How Long Should You Stay in Turkey for a Hair Transplant? A Day-by-Day Plan

If you are travelling to Istanbul from Europe for a hair transplant, two nights’ accommodation is enough. For patients who fly more than 8 hours to reach us, from the USA, Canada, Australia or Singapore for example, we recommend three nights. The plan is simple: you arrive the day before your procedure, the transplant is carried out the next day, your first hair wash is done the day after the procedure, and then we see you off home, healthy and happy. Hairpol’s international package includes 2-3 nights in a centrally located 4-5 star hotel and VIP transfers.

Below you will find a day-by-day travel plan, which day to book your return flight, what to watch out for on the plane and in the first few days, and how follow-up works once you are back home.

How long should you stay in Turkey for a hair transplant?

Three fixed points determine the length of your stay: arrival, the day of the procedure and the first wash. For patients coming from Europe, these three steps fit into two nights. After a flight of more than 8 hours, one extra day is enough for your body to recover from the journey and for you to set off home well rested.

That is why we recommend three nights for patients travelling from further afield, such as the USA, Canada, Australia or Singapore.

• Coming from Europe: two nights’ accommodation is enough.
• Flights longer than 8 hours (such as the USA, Canada, Australia or Singapore): we recommend three nights.

Before you buy your tickets, please confirm with our team how many nights you will stay and which day your return flight can be. If you would like to stay longer than the 2-3 nights included in the package, we strongly recommend discussing this with your patient advisor before booking.

Day-by-day plan: from arrival to departure

Day 1: arrival and hotel check-in

Our VIP transfer meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Spend the evening before your procedure resting; if possible, choose a flight that lands in the afternoon or early evening. If you would like to see the city, this is the best day to do it, because after the procedure you will need to protect the transplant area from the sun and avoid bending your head forward.

Day 2: procedure day

Before the procedure, your transplant plan is finalised in a face-to-face consultation and agreed together with you. The needs of the area to be treated and the capacity of your donor area are assessed, and the medically appropriate maximum number of grafts that can be safely taken without harming the donor area is planned individually for you. Hairpol performs Sapphire FUE, DHI and Manual Punch Long Hair FUE. The transplant is carried out by our doctor and our experienced medical team.

How long the procedure takes depends on the plan made beforehand. Please do not schedule anything else that day, and spend the evening resting at your hotel. The procedure is usually completed within 6-8 hours.

Day 3: first wash

Your first wash takes place the day after the procedure. This is where the aftercare you will continue on your own at home begins. We explain how washing works in detail in our article how to wash your hair after a hair transplant.

Departure day (day 3 if you come from Europe, day 4 after a long-haul flight)

Once your first wash is done, you can set off on your journey home. Your trip from the hotel to the airport is also by VIP transfer. Keep your aftercare kit and medication with you; both are included in the international package.

Which day should you book your return flight?

Plan your return flight for 3-4 hours after your first wash.

What should you watch out for on the plane and in the first few days?

• Do not bend your head forward: this rule applies for the first 3-4 days. Please take care not to bump your head when getting in and out of a car, and be careful when lifting your suitcase at the airport, when bending down and while seated on the plane.
• Protect yourself from the sun: for the first 14 days, the transplant and donor areas are kept out of direct sunlight. For the first 2 months, avoid sunbathing and long periods of exposure that could cause sunburn.
• Do not wear a hat too early: a hat can be worn after day 10 and a beanie after day 40; please talk to your doctor about the type of hat, as your doctor will decide. More details in our article on wearing hats after a hair transplant.

You can read what to expect in the first week in our article the first 7 days after a hair transplant, and the whole process on our hair transplant aftercare page.

How does follow-up work once you are home?

Your stay in Turkey may be short, but follow-up does not end there. Our international package includes a 24/7 VIP patient manager and monthly follow-up for 12 months. Follow-up is done remotely: you share your photos every month and send your questions to our team.

Shock loss may occur between weeks 3 and 8 and is a normal part of the process. The final result settles at 12-18 months.

The photo shows one of our own patients and is shared with their permission. Results vary from person to person; the final look settles at 12-18 months.

What is included in the international package?

The package for patients travelling from abroad includes:

• 2-3 nights in a centrally located 4-5 star hotel
• VIP transfers
• Aftercare kit, including medication
• Complication insurance
• Guarantee certificate
• 24/7 VIP patient manager
• Monthly follow-up for 12 months

Patients from abroad pay in cash or by credit card. Pricing depends on the technique and the type of package, and you are never charged per graft. With cash payment, the all-inclusive package costs $2,500£1,900€2,250CA$3,500. For package details, see our hair transplant package page or contact your VIP advisor.

Our guarantee certificate guarantees that the transplanted hair grows in the transplant area and is valid for 18 months from the date of the procedure; it requires you to share photos and follow the aftercare instructions, and it does not cover areas that were not transplanted. See all the conditions here. To get to know our clinic’s physician, visit the Dr. Barış Duman page.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need to stay in Turkey for a hair transplant?

For patients coming from Europe, two nights’ accommodation is enough: arrival, procedure day, the first wash the day after the procedure, and departure. For patients flying more than 8 hours, from the USA, Canada, Australia or Singapore for example, we recommend three nights.

How many days after a hair transplant can I fly?

Plan your return flight for after your first wash; the first wash takes place the day after the procedure. Please agree the exact day with our team based on your plan.

How many hotel nights are included in the package?

Our international package includes 2-3 nights in a centrally located 4-5 star hotel and VIP transfers. If you would like to stay longer, please discuss this with our team before booking.

Do I need to come back for check-ups once I am home?

Follow-up is done remotely. Our package includes a 24/7 VIP patient manager and monthly follow-up for 12 months; you share your photos every month and follow your progress together with our team.

Free photo analysis and travel plan

Send us your photos and we will share the right plan for you, how many days to set aside and the price, free of charge.

Message us on WhatsApp or see which photos to send. For the whole booking process, take a look at our article how to book a hair transplant in Turkey.