I want to share the costs of my hair transplant trip to Turkey. I had two DHI sessions with 5000 grafts at BlueMagic Group Clinic in Istanbul. Here’s the breakdown:

- Flight: I found a round-trip flight from New York to Istanbul for about $800. I booked it three months ahead, which helped me save some money.
- Accommodation: The package included 5 days of accommodation. The clinic also covered transfers from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the clinic.
- Hair Transplant Procedure: The total price for both sessions was $5450. I had a medical consultant who explained everything well, and the quality was good.
- Food: They provided lunch on the surgery day at the clinic. It wasn’t traditional Turkish food, but they served international meals. The hotel also provided breakfast.
-Extras: I spent about $500 on other meals, but that depends on your own budget.

In total, my costs were around $6800, which I think is a great deal for everything, especially with the quality of care at the clinic. I had my surgery on July 20, and I was lucky because the clinic had just been upgraded. So far, everything has gone smoothly, and I really appreciate the clinic’s promise of regular follow-ups for my aftercare. They included 12 months of aftercare in the package, but I heard many clinics don’t keep that promise, so I was a bit worried. However, I have a patient care specialist who checks on me regularly. I can’t wait to see the full results! I highly recommend BlueMagic because of the quality I received, but what do you think about the pricing? Is it fair?

For my HT, I chose to go to Dr. Behnam at Dermitology & Hair Restoration Specialists in Los Angeles, CA. He did 5.1k grafts to the front scalp. My choice was to go for as much coverage and density there as I can get, then see what my donor supply looks like for any filling or work on the crown later on.

I will begin by explaining the reasons why I chose to go with him, then I’ll explain the experience of the procedure and how I feel today a year (ish) later.

First, when it comes to location, I had some reservations regarding traveling outside the US for a HT:

·       Many surgeons (if you get a surgeon at all and not a team of techs) do multiple HTs per day to maximize their income. I’m not interested in having someone rush through my HT because they have someone else scheduled after me. Plus, doing fewer HTs per day (one, ideally) puts more focus on the quality of the work rather than consistent patient turnover and I distrust the latter as a business model.

·       If something happens shortly after the HT that dislodges grafts, what happens? Will they see me in an emergency? What if whoever is doing the HT isn’t available? What then? What if grafts get unexpectedly knocked out once I’m back in the US? Dr. Behnam told me that no matter what happens, if something hits my head or grafts get dislodged to keep them cool and call him immediately and he will get his people together and do an emergency procedure to attempt to reattach and save them.

·       Ambiguous grievance resolution. Suppose like a lot of people on this forum, I get a crappy HT from someone outside my home country - what do I do? I’m not in any way familiar with their legal processes or what standards and/or codes foreign medical professionals are even held to. I’ve seen both good and bad outcomes from the same surgeons (provided the posts are accurate) and I wasn’t willing to roll the dice to save a few bucks. What good will saving a few thousand dollars do me if someone who doesn’t give a shit overharvests my donor area?

·       Last but not least, if there was a problem, I don’t trust them not to just erase my file and claim they don’t know me. Or simply stop replying to my inquiries. There’s a doctor on this sub reddit reported to do just that. If you know, you know.

*I would like to note that some folks are unable to afford more expensive surgeons (I sure wasn’t, until recently) and others will swear off expensive surgeons purely by principal – and that’s totally fine! I support all of you in your decisions regarding the best care for you. A lot of folks on the sub refer to the post-procedure era as “coming back from the dead,” and for me, that’s an accurate description of how I feel now. I feel fucking great. If you’re on the fence and your hair loss is bothering you, pull the trigger. Be informed. Choose wisely. But go for it.

Why I chose Dr. Behnam over other US surgeons.

·       He only does one HT per day, and the grafts are harvested and implanted the same day. He removes the grafts in the am, and his techs implant them after lunch while he does appointments and consultations. None of this putting your grafts in their fridge overnight then coming back later to implant. The grafts are only out of the body for about two hours and are kept cold (I forgot the exact temp) to help promote graft survival.

·       His website has a bunch of before and after pics right there on the front page and all over. And he has a lot more to look through if you ask. Several of the other surgeons in the area had pictures of attractive models with thick, luxurious hair. Surgeries like this are cosmetic and are usually done because the patient feels self-conscious about their appearance. By plastering beautiful women and handsome men with thick, luxurious hair all over the place, it just comes off as manipulative and disingenuous. Show me what you can do for me, not some fantasy designed to trigger my dissatisfaction with my appearance in an attempt to get me to sign on the dotted line.

After two years of domestic violence therapy, I will never trust someone whom I feel is manipulating my emotions.

