Hair transplant FAQ
Your questions. Clear answers.
A hair transplant is a personal decision. Here are direct answers to the questions we hear most often — from planning and technique to travel, recovery and long-term results.
Every case is different. A photo review can help us discuss possibilities, but final suitability and the treatment plan depend on medical assessment.
Fast answers
How much is a hair transplant at Maximum Istanbul?
Our stated complete scalp hair transplant rate is €2,500 for eligible patients, subject to confirmation of the individual treatment plan and what is included in the written quotation. See our cost page for details. Flights, optional services and any exclusions must be clearly confirmed before booking.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
The standard international itinerary is three days and two nights: arrival, treatment, then the first wash and departure, subject to medical clearance and suitable flight times.
Which hair transplant technique do you use?
For suitable scalp patients, our treatment standard combines Sapphire FUE and DHI where each method serves the plan. The technique is chosen for the hair and recipient area — not sold as a separate upgrade.
How many patients are treated each day?
Maximum Istanbul limits its planned daily volume to a maximum of two patients, supporting a more personal approach to consultation, design and coordination.
When will I see my final result?
Early growth often begins after several months, with visible changes through the first year. Final maturation can take approximately 12–18 months, sometimes longer in the crown. Timelines vary.
Suitability & planning
Am I a good candidate for a hair transplant?
Suitability depends on the type and stability of hair loss, donor quality, age, scalp health, medical history and realistic goals. A transplant may not be appropriate if the donor is weak, loss is diffuse or an underlying condition needs evaluation first.
Can I have a transplant if I am still losing hair?
Possibly, but ongoing loss affects long-term planning. The team should consider future recession, donor reserves and whether medical treatment or postponement would better protect your result.
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
There is no single age that decides suitability. Younger patients require particularly careful planning because hair-loss patterns may still be changing; older patients also need an individualized medical assessment.
How many grafts will I need?
There is no reliable universal number. The estimate depends on the recipient area, desired coverage, hair characteristics and safe donor capacity. A preliminary photo estimate can change after in-person examination.
Do you offer unlimited grafts?
No responsible treatment plan should promise unlimited extraction. Donor supply is finite, and protecting the donor area is part of the result.
Can you transplant the crown and hairline in one session?
Sometimes. For larger areas, splitting the plan into stages may be more sensible than stretching donor resources across the whole scalp at once.
Can a hair transplant fail?
A result can fall short of expectations because of medical factors, ongoing loss, healing, graft survival, planning or technique. No provider can guarantee a particular density or outcome.
Techniques & the team
What is Sapphire FUE?
FUE describes follicular-unit extraction. “Sapphire” usually refers to the blade material used when creating recipient channels, not a completely different extraction method. Outcomes depend on planning and execution, not blade material alone.
What is DHI?
DHI commonly describes implantation using an implanter pen. It is an implantation approach, not a separate way of extracting donor follicles. It can be useful in selected areas and around existing hair.
Is DHI better than Sapphire FUE?
Neither label is automatically superior. They refer to different parts or methods of the procedure. The better choice depends on recipient conditions, graft handling, hair direction and the clinical plan.
Why does Maximum combine Sapphire FUE and DHI?
Our combined approach is intended to match the tools to the recipient area rather than force one technique across every zone. The medical team determines which methods are appropriate for each patient.
Who designs the hairline?
Our senior hair-transplant expert, with 16 years of experience, is closely involved in consultation and design together with the treating medical team.
Who performs the medical procedure?
Hair transplantation takes place under the responsibility of the licensed treating medical provider and qualified clinical professionals. The precise allocation of medical tasks, names and credentials should be confirmed directly before treatment.
Does the treatment hurt?
Local-anesthetic injections can be uncomfortable, and some sensation or discomfort can occur during or after treatment. Comfort measures are available, but a completely painless experience cannot be promised.
Do you offer Deep Sleep Anesthesia?
A short medically supervised sleep option may be available for suitable patients during administration of local-anesthetic injections. It is not the same as sleeping through the entire transplant. Availability, suitability, staffing and any extra charge must be confirmed in writing.
