A Five Star Experience - Istanbul, Turkey

Here is my 2.5 month update--all going great! The donor area is back to normal, the top is still thin from shock loss but way better than it was at this time after the 1st procedure. The old hair from the 1st procedure has covered the front area where the new grafts were added and so I don't have to worry about the "ugly duckling" phase (when the new hair is growing unevenly in the first 3-4 months). I can now go out without being self-conscious and I do everything normally. I even spoke in public several times.

The day has come! I took the plunge and went to Istanbul for a second procedure. I would have done it earlier but my schedule was very busy. Now, since it is spring and I will have a few free weeks, I thought it would be a good time to go.

Coming to Dr. Maral's Clinic this time felt like visiting old friends. The surgery team is still the same after two years (another sign of the quality of the clinic), the atmosphere at the clinic still professional but relaxed and welcoming, and the doctor as friendly and endearing as always. He has excellent medical credentials from leading schools in Turkey and abroad and a lot of international experience.

Anyway, this time I have decided to shut up and let the doctor take the decisions regarding my procedure. I had to lower the hairline (because of my fears the first time, I insisted to have it very high, despite Dr. Maral's best advice--arrgh) which took me 2000 grafts, and the rest went to the crown. Dr. Maral even said I will still have grafts for a third procedure. It seems that I am really lucky with my donor.

Since the procedure was smaller this time (3000 vs. 4800 grafts) and because I already knew what to expect, the whole experience was a breeze. It took only about six hours and I was even able to do some work I had to take with me, immediately after the operation! The team still works like super league, with mind boggling speed and dexterity, changing shifts inconspicuously and chatting in good spirits. The postop care was updated with a new, very useful pillow aid and somewhat modified medication and shampoo.

I stayed in the same hotel and this time I decided to take it easy and not visit the city (which is a pity, because Istanbul is an exceptionally beautiful place). I suggest trying out hotel restaurant, which has some pretty decent Turkish food and world cuisine, and everyone speaks English.

My return was easy and I am now mostly resting, but very much capable for light activities like going out, minor chores around the house, etc. I had very little sleep in Istanbul for some reason so I am also making up for that. The recovery seems to be going much faster and easier than the first time. I will be posting updates here regularly.

The clinic is as busy as always (on average four patients a day, from what I reckon), and I wish that they continue to prosper and expand because they are doing great and honest work.

Dr. Maral, Yeshim, Ahmet, Duygu, Melek, and Shakir--if you read this, I want you to know how grateful I am for everything you did for me.

Dr. Maral's clinic consists of honest, professional people with excellent skills and a lot of experience. I recommend them wholeheartedly. From the beginning to the end, I felt that I was in good hands, among people who knew very well what they were doing and who did it a great number of times. Dr. Maral and his partners and technicians, of whom I remember Yesim, are all extremely skilled and work very hard, but are also very polite, cheerful and friendly. I started losing my hair very young, I might have been 17 or so. By 25, I have reached total male pattern baldness. A couple of years ago, I have learned that the hair transplantation had advanced and I started shopping around. Many clinics would not even reply to me, or would warn me of very limited results; the prices were exorbitant. And then I discovered the booming industry of hair surgery of Turkey. After some online research, and after getting in touch with his patiens, I decided to go with Dr. Maral's clinic in Istanbul. (The details of my procedure are found below). A year and a half later, I cannot be more satisfied. This went beyond my wildest expectations. I have hair! My look has changed dramatically for the better, and most importantly, I am not perceived as "the bald guy" any more. This must have been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am available for anyone who wishes to meet me and see my results for themselves, and to hear more about my experience. I reside in the US but I visit Europe relatively often and generally travel a lot. I am available over the phone or skype, and also for personal meetings if you are around. I am arranging a second procedure with Dr. Maral for this June and I will also post my progress here. The plan is to lower the hairline and fill the crown.