·       Dr. Behnam is very involved in the science, procedure, and art of haircare and restoration. He designed his own tools to use on extracting the grafts to make the smallest holes he can and avoid causing damage to unextracted hairs in the donor area. He attends and speaks at conferences around the world and appears to be well-respected in the field.

·       Dr. Behnam met with me personally for my consult – twice. The first one I did was via zoom so he could get a look and ensure my candidacy. I then asked him for a second consult if I came in so he could get a closer look and give me an accurate assessment of what he thought he could do, which he did.

·       He has a bunch of awards, including multiple “most compassionate doctor” awards; and that made a huge impact on me. My hair has been falling out for two decades and the loss caused me a lot of stress and depression. I never had much money, nor the ability to earn it because of severe depression and anxiety disorders. In 2018 my dad died and my brother and I were each given some money from an insurance payout from his wrongful death lawsuit. Not much in the grand scheme of things, but it was enough to get a HT and change my life forever (and it did). However, the money had sentimental value to me. My dad suffered a lot before he died, and I wasn’t going to give the money over to some asshole who doesn’t care. I didn’t want to spend it on something that wouldn’t last, and wouldn’t stay with me, if that makes any sense.

·       A lot of cosmetic surgeons will go out of their way to use imagery and language to trigger those feelings of depression, low self-esteem, and unattractiveness to make you more likely to sign with them. Dr. Behnam didn’t. He didn’t do anything like that. As a matter of fact, he tempered my expectations three times during the consultation by declaring (more than once) he isn’t a magician, and cannot turn back the clock. I was fine with that, of course, as I knew more or less what to expect with a HT. I told him I was looking for the best hairline, coverage, and density he could muster with what my donor area and recipient areas had to offer.

The other option I had whittled it down to was A.A. But, the overuse of supermodels on the page coupled with the fact that the surgeon not only wouldn’t meet with me for a consult, but wanted to charge me the exact same price for 1,680 fewer grafts was a deal breaker. If a surgeon isn’t interested in consulting with you directly, don’t bother. Also, they tried to sell me on PRP injections post-procedure until I told them that other surgeons were offering them for free. Then the salesman tried to backpedal and say he meant they were free, too.

No thanks.

The Procedure

The coverage and results I was looking for fit into his two-day procedure. On Tuesday, August 8^(th), 2023 I arrived at his office at 7:30 am for the procedure. I was offered plenty of pain relieving medication in my scalp and, once the procedure started, I was instructed to tell the doctor if I felt any pain. He wanted the procedure to be painless and it was. I fell asleep both days for about an hour or so on both days during the harvesting part of the process. When I wasn’t asleep, I watched Netflix in his office while he did his thing and the techs prepared for their part.

By about noon the first extractions were done and we had lunch- which Dr. Sean’s office provided. I think the first day was Persian food and the other was Mexican. Both days the lunches were superb. Also, I am gluten intolerant (celiac) and he went out of his way to assure the meals were gluten-free, and he purchased all new gluten-free snacks for me to have during the procedure. The procedure is minimally invasive, but it’s significant, and he likes his patients to eat and drink a little during the procedure to keep it up.

After lunch the techs got to work placing the grafts. It took until about 4 to 4:30 to finish and get me out on the way back to my hotel. Wednesday the 9^(th) was  a day of resting, and my second procedure would take place Thursday the 10^(th).

The experience with the second procedure was much the same as the first. I arrived at the same time, fell asleep, and left around 4 to 4:30. On this day, though, I was given comprehensive aftercare instructions, ample supplies, and was also given this stuff called Acell to put on the donor area. He told me the Acell would dramatically accelerate the healing process in my donor area (it did) and that it has been known to grow back hairs in the area (which it probably did). Right now, my donor area looks and feels great. It is somewhat thinner than pre-transplant, of course. But Dr. Behnam looked at it and said he could probably get another 5k if he needed to (he doesn’t). This is one of the other reasons I was willing to spend a larger amount of money on a US surgeon than on less expensive alternative. I wanted the best I could get for my own specific case, and that’s not what the others provided when I inquired.

After my transplant, Dr. Behnam refunded me 50% of my hotel bill (as he does with his patients who come from out of town) in addition to offering me money to take photos of the work for his records and social media. He’s the only doctor I spoke to that offered to do both of these things at the consultation before I signed up.

He gave me his direct number at the consultation before I signed up and paid the down payment. Once I had it I was able to contact him whenever I want and ask questions. He always responds (even now, a year later) and I have seen him multiple times for updates on my progress and for him to take pictures, videos, and monitor everything. He is very pleased with how it turned out and so am I.

