When you fly home from Istanbul after a hair transplant at Clinicana, the big question is: what happens next?
I know this because I was asking myself the same thing when I boarded the plane back to the UK in January 2025, just a day after my surgery. I’d done the research, chosen my clinic carefully, and gone through the long procedure — but the real journey begins in the days, weeks, and months after.
In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect during healing and recovery based on my personal experience with Clinicana as well as well-documented medical guidelines.
The First Week: Scabs, Swelling, and Soreness
- Scabbing: For me, scabs formed across the transplanted area within the first 48 hours. Clinicana provided detailed aftercare instructions and even did the first wash for me before I left Istanbul. By day 7–10, most of my scabs had fallen away.
- Swelling: I experienced forehead swelling that peaked around days 2–3 and then quickly faded. This is completely normal after fluid injections used during surgery.
- Soreness/Numbness: The donor area (back of my head) felt tender for a few days, while the transplanted area was slightly numb. Sensation returned gradually over the following weeks.
💡 Tip from my experience: Wear button-up shirts for the first week so you don’t accidentally pull clothes over the grafts.
Weeks 2–4: Shedding and Shock Loss
One of the hardest parts emotionally is what’s called the “shedding phase.” Around the 3rd week, many of the newly implanted hairs fell out. I’ll admit, it was worrying at first. But Clinicana had already warned me: this is completely normal.
- Why it happens: The follicles enter a resting phase before producing new, permanent hair.
- Shock loss: Some of my existing hair around the transplant area also thinned temporarily. Again, this is expected and usually resolves as growth resumes.
Months 3–4: The First Signs of Growth
Just when you start doubting if it’s working, the magic begins. Around month 3, I noticed tiny new sprouts breaking through the scalp. By month 4, these became more noticeable, though still thin and wispy.
According to studies (Mayo Clinic, PubMed), 10–80% of transplanted hairs grow within 3–4 months — and my progress was right on track.
Months 5–7: Thickening and Confidence
By month 5, my hairline was visible and filling in. At month 7, I could style my hair again for the first time in years. Density was improving every week, and friends and family were noticing.
I’ll be honest — this was the stage when my confidence shot up. Looking in the mirror, I finally saw the younger version of myself again.
Months 8–12: Full Maturity
Between months 8 and 12, transplanted hair typically thickens, darkens, and blends naturally with existing hair. That’s what I’m seeing now: my new hair is almost indistinguishable from the rest.
Clinical research shows FUE hair transplants achieve around 85% graft survival rates and over 90% patient satisfaction after one year — results that mirror my own experience at Clinicana.
Common Concerns People Ask Me About
- Itching: Mild in the first weeks, relieved with gentle washing and products provided by the clinic.
- Numbness: Can last several weeks, but usually resolves fully (mine did).
- Redness: Gone within 2–3 weeks in my case, though it can last longer depending on skin type.
- Exercise: I avoided the gym for 2 weeks, as recommended, to protect the grafts.
Why Aftercare Matters So Much
Clinicana gave me:
- A post-op kit with shampoo, lotion, and meds
- WhatsApp access to their medical team (super reassuring when I had questions)
- Scheduled follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months
The British Association of Dermatologists stresses that aftercare is critical to preventing infection and maximising growth. Having structured guidance made me feel confident I was doing everything right.
Final Thoughts: What You Can Expect After Clinicana
If you’re considering a transplant, here’s the reality from someone who’s lived it:
- The first few weeks can feel strange with scabs, shedding, and numbness.
- Real growth kicks in around 3–4 months.
- By 6–7 months, you’ll see a new version of yourself in the mirror.
- Results continue to improve up to 12 months and beyond.
For me, getting my transplant at Clinicana inside Acıbadem Taksim Hospital was the best decision I’ve made for my confidence. The healing process is a journey, but with the right expectations and aftercare, the results are life-changing.
If you want to learn more about my hair transplant journey with Clinicana then be sure to check out my full Clinicana Hair Transplant & Esthetic Surgeries review.
👉 Want to see my real before-and-after photos and full recovery videos?
Join my free members area here — I’ve documented everything so you know exactly what to expect.