When I first started thinking about getting a hair transplant, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I had so many questions — What happens on the day? How long is recovery? When will I see results?
If you’ve been wondering the same, this guide walks you through the full patient journey from start to finish — based on my personal experience with Clinicana Hair Transplant & Esthetic Surgeries in Istanbul, along with trusted insights from respected medical sources.
If you’re thinking seriously about booking a procedure, I also recommend downloading my free guide — 8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Booking My Hair Transplant in Turkey. It’s an honest checklist that will save you time, stress, and possibly money.
Step 1: Research & Consultation — Where It All Begins
For me, the biggest decision wasn’t about the technique — it was about finding a clinic I could trust. I spent years researching, comparing options, and reading real patient experiences.
Why I Chose Clinicana
What made me choose Clinicana was their reputation and medical standards. They operate inside Acıbadem Taksim Hospital — a licensed medical facility in Istanbul, regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Health and certified under ISO 9001 quality standards. That was important to me because I wanted to know I was in safe hands.
Their patient coordinators spoke fluent English, communication was clear and transparent, and the entire booking process was easy. This aligns with the World Health Organization’s guidelines on medical tourism, which advise choosing regulated providers with hospital-based facilities.
The Online Consultation
Before flying out, I had a free online consultation where I sent photos of my scalp. Clinicana estimated my graft count, explained the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) process, and provided a clear cost breakdown.
There were no hidden extras — something that immediately built trust. My advice: always ask who will perform your surgery, how many grafts you’ll receive, and what aftercare support you’ll get. Those questions reveal a lot about a clinic’s integrity.
Step 2: Booking & Pre-Trip Preparation
Once I confirmed my booking, everything was handled for me — airport pickup, hotel accommodation, clinic transfers, and the full procedure. I chose Clinicana’s Standard FUE Package (€2,850), which included:
- All consultations and surgery
- Accommodation at the Naz City Hotel Taksim
- Transfers between airport, hotel, and clinic
- Aftercare kit and medications
This all-inclusive model made travel much easier and reduced the stress of planning.
How I Prepared
I stopped alcohol and blood thinners a week before the trip (as advised). I packed button-up shirts, a neck pillow, and some saline spray for comfort during the flight home.
According to the Mayo Clinic, proper pre-operative preparation — including avoiding substances that thin the blood — can reduce complications and improve healing.
Step 3: Arrival in Istanbul
When I arrived, a private driver met me at the airport and took me directly to the hotel. The room was large, clean, and the staff were friendly — it immediately put me at ease.
The next morning, I had my in-person consultation at Clinicana. My surgeon designed a natural new hairline, measured my donor area, and explained the procedure in detail. The whole process felt methodical and unhurried.
I was impressed by the professionalism — it felt more like a proper hospital experience than a cosmetic clinic. The environment gave me confidence that everything was being done safely and correctly.
Step 4: Surgery Day — My FUE Experience
This was the big day. The FUE surgery lasted around seven hours, with a break for lunch. The procedure began with local anaesthetic injections, which were the only mildly uncomfortable part — after that, it was completely pain-free.
During the operation, the team extracted grafts from the donor area at the back of my head, then implanted them into the newly designed hairline. I listened to music and even chatted with the staff during breaks.
At the end, they bandaged my scalp, provided medication, and gave me detailed post-op instructions before driving me back to the hotel.
According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), FUE is a minimally invasive method that allows for quick recovery and natural-looking results when performed by qualified surgeons — and that absolutely matched my experience.
Step 5: Recovery & Aftercare
Clinicana’s aftercare support was outstanding. The next day, I returned to the clinic for a free scalp wash, where they demonstrated how to gently clean the transplanted area.
Here’s how my recovery unfolded:
- Day 1: First wash at clinic.
- Days 7–10: Scabs and redness disappeared.
- Month 1: The “shedding phase” — completely normal.
- Month 3: First signs of new growth.
- Month 6: Noticeable thickening and shape.
- Month 7+: Dense, natural-looking results.
These results were consistent with what the Mayo Clinic reports: between 10% and 80% of transplanted hair grows back within 3–4 months.
A PubMed study on FUE found an 85% graft survival rate and over 90% patient satisfaction after 12 months — numbers that mirror my own results.
Clinicana also provided ongoing support through WhatsApp check-ins at 1, 3, and 6 months. The British Association of Dermatologists highlights that proper hygiene and post-operative care reduce infection risk and improve healing — and that’s exactly how it felt.
Step 6: Seeing the Results
By the seven-month mark, my transformation was obvious. My new hairline looked natural, the density had filled in, and styling my hair again felt incredible.
Friends and family noticed instantly, but the biggest change was internal — a restored sense of confidence.
The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) notes that hair restoration can dramatically improve self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, which I can fully attest to.
Step 7: What I Learned
If you’re considering this yourself, here are a few lessons from my own journey:
- Choose a medically regulated clinic — not every “clinic” is hospital-based.
- Ask smart questions — who performs the surgery, and how experienced are they?
- Follow aftercare instructions exactly — they directly affect your outcome.
- Be patient — results take months to appear naturally.
- Look beyond marketing — read genuine patient stories and independent reviews.
The right knowledge and preparation make all the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth, life-changing experience.
Step 8: Was It Worth It?
Without hesitation — yes.
The total cost (including accommodation and travel) was still far less than what a UK clinic quoted me, and the results genuinely exceeded my expectations.
Clinicana combined professionalism, modern facilities, and transparent pricing with a level of patient care that felt very personal. I never felt rushed or pressured, and that’s something I truly value.
If you’re thinking about taking this step, I’d recommend them wholeheartedly — just make sure you educate yourself first and know exactly what to expect.
Final Thoughts — Start Your Own Journey
Getting a hair transplant isn’t only about restoring hair; it’s about restoring confidence. But the journey requires trust — in your clinic, your surgeon, and the process itself.
If you’re at the research stage, take your time and make informed decisions. And if you’d like a real-world roadmap from someone who’s been through it, download my free guide:
👉 8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Booking My Hair Transplant in Turkey
It’s completely free and includes the practical tips that made my own journey smoother — from choosing a clinic to getting the best possible results.
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