Reviews you can trust, from real people like you.
How it works
- Our highly-trained Review Moderation team evaluates all reviews before they're published to ensure they're written by people like you and not a member of a doctor's office.
- This multi-step process takes up to 24 hours from review submission to publication.
- Doctors can't pay to have reviews removed or hidden.
- Reviews are only removed at the reviewer's request or if they violate our Terms of Service.
If you have questions or believe we should re-evaluate a published review, let us know.
Sort by:
*Treatment results may vary
My Detailed Experience - GOOD BALANCED Review
Choosing the right clinic for a hair transplant was a huge decision, and after a LOT of research, I’m super happy that I went with Smile Hair Clinic in Istanbul.
This is a breakdown of my experience, from initial research to the procedure itself and beyond.
Initial Research:
I spent months looking at clinics, viewing reviews on Google, Instagram, and TikTok, and compiling a shortlist of four or five options - this was the worst part for me as it’s difficult to tell what good reviews are genuine and what bad reviews aren’t silly expectations (i.e your donor area is thin & patchy but you expect to receive a hairline like Drake haha).
I reached out to clinics around six months before my procedure, getting information on pricing, techniques, and the booking process. This helped me refine my choices.
I narrowed it down to three providers, and what set Smile Hair Clinic apart was the great communication from my case handler, Cansu Erdo?an. She was incredibly informative, patient, and reassuring, which made me feel confident in my decision.
I actually chose Smile over a clinic that a friend had used/recommended as Smile made me feel much more comfy/safe in their hands.
Communication & Booking:
From the start, Smile Hair Clinic’s communication was exceptional. Every question I had was answered promptly and thoroughly, and the whole booking process was smooth. They provided clear guidance on what to expect and how to prepare, which was reassuring.
Arrival & Procedure:
The entire experience was very well-organised. I was in Istanbul for three days:
• Day 1: Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
• Day 2: The procedure.
• Day 3: A quick check-up before flying home.
All transfers were arranged by Smile, making the process seamless.
On the day of the procedure, I was welcomed warmly by the team. The clinic was professional, and the staff were polite, helpful, and made me feel comfortable. There were several forms to complete (lots of repetition when completing these documents) before meeting Dr Firdavs Ahmedov, the Head Smile Doctor. He carefully reviewed my hairline, drew the proposed design, and we made some final adjustments together. It was a very consultative process, which I appreciated.
The procedure itself lasted around six hours. The anaesthetic was painful at the start, and staying in the same position for so long was uncomfortable (I was a bit of a fidget and I know the team weren’t happy about this - sorrry!!!), but that’s to be expected and not a fault of the clinic. Dr Ahmedov regularly checked in and made minor adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome.
I’d like to highlight the incredible ‘hands-on’ work of the medical team that performed my procedure: Ramzan Hançar, Bu?ra Özbar, Bü?ra Karadibek, and ?irin Sö?üt. Their expertise, professionalism, and reassuring nature made a huge difference to my experience. They were meticulous, attentive, and focussed throughout the entire procedure.
Aftercare instructions were explained clearly, and I was provided with everything I needed to ensure the best possible recovery.
Anxieties & Expectations:
Naturally, I had concerns before the procedure, but Smile Hair Clinic put me at ease every step of the way. The professionalism of the team and the structured process made me feel reassured. It’s a big decision with long-term results, so knowing I was in good hands was crucial.
Negatives:
For a balanced review, I’ll mention a couple of minor downsides.
• Hotel: I chose the basic package (four-star hotel), which included a stay at the Ramada. While the restaurant served great Turkish food, the room itself wasn’t great. The air conditioning was noisy and unreliable, the bed and pillows were uncomfortable, and I struggled to sleep. This wasn’t Smile’s fault, but if I were to do it again, I might opt for the five-star hotel instead.
• Clinic Cleanliness: The only small issue I noticed at the clinic was that the floor in the operating room wasn’t spotless. However, I was staring at it for a long time through the face hole in the bed, so I was hyper-aware of it. It wasn’t a major concern and didn’t impact my overall experience.
Final Thoughts:
So far, I’m very happy with my choice. It’s difficult to comment on anything else as we are 5 days post-procedure and the final results are a long way off.
