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I waited a long while before writing a review,...
I waited a long while before writing a review, simply because I wanted to see the full results before giving my review, it's been nearly over a year and a half now and I felt like I should share my experience with people considering HT.
At first I was doing extensive research on FUE vs FUT and the issue with scarring, healing time and success etc. I was also shocked by the fact that so many people are doing the procedure, especially in Turkey. So after weeks of research and after I was ready financially and spiritually I decided to do the procedure. I heard about Dr Alp from internet and youtube, and some bloggers, both positive and negative. But since I wanted maximum volume as I was planning a second transplant session focusing on density on front. I contacted the clinic and they requested some photos, as they all do. And based on that they gave me a number I couldn't refuse 5000 grafts for $4500 over 2 days session. FUE. Price included 3 nights at hotel near clinic and airport transfer both ways. I saw some of their patients, and wasn't very impressed by the work tbh, but I could clearly see that they were experts in making high volume transplantation (which is not what you should be your priority when choosing your doctor). And the doctor Alp Aslan was going to perform the surgery HIMSELF.
Upon arrival in Ataturk Airport Istanbul, I met with the driver, we were looking for each other nearly an hour, but he was a very friendly gentleman. He walked us to the car, which had their logo on it "Este Cerrahi", but thankfully nothing else that indicated that I was going to do a transplant. I didn't want anyone to know or understand I was gonna do Hair Transplant since I like to keep these personal things private, even if I'm a stranger in a country. Driver brought me to the hotel, which was very nice. I was told not to eat or drink or take any multivitamins or any blood thinning supplement/medication.
Anyways so the day of the surgery, the driver came by and fetched me from the hotel, and we walked to the clinic. In the clinic I was met by a very tall woman who greeted me and took me to a room where I was supposed to pay a man the $4500 in cash.
After I paid the cash, they took me to a room where a nurse photographed me, for their portfolio. I didn't want to take any photos and requested that they don't show the face. After that one of their consultants/translator who was very friendly and even though he wasn't medical, he knew about the procedure, precautions, post operative care etc. He knows many languages, and his English was perfect. But I was still waiting for the doctor who still wasn't there. They brought me to another room, and gave me a patient gown to wear. (IMPORTANT: Remember to wear a buttoned or full zip shirt the day of the surgery). Then the technicians drew a hairline, and were going to agree with it before asking me, so I asked to see it on the mirror first. My fear was that it would be too high and too mickey mouse, but it wasn't. It was ok, a little curve, almost like the one I had before losing hair. Anyway, the technicians gave me Xanax, and some painkillers and injected me with adrenaline shot before we were going to start the procedure. The consultant was very informative and explained everything they were doing step by step. And here's where thins started to get ugly. Guys/girls, don't think that just because you see people smiling in before/after photos and some interviews with the clinics or the patients that it's all roses and greens, that it's a spa. Because it isn't! Especially for people who hate shots like me. And even if you do like needles, it would sting, 50 times. They will fill your head with anesthesia liquid, and you would still feel some pain, depending on your nerves and whatnot.
Because they were going to extract the 2500 grafts on this day, it's a large area and they needed to inject me everywhere on the back of my head. Then they used a motorized tool and started to harvest the grafts. The doctor was still not to be seen. I asked them where he was and they said he will come and see you soon. Once they were finished harvesting, they needed to count and separate the hairs in order to distribute them on the recipient area. We had a break after about 3 hours and they took me to a room where they had brought food. Some nice izgara kofte and salad. Which was really nice of them, as I thought I wasn't allowed to eat the whole day. Then after the break, the technicians/nurses resumed with the procedure, placing the grafts. The chair was the most painful thing in the whole procedure, it was just not comfortable. And in these kinds of procedures, you can't be moving or things could go very wrong. I endured it for another 4 hours listening to music. Then the doctor showed up. He came and had a quick look, very satisfied with the work, he praised them shook my hand and left. They ended session with PRP injection. And that was he end of first step, they bandaged the donor area and put a hospital cap on my head and the consultant instructed me not to itch and to sleep with my head elevated etc. They gave me painkillers as well and I walked back to the hotel as it was easy to remember. No dizziness or anything thank God.
