Considering a Hair Transplant in Antalya? Here’s What to Know About Costs and Care.

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What are the potential risks? For instance, what should someone who chooses Antalya — one of Turkey’s most popular cities for medical tourism — pay attention to?

How can one make the right choice amid this information overload? And what should be considered for a natural look and a smooth hair transplant process?

The following 10-point checklist summarises the most important points frequently emphasised by prominent hair transplant doctors for anyone considering hair transplantation in Antalya.

1. Not everyone is a suitable candidate - no matter the technique

Hair transplantation is not the right solution for everyone. In some patients, the type of hair loss is still active or the donor area is weak; in such cases, transplantation may lead to further loss.

Sometimes the best decision is to postpone the procedure or not to perform it at all. The difference a true expert makes is not in saying ‘yes’, but in being able to say ‘no’ when necessary.

Dermatologist Meltem Şentürk from DK Klinik — an ISHRS member who has been treating hair loss in Antalya, Turkey, for over 20 years — highlights this critical point:

“The donor area is a finite, precious resource, not an endless bank. One of the most responsible — and often most difficult — decisions is to say ‘no’ to a patient who is still too young,” she explains.

“Aggressively using grafts at 23 or 25 to fix a receding hairline might look good now, but it’s a short-term fix that can leave them with no donor reserves to address future balding in their 40s or 50s. Our responsibility is to plan for a lifetime, not just for one procedure.”

An operation plan should be prepared, taking into account the person’s age, hair thickness, history of hair loss and genetic predispositions.

The hairline is designed according to the facial structure and possible future changes, not on paper. Ultimately, the aim is not just to transplant hair but to ensure that a natural appearance is maintained in the years to come.

Transparent pricing and realistic expectations are far more valuable than discount promises or luxury packaging.

2. A consultation should be with a doctor, not a salesperson

It is a key safety indicator if the doctor responsible for your procedure is open to virtual consultation.

The doctor should be accessible and willing to answer your questions before the operation — either at the clinic or via online channels if you prefer.

This is a strong sign that the person overseeing your treatment will indeed be your doctor, not a sales representative or technician.

3. DHI, FUE or Sapphire? The technique is not what matters most

For many people considering a hair transplant, the technique is usually the main focus.

However, older methods such as FUT, which involve removing a strip of tissue from the back of the head and leaving a visible scar, are no longer preferred today.

Modern hair transplants are now performed using DHI or FUE techniques, which achieve a more natural look and leave microscars that are barely noticeable unless examined closely.

According to Dermatologist Meltem Şentürk, good results are achievable regardless of which modern technique is used.

What really matters is choosing a competent doctor, an experienced clinic with a solid track record, and a clinic that remains reachable even after you return home — one that does not abandon patients halfway.

4. 5,000 grafts? Rarely possible - be cautious when you hear that

Exaggerating graft numbers or heavily promoting certain techniques are common marketing practices seen in some unregulated clinics.

Prof. Dr. Ümit Kemal Şentürk notes that clinics advertising unusually high graft counts — such as 5,000 or 6,000 — can draw focus away from what matters most: medical expertise, physician qualifications, and overall clinic credibility. He adds:

“Avoid places that constantly exaggerate graft numbers or claim to have discovered the newest and most effective technique. Very high graft numbers are only realistic for a very small group of patients.”

If a clinic guarantees “perfect results,” “zero shedding,” or quickly lowers its price when you bargain, that’s a warning sign.

Experienced doctors explain possibilities and limitations instead of making promises or negotiating discounts.

According to dermatologist Meltem Şentürk, the best consultations are those where patients leave with a clear understanding — not blind optimism.

When communication is honest and pricing is transparent, satisfaction follows naturally.

6. A higher price doesn’t mean better quality - a lower one doesn’t mean worse

Price differences between clinics in Turkey and Antalya can be dramatic, but the number on a brochure rarely reflects medical quality.

Very low prices can be a red flag, but higher costs don’t automatically guarantee better results either.

Dermatologist Meltem Şentürk advises patients to judge a clinic by its medical standards and transparency, not by its price tag.

Transparent pricing and realistic expectations are far more valuable than discount promises or luxury packaging.

7. The best results look effortless - because they’re planned that way

Natural-looking hair transplants aren’t achieved by chance — they’re the result of precise planning and medical restraint.

Prof. Dr. Ümit Kemal Şentürk explains, “Every natural result you see has a hidden structure behind it — angles, density, and flow that were decided long before surgery began.”

He adds that true craftsmanship in hair restoration isn’t about how much is done, but how thoughtfully it’s done.

“When planning respects facial proportions and donor limits,” he says, “the outcome doesn’t shout for attention — it simply belongs.”

8. You can’t simply get a hair transplant and continue your holiday

Post-operative care is crucial after a hair transplant. The transplanted and donor areas must not sweat for a certain period.

It’s also important to avoid direct sunlight and refrain from visiting hammams, saunas, or swimming pools.

Therefore, continuing your holiday immediately after a hair transplant poses a risk to both your health and the success of the procedure.

The best approach is to enjoy your holiday first, then set aside the last two or three days for the hair transplant.

9. If you’re also planning dental implants, hair transplant should come first

Antalya is a leading destination not only for hair transplants but also for dental treatments.

Every year, many people from across Europe and the USA — especially the UK — visit Antalya for both procedures.

However, there’s an important detail to consider: there should be a 2–3 day interval between a hair transplant and dental treatment, and the hair transplant should be done first.

This is because swelling in the jaw area may occur for up to 72 hours after dental implants, which could make the hair transplant procedure difficult.

10. Follow-up care is half the treatment

A hair transplant doesn’t end when the surgery does — Healing and growth can be influenced by how closely the process is monitored afterwards.

Dermatologist Meltem Şentürk explains, “The first few months are when patients need guidance the most. Many worries are small, but unanswered questions can grow into anxiety — and that affects recovery.”

She notes that consistent, direct communication makes the most significant difference. At DK Klinik, her team stays in touch through whichever channel the patient prefers — video consultations, WhatsApp check-ins, or regular photo updates.

Every week, the clinic reviews progress and adjusts post-op care when needed. It’s a simple but vital principle: Patients who feel supported tend to have a more positive recovery experience.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

1. Not Everyone Is a Suitable Candidate — No Matter the Technique2. A Consultation Should Be With a Doctor, Not a Salesperson3. DHI, FUE or Sapphire? The Technique Is Not What Matters Most4. 5,000 Grafts? Rarely Possible — Be Cautious When You Hear That5. Good Clinics Don’t Promise, They Explain6. A Higher Price Doesn’t Mean Better Quality — a Lower One Doesn’t Mean Worse7. The Best Results Look Effortless — Because They’re Planned That Way8. You Can’t Simply Get a Hair Transplant and Continue Your Holiday9. If You’re Also Planning Dental Implants, Hair Transplant Should Come First10. Follow-Up Care Is Half the Treatment