Ultimately, I had 5180 grafts extracted over two days for a total of $25k. This was about 800 or so grafts above his initial estimate of how many grafts he could transplant over the two-day procedure. A lot depends on the patient’s hair and scalp, and luckily for me it worked out in my favor. The reason I was happy for so many grafts is because I asked for a female hairline (trans) and thus required more grafts. Had I gone for a middle-aged male oriented design, I likely would have needed significantly fewer grafts and possibly only a single-day procedure rather than a two-day one.

Throughout this entire thing, from the day I first spoke to him to today, I have never once felt he didn’t care about my results, satisfaction, and well-being. His industry may be cosmetic, but Dr. Sean Behnam is no less a healer than a heart surgeon or oncologist. Not everyone’s mental health is severely affected by hair loss, but mine was, and he took care of me. He’ll take care of you, too.

Feel free to DM me if you want me to send more pics or if you have questions. Thank you!

Sorry for the angry eyes. I am trying to look at the camera, not glare at you :)

12 month update

Full transplant area

What my donor area looks like now after 5k grafts removed

A few days post-procedure

A look at what my recipient area was like before being trimmed and marked

hairline

A month or so after

12 mo results

R side

L side

The more I read the deeper into the rabbit hole I go. I have had a consultation with Hermest and liked the guy and felt comfortable about what I was being told. But then I opened Reddit.
The web seems impossible to know who is “best”.
How do I get the very best results. Should I just pay the inflated prices of the US or can I get as good if not better results from someone in Turkey? This is my hair and I willing to pay for best results.
Who is “the best”.

I have been told I need about 5-6k graphs.

I recently got a no shave FUE procedure done by Art Katona in Atlanta, GA. After looking at others pictures, it seems like the holes punched in the donor area are much larger then others. Does this look normal? Also, just based on looking at the recipient area it does not look like there were very many grafts placed and nowhere near the 2200 he agreed to do. Has anyone had a similar experience and does this look like 2200 grafts on the recipient area? Dr. Katona was only involved in the punching of the recipient area while all of the other techs did the rest of the procedure which is worrying me.

https://preview.redd.it/8b425vvduo2e1.jpg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=32c63009cb18c2f1fd597bbeb2d7499802de02e7

https://preview.redd.it/1hfb45weuo2e1.jpg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=da7bd3b4077e5ba80e24eddf1ea4df34478b3957

I am considering to go to this clinic to get my hair implant soon. Does anyone have any experience with them? I want to avoid any scam or things like that. The price is 2,200 EUR for 3500 - 4000 grafts. They will be using the FUE Sapphire method.

I’m currently deciding between two doctors for my hair transplant surgery, and I’m looking for some advice or experiences from people who have been through a similar process. I have a Norwood 3 vertex pattern and am particularly focused on achieving a natural hairline and temporal point restoration. Good thing is both doctors does only one surgery per day. Here are the two options I’m considering:

• Option 1: Dr. Sandeep Suttar & Dr Indu Suttar - husband and wife (HairRevive, Mumbai)
  • Grafts: 1500-1800 grafts
  • Method: FUE Stick and Place Method (Dr suggested Conservative approach and not lowering hairline). First extraction will be done and then implantation, meaning grafts will be outside body for ~2hrs
  • Team: 3 doctors ( husband, wife and one junior doctor), 1 technician, 1 anesthesiologist
  • Process: First extraction, then slit making and implantation. Grafts will be outside for ~2 hours after extraction. One-day procedure.
  • Experience: 20 years, MDs in plastic surgery from Grant Medical College, Mumbai. Highly rated (4.9/5 on Google) but only 50 reviews . He focuses on ethics, under promises and gives better results, and is passionate about research and academia based on reviews. Writes research, part of forums - Hair research society, India; Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons (AHRS), India. During his tenure, he organized the national conference of AHRS - HAIRCON in 2014, at Goa.
  • Cost: ₹135,500-₹158,000 (₹75/graft, 8000 for disposables and 15000 for anesthesiologist)
• Option 2: Dr. Alok Sahoo (All Roots, Delhi/Bhubaneswar)
  • Grafts: 2300-2600 grafts
  • Method: SAVA DHI ( he is okay with conservative as well as lower hairline ). First slits will be done and then extractions and implantation, meaning grafts will be outside body for only les than 15 mins.
  • Team: 1 doctor (Dr. Alok), 4-5 technicians (2 for implantation, 2 for graft counting, and 1 for graft supply), Dr Alok does anaesthesia . Planing, slit making and one side of temples by doctor, implantation and other side of temple by technicians
  • Process: First slit making than extraction and implantation. Grafts will be outside for <30 minutes after extraction . One-day procedure.
  • Experience: MD in Dermatology from AIIMS Delhi ( only talented few gets admission here), 7 years of experience (3 years with Eugenix). Highly rated (5/5 out of ~150 ratings in Bhubaneswar, 4.9/5 out of 150 ratings in Delhi). Doesn’t write any proper and part of no forums
  • Cost: ₹115,000-₹130,000 (₹50/graft)