Day 2.
I showed up at the clinic around 0900 AM. They did the same thing, gave me injections etc, and the doctor was still not there, despite the fact that the consultant promised me the day before that the doctor was going to perform the rest of the procedure. So I was back on the chair, and the technicians around me. The same guys that did the procedure the previous day. They were professionals and careful but at this point I started to regret it, as the chair was killing me and all these injections and the fat that the doctor never even showed up. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have minded if they said the nurses would carry on the procedure, if they had told me that I'd accept it, but I was waiting and waiting on the doctor because he made a promise, and I have it in writing, and he never even touched my head or gave me any consultation. Anyways, as frustrated as I was I endured the 8 hours. They ended the session with PRP injection.
Day 3
At the clinic the nurse tapped some shampoo/moisturizer and then washed my hair with lukewarm water.
The consultant then gave me the certificate/document stating that they harvested 6231 grafts and a "guarantee" that the grafts will work. And after care information. They gave me 2 sets of shampoos/moisturizers boxes BIOESTE, which he said were only available from the clinic and Amazon. And he explained the instructions how to apply the moisturizer and foam shampoo etc. Very strict regimen focusing on not rubbing or even touching the grafts until 14 days. (Now this is very different from clinic to clinic, or doctor to doctor, but I think they were over exaggerating, because if you're too cautious, you'd be left with a lot of crust which is as dangerous for the success of the hair transplant. I have heard many use saline spray, so I bought a few of them and was spraying every hour or so to relieve the itch and pain. Most doctors have no problem with that, and most patients that I followed used saline, I would strongly advice it the first week.) Anyways, after the consultant gave me the shampoo set and explained everything he said I could call him should I have any concerns.
Day 1-3
Even though I was done with the surgery, there was still pain. You'll have fluid coming out of your head, but usually when it's arranged by the clinic the hotel staff are aware of it, so they would be helpful with providing towels etc. You would also be wise to bring neck pillow and wrap it with towel or napkins, because blood/fluid could still come from the open wounds. Now, I'll need to explain that there were 6000 open wounds on the back of my head, half of them on day one. With bandages I didn't feel the burning pain from the open wounds. But when they took them off and the anesthesia/painkillers wore off, I started to feel the pain. It was burning, and I couldn't do anything but apply saline water and have the air con on as it was soothing. The clinic didn't provide a bandana to avoid swelling, but the consultant got someone to buy a hat from one of the shops. It was about 30 lira if I remember. I was going to stay in Turkey for another 8 days and already had another booking at another hotel, and their chauffeur was happy to drive me there.
I will try to add the before/after photos and address the issues with scabbing and redness (which might be concerning to those of you who want to keep it private. I'll delete the photographs later but can send them on request.
My verdict of Este Cerrahi would be 7/10. If you're looking for volume, and don't care about who performs the surgery, go with Este Cerrahi. Provided you have a thick good donor area. Be smart and do it over trips/sessions, if they over harvest from your donor area it will stress your nerves. I did my FUT recently, and the anesthesia wouldn't almost work, I could feel them stripping the tissue off my scalp. Please don't look let the numbers or scars be deciding factors. Go with the doctor or clinic that has a good reputation. You don't have to worry about price in Turkey, because it's cheaper. But make sure you don't end up in a chop shop. I'm not saying Este Cerrahi is that, but it certainly was uncomfortable experience. I was very lucky I got the results I expected.