Price, travel & booking
What does the €2,500 price include?
The proposed complete scalp treatment covers the planned transplant and coordinated international patient journey. The exact current inclusions — such as hotel nights, transfers, PRP or Graft-Tech — must be listed in the written offer; do not assume every optional medical service is included.
Is the price based on graft count?
The stated approach is a complete treatment price rather than a per-graft sales model. The safe number of grafts is determined by assessment, not by the price.
Are flights included?
Do not assume flights are included. Ask for a written breakdown before making travel arrangements.
Can I arrive at either Istanbul airport?
Travel coordination is intended to support arrivals through both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), subject to the confirmed transfer arrangement.
Can I bring someone with me?
Companions may be possible, but accommodation arrangements and any extra costs should be confirmed before booking.
How do I reserve my treatment date?
Begin with a personal assessment and a written treatment offer. The team can then explain available dates, any reservation payment and the applicable cancellation and refund conditions.
Do I need to shave my head?
Shaving requirements depend on the donor area, the planned recipient work and the number of grafts. Partial-shave or no-shave approaches may be possible for selected cases; they cannot be promised in advance.
Recovery & results
How long does the hair transplant take?
Treatment time depends on the case, graft number and clinical workflow. Plan for a substantial part of the treatment day rather than a quick appointment; the exact schedule will be confirmed individually.
Will I have swelling or scabs?
Some redness, swelling, crusting and temporary tenderness are common after surgery. Your medical team will explain what is expected and when to contact them.
When can I wash my hair?
The first wash is normally guided by the team during the Istanbul stay. Subsequent washing instructions must follow your own discharge plan; do not use a generic internet schedule instead.
When can I exercise again?
Return to exercise depends on healing and the intensity of activity. Avoid assuming one fixed date applies to all patients; follow the treating team’s written restrictions.
Will the transplanted hair fall out?
Temporary shedding of transplanted hair shafts is common during the early months. This does not necessarily mean the follicles have been lost. New growth generally appears gradually.
Will my donor area recover?
The donor area usually heals progressively, but extraction creates permanent small changes and can leave visible thinning or tiny scars, especially if overharvested. Donor planning matters.
Are results permanent?
Transplanted follicles may retain donor characteristics, but natural hair loss can continue in untreated areas. Long-term appearance may depend on future loss, treatment choices and ongoing care.
Can you guarantee a natural hairline?
No specific result can be guaranteed. Natural appearance depends on design, hair caliber, graft selection, angles, growth and individual healing.
Aftercare & special cases
Will you support me after I return home?
Maximum Istanbul’s planned patient service includes ongoing communication and 24/7 support availability. This is not a substitute for emergency medical care in your home country.
What if I notice infection or unusual pain?
Seek prompt medical advice for worsening redness, spreading warmth, fever, pus, severe or increasing pain, significant bleeding or other concerning symptoms. Contact the treating team and seek local urgent care when appropriate.
Do I need finasteride or minoxidil?
Medication can help some patients manage ongoing hair loss, but benefits, risks and contraindications differ. Only use treatments after discussion with a qualified clinician.
Do you treat women?
Female hair transplantation may be appropriate for selected patterns of loss or hairline lowering. Diffuse thinning and potential medical causes should be assessed before recommending surgery.
Do you offer beard or eyebrow transplantation?
These procedures may be offered following individual assessment. Their technique, donor planning and pricing are separate from the standard scalp transplant offer.
Can I have a second transplant?
Sometimes, provided sufficient donor hair remains and the scalp has healed. Timing and feasibility require individualized assessment.
Your next answer should be personal.
General answers help you understand the process. Your own hairline, donor area and medical history deserve a plan built around you.
Send clear photos of your hairline, top, crown and donor area. We will explain the next steps and what needs to be assessed before treatment.
A preliminary review is not a medical diagnosis or a guarantee of eligibility or results.
Maximum Istanbul — The Maximum Standard.