When I first started researching hair transplant clinics, I was completely overwhelmed. Every clinic claimed to be the best — glossy websites, 5-star photos, and prices that varied wildly. But it wasn’t until I started asking the right questions that things began to make sense.
In this guide, I’ll share the exact questions I asked (and wish I’d asked sooner) before booking my transplant with Clinicana Hair Transplant & Esthetic Surgeries in Istanbul. Whether you’re considering Turkey, the UK, or anywhere else, these questions can help you spot a trustworthy clinic and avoid expensive mistakes.
If you’re still in research mode, you can also download my free guide — 8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Booking My Hair Transplant in Turkey — which dives even deeper into the process.
1. Is the Clinic Properly Licensed and Regulated?
A legitimate hair transplant clinic should always be licensed by its country’s health authority and operate in a proper medical facility — not a rented office or hotel room.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that unregulated medical tourism can put patients at serious risk. The same applies to hair restoration — you want a clinic that’s held to real medical standards.
When I finally decided on Clinicana, one of the reasons I felt confident was that it operates inside Acıbadem Taksim Hospital, one of Istanbul’s most modern private hospitals. The clinic is fully licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health and complies with ISO 9001 quality standards.
This means they meet the same clinical and hygiene requirements as European hospitals — something every patient should demand.
Once you know your clinic is legitimate, the next thing to ask is who will actually be doing the surgery.
2. Who Will Perform My Surgery (and What Are Their Qualifications)?
This question might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many clinics rely heavily on technicians. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the design, graft extraction, and implantation should always be performed or directly supervised by a qualified medical doctor.
Before my operation, I met Dr. Soner Tatlıdede, Clinicana’s lead plastic surgeon. He personally designed my hairline and oversaw every part of the 7-hour FUE procedure. That attention to detail instantly reassured me that I was in safe hands.
Pro tip: Ask for before-and-after photos of that specific surgeon’s patients — not generic clinic images.
Once you’re clear on who’s operating, the next step is understanding the method they’ll use.
3. What Hair Transplant Method Will Be Used (FUE, DHI, or Sapphire)?
Every technique has its pros and cons. According to the Mayo Clinic, both FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) are minimally invasive and produce natural results when done correctly.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Technique | Description | Best For | Healing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUE | Individual follicles are extracted and implanted into tiny slits. | Most patients; great for coverage. | 7–10 days |
| DHI | Uses an implanter pen for direct placement. | High-density results, smaller areas. | 5–7 days |
| Sapphire FUE | A variant using sapphire blades for finer incisions. | Thicker, natural hairlines. | 7–10 days |
I chose FUE at Clinicana because it suited my level of hair loss and offered strong density. The result, by month 7, was natural and full.
After choosing a technique, cost becomes the next critical factor — but not for the reasons you might think.
4. What’s Included in the Price (and Are There Hidden Costs)?
Hair transplant pricing can be confusing. Some clinics charge per graft, while others offer all-inclusive packages. What matters most is clarity.
Ask for a written breakdown covering:
- Surgery (and how many grafts are guaranteed)
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Medications and aftercare kit
- Translator or patient coordinator
Clinicana’s €2,850 Standard Package included all of this. There were no surprise extras when I arrived — even the hotel and transfers were arranged. That transparency made the whole trip feel effortless.
According to the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), cosmetic patients should always request a detailed treatment plan and written cost structure before agreeing to any procedure.
Still, even a well-priced transplant isn’t worth it if the aftercare isn’t handled correctly.
5. What Kind of Aftercare and Follow-Up Do You Provide?
The success of your transplant depends on what happens after the surgery. A good clinic will guide you through every step of recovery — washing, medication, sleeping position, and follow-up appointments.
At Clinicana, I received:
- A post-op scalp wash the next day
- Instructions and a special shampoo kit
- WhatsApp support directly with the medical team
- Scheduled follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months
The British Association of Dermatologists stresses that infection prevention and gentle scalp care are essential in the first week. I followed every instruction and noticed scabs were gone by day 10, with visible growth by month 3.
But don’t just take the clinic’s word for it — always verify their results and patient satisfaction.
6. Can I See Verified Patient Reviews and Before/After Photos?
One of the easiest ways to confirm credibility is through independent reviews. Look for Google or Trustpilot testimonials, or read discussions on Reddit’s r/HairTransplants.
Clinicana had more than 5,000 five-star Google reviews, many with detailed photos and stories from international patients. That gave me confidence I wasn’t alone in trusting them.
You can even ask your coordinator to put you in touch with a past patient who had a similar procedure — many reputable clinics will happily arrange this.
A PubMed clinical study found that FUE satisfaction rates exceed 90% at one-year follow-up, provided aftercare is done properly.
Now that you know how to evaluate credibility, it’s time to understand recovery expectations.
7. What’s the Expected Recovery Timeline and Success Rate?
Ask your clinic what percentage of grafts usually survive and when you should expect shedding and regrowth.
According to the Mayo Clinic, 10–80% of transplanted hair typically grows within 3–4 months. My experience aligned closely — thin sprouts by month 3, thicker growth by month 4, and full density visible around month 7.
Still, recovery doesn’t just mean healing physically — it’s also about how the clinic supports you logistically.
8. What’s the Travel and Communication Process Like for International Patients?
If you’re travelling abroad, organisation matters as much as the surgery itself. Ask:
- Will someone meet me at the airport?
- Is hotel accommodation nearby?
- Will I have an English-speaking coordinator?
When I landed in Istanbul, a driver from Clinicana was waiting at arrivals. I stayed at the Naz City Hotel Taksim, a clean, comfortable 4-star hotel just a short shuttle ride from the clinic. Every appointment was scheduled via WhatsApp — I never felt lost or confused.
Good communication is often a sign of good clinical care. A disorganised booking process can hint at deeper issues.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Book — Investigate
The clinic you choose will shape not only your results but also your peace of mind. Asking the right questions can help you avoid disappointment, ensure your safety, and get a natural result that genuinely boosts your confidence.
If you want to see exactly how my own procedure unfolded — from airport pickup to seven-month results — join my free members area at HairTransplantTurkey.Guide. You’ll find over 20 videos, real recovery updates, and answers to the most common questions people ask me every day.
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