My concerns:

1. I’m leaning toward a natural, conservative result (hence my focus on Dr. Suttar), but I’m also considering Dr. Sahoo due to his advanced technology and experience with Eugenix and education from AIIMS.
2. Dr. Suttar’s experience is impressive, but I wonder if his academic focus means less hands-on experience.
3. Dr. Sahoo seems newer but has solid ratings and he will be more open to my suggestions
4. The difference in graft numbers is significant, but I’d prefer to avoid going too aggressive with the hairline.

Has anyone had experience with either of these doctors? Any advice on which option might be better for a natural, conservative hairline restoration, especially considering my specific pattern (Norwood 3 vertex)? Would appreciate any feedback!

Terrible Experience and wouldn't recommend - went to Vera Clinic for a Hair Transplant 2 years ago and have had an awful experience.

According to them I have had 4000 grafts removed from the side of my head to fill in the front of my head - as you can see from the Photos barely any of the grafts have survived and I have severe scarring and thinning in the Donor Area. This is to warn people off this Clinic - it's not worth it and you'll end up having to get it redone at a new, better location.

I'm currently in a state where its obvious I have had a hair transplant because it looks like it was just done leaving me worse off than when I started. Be careful with the Clinic you choose - just because Vera look reputable online doesn't mean they are!

2 years after photos and pre photos - Dont need to tell you which one is which.

https://preview.redd.it/nr2jxdh5gdvd1.jpg?width=230&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0dcc644e25e96cbf5f390a4c81d5ab95bce216f

https://preview.redd.it/sm4ekc66gdvd1.jpg?width=486&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=031f683839e1c3d0c6b3ba2d173e686dcb1eb482

https://preview.redd.it/kyqwvue6gdvd1.png?width=423&format=png&auto=webp&s=15b0ecddd4841d27fb9edcf3902078a0499383e8

https://preview.redd.it/e8mcczm6gdvd1.jpg?width=165&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b719c6a18f42a3cb1b5b362f61327dbcfd53ab1

https://preview.redd.it/dqo99lv6gdvd1.jpg?width=159&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f3eefc4b38a99b30f8f4f918060869734498260

Im really thinking about getting one and i want to know how much does it actually cost ALL TOGETHER?

I am from Europe, so lets include the flight, hotels, the transplant, etc.. everything together and lets say about 3000-3500 grafts.

If any of u knows a good cheap clinic (i do need to save uo money for it) i would be very happy if u also included a recommendation!

Cheers

Advanced in Seattle: what do you think?

I’m debating making this investment in myself. What do you all think?

I recently got a hair transplant at 19 years old. Today is my second day since having the transplant and I must admit it’s been a little hard to completely quit all substances in preparation to this. I was advised by my HT doctor to quit smoking and drinking at least 3 days prior to my procedure. Weed I’ve been able to manage, I quit about a week before the day of the transplant. I’m not as heavy of a drinker, but do tend to drink every other night and had my last drink 3 days before the operation. This I can manage and don’t feel compelled to do. However, before my transplant I was also a nicotine user: on and off between zyns and vaping and developed a pretty strong addiction. I was able to quit two days prior to the day of the transplant and I am now on day two since the transplant has been completed. I know that you’re not supposed to use any nicotine or smoke for a recommended thirty days afterwards. But I have this vape in my room, and was wondering if I could hit it just one time, for a sense of relief and to take off this edge I’m feeling off a little bit, and from there I could throw it away, and go about the next thirty days without it. What do you guys think? Would one hit have an affect on my results?

Hi everyone, I just scheduled my appointment for my hair Turan and wanted to get any insight from anyone who has done the procedure and what to expect and what I should be prepared for and should I start taking finasteride and if so, how many months prior to the procedure? Also has anyone had their procedure done with Dr Turan? I am curious what their experience there is like and how your results turned out? Are you satisfied and what do you think about the front hairline density? I always see these guys who post their transplant photos with these cookie cutter hairlines that are a straight line and they look so bad to me, I was attracted to Dr. Turan because his photos looked more natural and with higher density and he does part of the procedure.

Thank you for your time and input and I’ll be happy to show photos and updates

First time getting a hair transplant, curious on how it looks

Has anyone used them? I just did my consultation with them and thought it went well . I really liked the Dr as well.

Hi guys, looking to find a good hair transplant spot in Ireland. Looking into beacon hair restoration. Anyone have any reviews or have heard of them? Thanks