At first I was doing extensive research on FUE vs FUT and the issue with scarring, healing time and success etc. I was also shocked by the fact that so many people are doing the procedure, especially in Turkey. So after weeks of research and after I was ready financially and spiritually I decided to do the procedure. I heard about Dr Alp from internet and youtube, and some bloggers, both positive and negative. But since I wanted maximum volume as I was planning a second transplant session focusing on density on front. I contacted the clinic and they requested some photos, as they all do. And based on that they gave me a number I couldn't refuse 5000 grafts for $4500 over 2 days session. FUE. Price included 3 nights at hotel near clinic and airport transfer both ways. I saw some of their patients, and wasn't very impressed by the work tbh, but I could clearly see that they were experts in making high volume transplantation (which is not what you should be your priority when choosing your doctor). And the doctor Alp Aslan was going to perform the surgery HIMSELF.
Upon arrival in Ataturk Airport Istanbul, I met with the driver, we were looking for each other nearly an hour, but he was a very friendly gentleman. He walked us to the car, which had their logo on it "Este Cerrahi", but thankfully nothing else that indicated that I was going to do a transplant. I didn't want anyone to know or understand I was gonna do Hair Transplant since I like to keep these personal things private, even if I'm a stranger in a country. Driver brought me to the hotel, which was very nice. I was told not to eat or drink or take any multivitamins or any blood thinning supplement/medication.
Anyways so the day of the surgery, the driver came by and fetched me from the hotel, and we walked to the clinic. In the clinic I was met by a very tall woman who greeted me and took me to a room where I was supposed to pay a man the $4500 in cash.
After I paid the cash, they took me to a room where a nurse photographed me, for their portfolio. I didn't want to take any photos and requested that they don't show the face. After that one of their consultants/translator who was very friendly and even though he wasn't medical, he knew about the procedure, precautions, post operative care etc. He knows many languages, and his English was perfect. But I was still waiting for the doctor who still wasn't there. They brought me to another room, and gave me a patient gown to wear. (IMPORTANT: Remember to wear a buttoned or full zip shirt the day of the surgery). Then the technicians drew a hairline, and were going to agree with it before asking me, so I asked to see it on the mirror first. My fear was that it would be too high and too mickey mouse, but it wasn't. It was ok, a little curve, almost like the one I had before losing hair. Anyway, the technicians gave me Xanax, and some painkillers and injected me with adrenaline shot before we were going to start the procedure. The consultant was very informative and explained everything they were doing step by step. And here's where thins started to get ugly. Guys/girls, don't think that just because you see people smiling in before/after photos and some interviews with the clinics or the patients that it's all roses and greens, that it's a spa. Because it isn't! Especially for people who hate shots like me. And even if you do like needles, it would sting, 50 times. They will fill your head with anesthesia liquid, and you would still feel some pain, depending on your nerves and whatnot.
Because they were going to extract the 2500 grafts on this day, it's a large area and they needed to inject me everywhere on the back of my head. Then they used a motorized tool and started to harvest the grafts. The doctor was still not to be seen. I asked them where he was and they said he will come and see you soon. Once they were finished harvesting, they needed to count and separate the hairs in order to distribute them on the recipient area. We had a break after about 3 hours and they took me to a room where they had brought food. Some nice izgara kofte and salad. Which was really nice of them, as I thought I wasn't allowed to eat the whole day. Then after the break, the technicians/nurses resumed with the procedure, placing the grafts. The chair was the most painful thing in the whole procedure, it was just not comfortable. And in these kinds of procedures, you can't be moving or things could go very wrong. I endured it for another 4 hours listening to music. Then the doctor showed up. He came and had a quick look, very satisfied with the work, he praised them shook my hand and left. They ended session with PRP injection. And that was he end of first step, they bandaged the donor area and put a hospital cap on my head and the consultant instructed me not to itch and to sleep with my head elevated etc. They gave me painkillers as well and I walked back to the hotel as it was easy to remember. No dizziness or anything thank God.
Day 2.
