It can be a bit unnerving to make that first contact with a hair clinic when you don’t really know much about the whole process or what information the doctors will need during a hair transplant consultation. You have nothing to worry about – modern establishments have a very streamlined approach and want to make their patients as comfortable as possible right from the start.
We will cover all the essentials you need to know so you can be prepared and start your hair restoration journey on the right foot.
What to Expect During a Hair Transplant Consultation
When you first walk into a clinic, you will be greeted by an experienced plastic surgeon, who will perform the initial scalp analysis. In top Turkish clinics like Asli Tarcan, there will always be a translator present to ensure that you understand all the important details.
They will look at your medical history, determine the stage of male pattern baldness according to the Norwood scale, and check the hair density in the surrounding area. The doctor will then offer some insight on the number of grafts and the best methods needed to achieve your hair restoration goals, as well as the prices of the different packages they offer.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Depending on how much existing hair is left in the donor area and the size of the bald areas, the surgeon will go over the available options and help you set realistic goals.
Deciding on the Right Procedure
The first step is to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a specific hair restoration procedure, either FUE or DHI. The FUE method works best for more severe cases of balding, where more than 3,500 hair follicles, and up to 6,000, need to be transplanted to achieve a natural look.
DHI, on the other hand, while more expensive and time-intensive, allows for more precision and the grafts to be placed closer together, which helps achieve greater density. It is suitable for less severe cases, like hairline restoration and beard transplants, where 2,500 to 3,500 grafts are enough to guarantee optimal results.
There are variations like the Sapphire FUE, which reduces tissue damage and ensures faster recovery, and Robotic DHI, which reduces the length of the surgery by half and offers more comfort for the patient.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Each patient is different, and while some can get their youthful, luscious appearance back, others will still have a more mature hairline and less density, but can look forward to a full head of hair. Those in the final stages of balding and those who are completely bald may not have enough donor follicles for a successful procedure and may be advised on other treatment options.
Going Over Your Medical History and Family Genetics
It is also important for the doctor to find out if you are on any specific medication and whether you have any chronic health issues. For example, you will need to avoid blood-thinning medications and foods for a while before and after the surgery, so you may need to temporarily stop or switch to different drugs if it is possible.
Also, if your family members have a specific hair loss pattern, which has progressed at a specific rate and become more prominent at a certain age, this can all inform how the surgeon approaches your treatment.
Easy Virtual Consultation and the Benefits for You
Taking a flight for a hair transplant in Turkey is a big commitment, both in terms of your time and money, so the high-end clinics in Istanbul also offer a highly convenient option – virtual consultations. You can make the first step by filling out a contact form and sending several pictures of your hair from different angles to receive a free initial assessment and recommendation.
The next step would be a more in-depth video call where the doctor is able to get a better look at your hairline and the size and location of the bald areas, for a more precise analysis. However, the in-person check-up is the most reliable option, which is why Turkish clinics like Asli Tarcan always have a more detailed assessment on the first day of your visit and schedule the surgery for the next day.
Post-Consultation Guidance
Once you have a clear treatment plan, you will need to follow the pre-op advice the doctor has given you. That includes which medications, foods, and activities to avoid two weeks, one week, and one day before the operations, and the proper aftercare.
You will need to be extra careful for the first 4–5 days after the surgery, sleeping with your head elevated and not touching or washing it, and then a little less rigorous but still cautious for the first two weeks post-op. Reputable clinics will offer follow-up support as part of the package to help guide you through recovery and ensure optimal hair growth in the upcoming months.
Conclusion
While most places will provide all the information you need during the initial consultations, we have given you a good overview so you can make an informed decision and choose the right clinic. After all, your new hair will be there for years and years to come, and you want to make sure that it looks as natural and luscious as it did in your youth. A good clinic will ensure you get the best results possible.