Frequently Asked Questions

Candidacy depends on the stage of loss, donor density, hair characteristics and general health, and is determined by the physician. Photographs from standard angles and a medical history are sufficient for preliminary assessment; the final decision is made at the in-person examination in Istanbul.

All three harvest grafts individually. They differ at placement: in FUE a channel is opened and the graft is then placed; in Sapphire FUE the channel is opened with a sapphire blade; in DHI the graft is implanted directly with a pen, without a separate channel stage. The physician selects the technique according to the patient’s needs.

It is performed under local anaesthesia. Brief discomfort is felt during anaesthetic injection; no pain is expected during the procedure. Mild tightness and tenderness in the first days are controlled with prescribed medication.

The standard programme is 3 nights / 4 days: arrival day, procedure day, rest day and departure day with the first wash and review. Large or two-day sessions may extend the stay by one day.

Desk-based work is usually possible after 3–5 days; crusts clear fully in 7–10 days. Physically demanding work and sport should wait 2 weeks.

Temporary shedding of transplanted hairs (shock loss) between weeks 2 and 8 is expected; the follicle remains and regrows from months 3–4. Follicles from the donor area are genetically resistant to loss.

Initial growth starts at months 3–4; about 60–70% of the result is visible at month 6. Final density and thickness are assessed at month 12.

A second session may be planned for large areas, where donor capacity does not allow the target density in one session, or for progressive loss. This is discussed openly at the first consultation.

Yes. In female patients the cause of loss is investigated first; in permanent, stable loss, an unshaven approach densifies between existing hairs. See our Female Hair Transplant page.

Procedures are performed at our partner hospitals (Central Hospital and Başkent University Istanbul Hospital) by their physicians and clinical staff. Design Clinic Health Tourism is responsible for coordination.

All medical images and records are processed only for treatment and follow-up under Law No. 6698; they are not shared with third parties or used for promotion without your explicit consent.

Visa applications are the patient’s responsibility; an official invitation letter stating treatment dates and institution is issued on request.