Dr Firdavs Ahmedov and his team were outstanding, and the whole process was smooth from start to finish. Now, the key part is the aftercare and seeing the final results over the next 12–18 months.
If you’re considering a hair transplant in Istanbul, I’d highly recommend Smile Hair Clinic. They were professional, well-organised, and made an otherwise daunting experience feel comfortable and reassuring (I have so far recommended 3 friends to speak to Smile).
This is a breakdown of my experience, from initial research to the procedure itself and beyond.
Initial Research:
I spent months looking at clinics, viewing reviews on Google, Instagram, and TikTok, and compiling a shortlist of four or five options - this was the worst part for me as it’s difficult to tell what good reviews are genuine and what bad reviews aren’t silly expectations (i.e your donor area is thin & patchy but you expect to receive a hairline like Drake haha).
I reached out to clinics around six months before my procedure, getting information on pricing, techniques, and the booking process. This helped me refine my choices.
I narrowed it down to three providers, and what set Smile Hair Clinic apart was the great communication from my case handler, Cansu Erdo?an. She was incredibly informative, patient, and reassuring, which made me feel confident in my decision.
I actually chose Smile over a clinic that a friend had used/recommended as Smile made me feel much more comfy/safe in their hands.
Communication & Booking:
From the start, Smile Hair Clinic’s communication was exceptional. Every question I had was answered promptly and thoroughly, and the whole booking process was smooth. They provided clear guidance on what to expect and how to prepare, which was reassuring.
Arrival & Procedure:
The entire experience was very well-organised. I was in Istanbul for three days:
• Day 1: Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
• Day 2: The procedure.
• Day 3: A quick check-up before flying home.
All transfers were arranged by Smile, making the process seamless.
On the day of the procedure, I was welcomed warmly by the team. The clinic was professional, and the staff were polite, helpful, and made me feel comfortable. There were several forms to complete (lots of repetition when completing these documents) before meeting Dr Firdavs Ahmedov, the Head Smile Doctor. He carefully reviewed my hairline, drew the proposed design, and we made some final adjustments together. It was a very consultative process, which I appreciated.
The procedure itself lasted around six hours. The anaesthetic was painful at the start, and staying in the same position for so long was uncomfortable (I was a bit of a fidget and I know the team weren’t happy about this - sorrry!!!), but that’s to be expected and not a fault of the clinic. Dr Ahmedov regularly checked in and made minor adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome.
I’d like to highlight the incredible ‘hands-on’ work of the medical team that performed my procedure: Ramzan Hançar, Bu?ra Özbar, Bü?ra Karadibek, and ?irin Sö?üt. Their expertise, professionalism, and reassuring nature made a huge difference to my experience. They were meticulous, attentive, and focussed throughout the entire procedure.
Aftercare instructions were explained clearly, and I was provided with everything I needed to ensure the best possible recovery.
Anxieties & Expectations:
Naturally, I had concerns before the procedure, but Smile Hair Clinic put me at ease every step of the way. The professionalism of the team and the structured process made me feel reassured. It’s a big decision with long-term results, so knowing I was in good hands was crucial.
Negatives:
For a balanced review, I’ll mention a couple of minor downsides.
• Hotel: I chose the basic package (four-star hotel), which included a stay at the Ramada. While the restaurant served great Turkish food, the room itself wasn’t great. The air conditioning was noisy and unreliable, the bed and pillows were uncomfortable, and I struggled to sleep. This wasn’t Smile’s fault, but if I were to do it again, I might opt for the five-star hotel instead.
• Clinic Cleanliness: The only small issue I noticed at the clinic was that the floor in the operating room wasn’t spotless. However, I was staring at it for a long time through the face hole in the bed, so I was hyper-aware of it. It wasn’t a major concern and didn’t impact my overall experience.
Final Thoughts:
So far, I’m very happy with my choice. It’s difficult to comment on anything else as we are 5 days post-procedure and the final results are a long way off.
Dr Firdavs Ahmedov and his team were outstanding, and the whole process was smooth from start to finish. Now, the key part is the aftercare and seeing the final results over the next 12–18 months.
If you’re considering a hair transplant in Istanbul, I’d highly recommend Smile Hair Clinic. They were professional, well-organised, and made an otherwise daunting experience feel comfortable and reassuring (I have so far recommended 3 friends to speak to Smile).
Provider Review
