Hair loss often begins gradually, but its impact on confidence can grow over time. For Daniel, a 29-year-old graphic designer from Porto, Portugal, the first signs of a receding hairline began in his mid-twenties. Classified as Norwood 2, his hair loss was still in an early stage, but the changes in his hairline were already affecting how he felt about his appearance.
After months of research, Daniel decided to restore his hair through a DHI procedure at Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic in Istanbul. Today, one year after the treatment, his hair transplant results show a natural hairline and a fuller frontal density.
Early Hair Loss at Norwood 2
The Norwood scale is commonly used to classify male pattern hair loss. At Norwood 2, the hairline begins to recede slightly at the temples, creating a more pronounced “M” shape. While the hair loss may appear mild, many patients notice it clearly, especially in photos or under bright lighting.
For Daniel, the recession was mostly visible in the temple area. His hair density remained good in the mid-scalp and crown, making him an ideal candidate for a hair transplant focused on rebuilding the frontal hairline.
Because hair transplantation works best when there is a strong donor area, Daniel’s age and hair characteristics made him a very suitable candidate for treatment.
Researching Clinics in Turkey
Like many international patients, Daniel began researching hair restoration options online. Turkey quickly stood out as a global destination for hair transplants thanks to its experienced medical teams and advanced techniques.
Daniel compared several clinics, read patient testimonials, and carefully studied real before and after hair transplant results. What convinced him to choose Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic was the consistency of patient reviews and the natural appearance of the results.
He also appreciated the transparent process and the comprehensive services offered to international patients.
Our clinic provides an all-inclusive experience designed to make medical travel easy and comfortable, including:
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotel accommodation in Istanbul
- Multilingual patient support
- Detailed medical consultations
- Post-operative follow-up
For Daniel, knowing that the entire journey—from arrival to recovery—was carefully organized gave him confidence in his decision.
Treatment Plan: 2,800 Grafts with the DHI Procedure
After an online consultation with our medical team, Daniel shared photos of his scalp so specialists could evaluate his hair loss pattern and donor area.
The recommended treatment plan included 2,800 grafts using the DHI procedure to restore his frontal hairline and increase density around the temples.
The DHI technique (Direct Hair Implantation) is a modern hair transplant method that allows surgeons to implant hair follicles directly into the scalp using a specialized implanter pen. This technique offers several advantages:
- Precise control over angle and direction
- Natural hairline design
- Minimal trauma to surrounding hair
- Faster healing process
For patients with early hair loss like Daniel, the DHI technique is particularly effective in creating natural density in the frontal area.
Why We Do Not Recommend FUT Today
Hair transplant techniques have evolved significantly over the past decades. While the FUT method (Follicular Unit Transplantation) was once widely used, modern clinics increasingly favor minimally invasive techniques such as DHI or FUE.
At Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic, we no longer perform FUT procedures.
FUT requires removing a strip of scalp from the donor area, which can leave a linear scar and involves a longer recovery period. In contrast, modern techniques allow follicles to be extracted individually, avoiding large incisions and significantly reducing visible scarring.
For patients seeking natural results with minimal downtime, DHI offers a far more advanced solution.
The Procedure Day in Istanbul
Daniel arrived in Istanbul a day before his procedure. After being welcomed by our VIP transfer service at the airport, he was taken to his hotel to rest before the treatment.
The next day began with a detailed consultation and hairline design session with our specialists. Designing the hairline is one of the most important steps in achieving natural hair transplant results.
Once the hairline was finalized, the procedure was performed under local anesthesia and lasted several hours. The medical team carefully extracted 2,800 grafts from Daniel’s donor area and implanted them directly into the recipient area using the DHI technique.
By the end of the day, the entire process was complete.
Recovery and Growth Timeline
Hair transplant recovery follows a predictable timeline, and Daniel’s experience was typical.
First weeks
Small scabs formed around the implanted grafts and naturally fell off within about 10 days.
First 3 months
Like many patients, Daniel experienced the temporary shedding phase known as “shock loss” which is a normal part of the hair growth cycle.
6 months
New hair growth became visible, and the hairline began to look fuller.
12 months
At the one-year mark, Daniel’s before and after hair transplant transformation was clearly visible. His new hairline looked natural, balanced, and perfectly suited to his facial features.
Daniel’s Results After One Year
Today, Daniel says he is extremely happy with his decision.
His new hairline restored the proportions of his face and gave him a more youthful appearance. As a graphic designer who often works with clients and attends meetings, he feels more confident in professional and social settings.
Most importantly, he says he does not regret his decision at all.
For Daniel, the journey from Porto to Istanbul turned out to be a life-changing experience.
FAQs
How many grafts are needed for a Norwood 2 hairline?
Typically between 2,000 and 3,000 grafts are enough to restore the hairline and temple areas for Norwood 2 patients.
Is the DHI procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients generally feel minimal discomfort during treatment.
When can I see final hair transplant results?
Most patients see full results between 10 and 12 months after the procedure, once the transplanted hair completes its growth cycle.
Start Your Own Hair Restoration Journey
Considering a hair transplant? The medical team at Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic offers a free online consultation. Share a few photos and our specialists will evaluate your hair loss and recommend a personalised treatment plan. Your own before and after hair transplant journey could start with a simple conversation.
