment.

A patient-centred approach is also crucial for a hair transplant surgeon to stand out. A good surgeon should be able to provide realistic expectations, address any concerns and provide detailed information about the recovery process and potential risks or complications. They should also have a good reputation, a track record of satisfied patients, and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field, incorporating them into their practice.

Surgeons like Dr Oleroglu have a great deal of competence, having been in practice for decades. What most people don’t know is that a hair transplant surgeon is a specialist surgeon in Turkey – they don’t have their experience or focus scattered across different surgical practices or disciplines. Hair transplant surgeons have it all concentrated on one thing only and that is transplanting hair grafts.

“My specialty expertise plays a big role in establishing patient confidence, but I also listen. No one likes a patronising surgeon who speaks at you because they are the best in their craft. It’s not about bragging about how skilled you are as a hair transplant surgeon. This is a very human relationship in which I put my skill out there with the promise of the best possible outcome. It is extremely rewarding to see patients living their full lives again after getting back their self-esteem that was hurt by the mirrors.”

It’s also important to mention that clinics and hospitals in Turkey are extremely modern, and equipped with the latest technology. Turkey has 34 JCI-accredited clinics compared to 29 in Spain, five in Singapore, and eight in Mexico.

When it comes to the price of getting a hair transplant, once again, the market leader is Turkey. The cost of getting a top-quality hair transplant is affordable for those willing to travel to beautiful Istanbul.

It is a competitive market, but then this is true for everything. Prices becoming more affordable in time is the result of a liberal market structure, but Turkey has the extra advantage as a low-cost country in general. The cost of living and salaries are lower compared to say Western Europe or the US and, thus, clinics in Turkey are able to perform the most successful hair surgeries in the world for the best prices.

The editorial unit