Antalya: Why is it the World's Choice for Hair Transplantation?

Over the past 10 years, Turkey has become the undisputed leader in the global hair transplantation market. For thousands of European, American, and Middle Eastern patients seeking to escape Istanbul's heavy traffic and chaos, Antalya has become the new destination, allowing them to combine their procedure with a “recovery vacation.” Antalya is not only a tourist paradise but also a “Medical Hub” with high-tech hospitals accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International).

At Haarex Clinic, our mission in Antalya is not to profit from volume, but to offer boutique and personalized service. Unlike “assembly line” centers that see 50-60 patients a day without the doctor ever being seen, we approach each patient with the care of a ‘project’ and a “work of art.”

Understanding the Problem: Why Does Hair Fall Out? (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Before moving on to the solution, it is necessary to understand the root of the problem. Male pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) begins in genetically predisposed individuals when the male hormone testosterone is converted into a derivative called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). DHT attacks hair follicles genetically programmed for shedding (in the forehead and crown areas), causing them to thin (miniaturization) and eventually leading to the complete loss of the follicle.

Good News: Hair follicles at the back of the neck and behind the ears are genetically “immune” to the DHT hormone. This is the basic principle behind hair transplantation (autotransplantation): transplanting these strong follicles, which are genetically programmed not to fall out, to the area where they are needed.

Hair Loss Stages (Norwood Scale)

We evaluate our patients who come to Haarex Clinic according to the internationally recognized Norwood Scale. Your stage determines the technique to be used and the number of grafts:

Not Just Transplantation, but “Facial Engineering” and Design

Many people view hair transplantation as a simple “hair transplant.” However, this procedure is about rebuilding the front of your face. The most important factor that sets Haarex Clinic apart from other hair transplant centers in Antalya is its sensitivity to “Natural Hairline Design.”

Golden Ratio and Front Hairline

A natural hairline is never perfectly straight, like it was drawn with a ruler. Nothing in nature is perfectly straight. Haarex experts:

• Micro-Indentations and Protrusions: When creating the hairline, millimeter-level zigzags are made to ensure a natural transition.
• Single Grafts: Never plant 2 or 3 roots in the front line. Only single grafts are selected to give a “baby hair” look.
• Temporal Area (Temples):  The temples are the most important detail for making the face look young. The angle of this area is redesigned to suit your age and face shape.

Advanced Surgical Techniques Used: Which Method is Right for You?

Technology has increased the success rate of hair transplantation from 90% to 99%. At Haarex Clinic, we do not use older generation FUT (strip/suture) methods. We use completely minimally invasive micro-surgical techniques.

1. Sapphire FUE (Sapphire Follicular Unit Extraction)

The FUE method involves the individual extraction of hair follicles using micromotors. However, the main difference lies in the “channel creation” stage. Sapphire FUE differs from classic FUE in terms of the tip used.

2. DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) - Pen Technique

DHI is considered the “Ferrari” of hair transplantation. There is no channel creation stage in this method. Roots placed inside special medical pens called “Choi Implanter Pens” are pushed directly under the skin.

Critical Advantages of DHI:

• Root Viability: Since the roots do not remain exposed (minimal contact with air), the survival rate is maximized.
• No Shaving Option: It offers the possibility of performing the procedure without shaving the area to be transplanted, which is particularly beneficial for women and men who want to return to work quickly.
• Direction Control: The pen makes it much easier for the surgeon to determine the angle and direction of hair growth.

3.Hybrid Transplantation (Combined Technique)

At Haarex Clinic, we combine both techniques in certain specific cases (such as very wide bald spots like Norwood 6-7). We achieve maximum efficiency by using DHI for the front hairline and sensitive areas requiring densification, and Sapphire FUE for quickly and densely covering wide crown areas.

The Day of the Procedure: What to Expect at Haarex Clinic?

You've made your decision and arrived in Antalya. So, what will happen on the big day? For many patients, the unknown can be frightening. That's why we share every minute of the process transparently. The procedure day lasts approximately 6-8 hours and consists of the following stages:

1.Welcome and Medical Preparation

Our VIP vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and bring you to our clinic. To start the day:

• Blood Tests: Your HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and Hemogram tests will be performed.
• Consent Forms: Legal information forms related to the process will be read and signed.
• Photography: High-resolution photos are taken from different angles for our medical archive and to track your progress.

2. Consultation and Hairline Design

This is the most critical stage. Your doctor will examine your facial muscles and use a golden ratio compass to determine your new hairline. This line will not be finalized without your approval. We will not begin the procedure until you look in the mirror and say, “Yes, that's it!”.

3. Local Anesthesia and Graft Harvesting

The donor area (back of the head) is shaved (except for DHI, which is shave-free). The stage that our patients dread the most is the anesthesia needles. At Haarex Clinic, we use needle-free pressure anesthesia (Comfort-in) technology. The anesthetic is delivered under high pressure into the skin, so you don't feel the needle. Once numbness is achieved, the roots (grafts) are collected one by one with a micromotor and stored in special cooling solutions (Hypothermosol).

4. Lunch Break

After the graft collection is complete, a light meal break is provided. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is important for your comfort during the procedure.

5.Channel Creation and Implantation

Channels are created using sapphire tips, and the collected roots are placed into these channels. During this process, you will be lying on your back. You can watch TV, listen to music, or sleep. When the procedure is complete, the donor area is bandaged, and the transplant area is left uncovered.

Post-Operation: 1-Year Change Schedule

Your Antalya hair transplant journey does not end when you leave the clinic; in fact, it is just beginning. Knowing what to expect during this patience-requiring process will put your mind at ease.

Hair Transplant Risks and Haarex Safety Protocols

For the sake of medical integrity, we must state that every surgical procedure carries risks. The important thing is to have the procedure performed at a clinic that minimizes these risks. The problems encountered in procedures performed in unlicensed facilities and Haarex's solutions are as follows:

1. Necrosis (Tissue Death)

This is the most feared complication. It occurs when blood vessels are damaged while opening channels or when excessive adrenaline is used, preventing tissue from receiving blood.
Haarex Solution: Our expert surgeons are well-versed in anatomical structures and use micro-doses of adrenaline. This ensures circulation remains intact, making the risk of necrosis virtually zero.

2. Lawn Mower Look

This occurs when the front hairline is very straight and the channels are cut at a sharp angle.
Haarex Solution: Sapphire tips and natural channel angles of 40-45 degrees make this artificial appearance impossible.

3. Infection

It is caused by non-sterile environments.
Haarex Solution: Our operations are performed in hospital environments, in operating rooms equipped with HEPA filters. All consumables used are personalized and single-use.

Outside of Surgery: VIP Experience in Antalya

For our patients coming from abroad or outside the city, the Antalya hair transplant process is offered as an all-inclusive package. All you need to do is book your flight; we take care of the rest. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Transplantation in Antalya

We have compiled the questions our patients most frequently ask our consultants and their scientific answers.