Start preparing for your Turkey hair transplant at least 6 weeks before your procedure date. The preparation process includes a remote consultation, medication adjustments, travel logistics, and a pre-op checklist that directly affects your graft survival rate. Patients who prepare properly experience fewer complications and better outcomes.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Timeline: 6 Weeks Before to Procedure Day
6 to 8 Weeks Before
Book your procedure and arrange consultations. Most Turkish clinics offer free remote consultations via WhatsApp video call or email. During this consultation:
- Share photos of your hair loss from multiple angles (top, front, sides, back, donor area)
- Discuss your goals and expectations
- Get a graft count estimate and procedure recommendation
- Confirm the surgeon who will perform your procedure
- Review the package inclusions and total cost
Book your flights. Plan to arrive the day before your procedure and stay 2 to 3 days after. A typical trip is 4 to 5 nights total. Flying home 2 to 3 days after the procedure is usually fine for FUE patients.
Arrange travel insurance. Standard travel insurance covers trip cancellation and medical emergencies. Some policies specifically cover elective medical procedures abroad. Read the policy details carefully.
4 Weeks Before
Get pre-op blood work. Many clinics perform blood tests on arrival, but getting them done at home first lets you identify any issues early. Common tests include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood glucose
- Hepatitis B and C screening
- HIV screening
- Coagulation panel
Start adjusting medications. Consult with both your regular doctor and your Turkish surgeon about:
| Medication | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin) | Stop | 7 to 10 days before |
| NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) | Stop | 7 days before |
| Fish oil supplements | Stop | 7 days before |
| Vitamin E supplements | Stop | 7 days before |
| Finasteride | Continue | Unless surgeon advises otherwise |
| Minoxidil | Stop applying to transplant area | 3 to 7 days before |
| Biotin | Continue | Safe to continue |
2 Weeks Before
Stop smoking. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the scalp, reducing graft survival. Two weeks is the minimum. Longer is better. This applies to cigarettes, vapes, nicotine patches, and all tobacco products.
Stop alcohol. Cease alcohol consumption at least 3 to 5 days before surgery. Alcohol thins the blood and increases bleeding during the procedure.
Confirm all logistics. Double-check:
- Flight times and confirmation numbers
- Hotel reservation (or confirm the clinic's hotel arrangement)
- Airport transfer details and contact information
- Clinic address and arrival time
- Emergency contact numbers for the clinic
The Day Before
Arrive in Istanbul. Most clinics arrange pickup from the airport. Use this day to:
- Rest and hydrate
- Eat a balanced meal (you will need to fast before surgery if general sedation is used, though most FUE uses local anesthesia only)
- Wash your hair thoroughly with regular shampoo (no products or styling)
- Review your procedure plan one final time
- Get a good night's sleep (8+ hours)
Procedure Day
Morning routine:
- Eat a light breakfast (unless instructed otherwise)
- Wear a button-up shirt (you will not be able to pull anything over your head after)
- Bring your ID, insurance documents, and any medical records
- Do not apply any products to your hair or scalp
- Arrive at the scheduled time (clinics typically start between 8 and 9 AM)
What to Pack
Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Button-up or zip-up shirts (3 to 4, enough for your stay)
- Neck pillow (for sleeping at a 45-degree angle post-procedure)
- Loose, comfortable pants
- Slip-on shoes (avoid bending over to tie laces)
- Phone charger and adapter (Turkey uses Type C and Type F plugs)
- Entertainment (books, tablet, headphones) for recovery days
Medical
- Any prescribed medications in original packaging
- Copy of your blood work results
- Your regular doctor's contact information
- Travel insurance documents
Post-Op Comfort
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) for after day 10 when you can apply it
- A loose-fitting hat (only after your surgeon approves, typically day 10+)
- Saline spray (some clinics provide this)
- Gentle moisturizer for any dry skin around the forehead
What Not to Do Before Surgery
Common mistakes that negatively affect outcomes:
- Do not get a haircut. Leave your hair as-is. The clinic will shave or trim as needed.
- Do not use hair fibers or concealers. These can interfere with the procedure.
- Do not tan or sunburn your scalp. Damaged skin complicates surgery and healing.
- Do not start new supplements. Some supplements affect bleeding and healing.
- Do not exercise intensely. Avoid heavy workouts for 3 days before the procedure. Light walking is fine.
Choosing the Right Technique
Most Turkish clinics offer FUE, Sapphire FUE, and DHI. Your surgeon will recommend a technique during the consultation, but understanding the basics helps you participate in the decision. For a detailed technique breakdown, see the FUE vs FUT comparison.
Sapphire FUE is the most commonly performed technique in Turkey (85% of procedures). It uses sapphire-tipped blades for the incision channels, which proponents say heal faster and allow denser packing than standard steel FUE.
Know Your Starting Point
Accurate preparation starts with understanding your current hair loss stage. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for a free AI assessment of your Norwood stage and estimated graft needs. Bring this information to your consultation so you can compare it against the clinic's recommendation. If the numbers differ significantly, ask the surgeon to explain why. For cost expectations, review the Turkey vs USA cost comparison.