45 Yo FUE Hair and Eyebrow Transplant

So let's get to the meat and potatoes. The operation took about 8 hours, very intensive and exhausting for everyone. It only hurts when they put the local anesthetic injections (about 15-20 times); however, it can be compared to a wasp sting so it ain't that bad for such an operation. You are conscient and you can hear the medical equipment breaking through the skin to remove and to implant the graft. That's a bit weird but there is no pain whatsoever at this stage.
Everything went as promised. I had a driver take me from the airport to the hotel. And that is most appreciated after 10 hours of flying. Most people speak english, however, I had to use my google translator a few times which works great. You and they speak directly into the translator and you get the other language spoken back. In the morning I had the blood work done and it didn't take long until I was in the operating room. The rooms are in the hospital which is clean and modern. The operating rooms are kind of small but if its good enough for them its good enough for me. They had a TV with music during the operation but it coulndt of been for me cause who has the energy to watch TV while they pluck you. The office is in a building across the street from the hospital and while it is convenient because it is close to the hotel and hospital I have to warn you to be VERY careful if you go up the stairs not to hit your head on the upper stairs. That's what happened to a guy while I was in the office. The next day after the operation he came in to remove the bandages and hit his head on the stairs bleeding and probably ruining few grafts. Take the elevator. It is small but its better than the stairs. The technicians were fast and efficient. I wish I remember their names. They were chatting and laughing during the operation (I hope not because of the shape of my head) which in a way gave me comfort knowing that they have the confidence to chat and laugh during the operation as they probably did hundred if not thousands of these operations. I saw Dr Cinik here and there as he was probably going from patient to patient ( I think there were 4 on that day)
Dr Cinik is a great guy ( I feel we have bonded enough to say that after I left my blood on their table). Easy to talk to, honest opinions, honest estimations and lots of experience. As I have said in my previous reviews a big factor in choosing a Dr was my personal feeling on how patient he /she is and attention to details. During my initial contact, I had doctors that due to lack of time they were so direct to the point of being rude. Not so with Dr Cinik which gave me the confidence that he will at least listen to my non-professional evaluation of how I need my hair to look like. Dr Cinik is friendly and has a way of making you feel at ease.
I also want to talk a bit about the staff. They are unbelievable. Helpful from day one to the end. And I am not talking just about the Dr or technicians/ nurses but also the office captains, translating genius, super drivers. I needed to buy flowers and chocolate for the office and medical team and the driver took time to drive me around.
So, facilities get a 9/10
Operating team 10/10
Hotel 10/10
Office staff 10/10

Below is a list of DO's and DONT's based on my experience

DO:
*Eat and rest well
*Ask lots of questions
*Understand the procedure
*Take time to care for your new hair
*Be upfront with your Dr and let him know your expectations
*Have an open mind and follow his opinion.
* Walk slower and be aware of your environment so you dont bump into anything
*Sleep seating

DONT:
*Use the hotel facilities such as swimming pool and gym
*Go sightseeing even though it is tempting.
* Don't take public transportation or even taxi for that matter. It is unbelievable how often people bang their head after the procedure.
*Scratch, rub or touch your new hair
* Expose your new hair to sun, dust, rain

All in all my experience is a 10/10 and I would recommend Dr Cinik to anyone considering
Now I have to monitor the growth and I will update this review in about 6-8 mth.

Some pictures in Istambul and my hairline

After about 2 weeks of research, chats with individuals who went through the FUE Hair transplant, and with 6 doctors and their offices, I have decided to go with Dr Cinik. The decision was made based on previous reviews, pictures of previous HT performed, cost, services included, all around ease to get the procedure started and the communication speed and details or lack of details.
While Dr Cinik was not the cheapest ( he was somewhere in the middle) I felt that he offered the best value for his services.
I arrived at the airport and was picked up by a driver and dropped off at Hotel Grand Cevahir somewhere in downtown Istanbul.
PS. If you have time take some time to see the city.
Tomorrow I have the operation and I have to confess, I am a bit nervous.
I can't post pictures from my phone but as soon as I get to my room I will post the pictures that I have