I showed up at the clinic around 0900 AM. They did the same thing, gave me injections etc, and the doctor was still not there, despite the fact that the consultant promised me the day before that the doctor was going to perform the rest of the procedure. So I was back on the chair, and the technicians around me. The same guys that did the procedure the previous day. They were professionals and careful but at this point I started to regret it, as the chair was killing me and all these injections and the fat that the doctor never even showed up. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have minded if they said the nurses would carry on the procedure, if they had told me that I'd accept it, but I was waiting and waiting on the doctor because he made a promise, and I have it in writing, and he never even touched my head or gave me any consultation. Anyways, as frustrated as I was I endured the 8 hours. They ended the session with PRP injection.
Day 3
At the clinic the nurse tapped some shampoo/moisturizer and then washed my hair with lukewarm water.
The consultant then gave me the certificate/document stating that they harvested 6231 grafts and a "guarantee" that the grafts will work. And after care information. They gave me 2 sets of shampoos/moisturizers boxes BIOESTE, which he said were only available from the clinic and Amazon. And he explained the instructions how to apply the moisturizer and foam shampoo etc. Very strict regimen focusing on not rubbing or even touching the grafts until 14 days. (Now this is very different from clinic to clinic, or doctor to doctor, but I think they were over exaggerating, because if you're too cautious, you'd be left with a lot of crust which is as dangerous for the success of the hair transplant. I have heard many use saline spray, so I bought a few of them and was spraying every hour or so to relieve the itch and pain. Most doctors have no problem with that, and most patients that I followed used saline, I would strongly advice it the first week.) Anyways, after the consultant gave me the shampoo set and explained everything he said I could call him should I have any concerns.
Day 1-3
Even though I was done with the surgery, there was still pain. You'll have fluid coming out of your head, but usually when it's arranged by the clinic the hotel staff are aware of it, so they would be helpful with providing towels etc. You would also be wise to bring neck pillow and wrap it with towel or napkins, because blood/fluid could still come from the open wounds. Now, I'll need to explain that there were 6000 open wounds on the back of my head, half of them on day one. With bandages I didn't feel the burning pain from the open wounds. But when they took them off and the anesthesia/painkillers wore off, I started to feel the pain. It was burning, and I couldn't do anything but apply saline water and have the air con on as it was soothing. The clinic didn't provide a bandana to avoid swelling, but the consultant got someone to buy a hat from one of the shops. It was about 30 lira if I remember. I was going to stay in Turkey for another 8 days and already had another booking at another hotel, and their chauffeur was happy to drive me there.
I will try to add the before/after photos and address the issues with scabbing and redness (which might be concerning to those of you who want to keep it private. I'll delete the photographs later but can send them on request.
My verdict of Este Cerrahi would be 7/10. If you're looking for volume, and don't care about who performs the surgery, go with Este Cerrahi. Provided you have a thick good donor area. Be smart and do it over trips/sessions, if they over harvest from your donor area it will stress your nerves. I did my FUT recently, and the anesthesia wouldn't almost work, I could feel them stripping the tissue off my scalp. Please don't look let the numbers or scars be deciding factors. Go with the doctor or clinic that has a good reputation. You don't have to worry about price in Turkey, because it's cheaper. But make sure you don't end up in a chop shop. I'm not saying Este Cerrahi is that, but it certainly was uncomfortable experience. I was very lucky I got the results I expected.
Provider Review
Dr. Alp Aslan
Since the procedure wasn't done by the doctor, unfortunately, I can't say anything about the doctor other than that I'm really disappointed that I was told one thing but on the big day they did what they wanted and not as I was promised. Also the technicians, although they know what they're doing, it felt like being in a saloon, they should care and focus more about the patients rather than themselves. As I mentioned in m review, I was focusing on maximum graft numbers and the price. But I realize that I was very wrong. Always make sure you know the doctor's/clinics work before making a decision. 99% of the clinics in Turkey offer FUE methods, but I wouldn't say it's completely scar free. If I could do it again, I'd do FUT then FUE if necessary. Graft numbers should mean anything if the doctor is good. Anyways, I wanted to give you all an honest review. I'm actually pleased with the result, despite that they didn't keep their promise, and I recently did an FUT in Istanbul by a certified doctor who performed the entire procedure himself.