The Road to Confidence: Why Gregory Chose Turkey for His Hair Transplant
For Gregory, a dedicated bus driver from Minneapolis, confidence used to come naturally. But over time, his receding hairline began to affect how he saw himself. Every glance in the rearview mirror reminded him that male pattern hair loss was progressing.
Like many American patients, Gregory first explored hair transplant options in the United States. While there are skilled surgeons in Minneapolis, he found that:
- Prices frequently exceeded $18,000–$20,000
- Clinics often handled high patient volume without personalization
- Many did not specialize exclusively in high-density restoration
During months of research, one destination stood out repeatedly: Istanbul, Turkey — the global capital of hair transplantation.
After reviewing hundreds of before and after hair transplant results, Gregory chose Dr. Serkan Aygin, a physician with more than 25 years of dedicated experience in hair restoration and recipient of the 2019 European Award in Medicine.
For Gregory, flying 5,000 miles wasn’t about saving money — it was about accessing specialized artistry and proven results.
2,800 Grafts: What Can It Achieve?
Gregory received 2,800 grafts using the DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) technique to restore density in the frontal hairline and mid-scalp.
This graft number is typically ideal for:
- Receding hairline reconstruction
- Frontal density enhancement
- Natural, age-appropriate hairline design
- Balanced coverage without over-harvesting the donor area
Each graft was placed strategically to match Gregory’s natural hair angle and growth direction.
1-Year Hair Transplant Results: Month-by-Month Timeline
Hair restoration is progressive. Below is Gregory’s 12-month transformation timeline.
Gregory’s Recovery & Growth Breakdown
|
Timeline |
Stage |
What Happened |
|
Month 1 |
Shedding Phase |
Temporary shock loss; mild redness faded |
|
Month 3 |
Early Growth |
Fine baby hairs began emerging |
|
Month 6 |
Visible Change |
50–60% density achieved; noticeable profile improvement |
|
Month 9 |
Density Increase |
Hair thickened and blended naturally |
|
Month 12 |
Final Result |
Full maturation and natural density restored |
By month 12, Gregory’s hairline appeared significantly fuller, balanced, and natural.
The Procedure: Precision with the DHI Technique
At the clinic in Istanbul, Dr. Serkan Aygin personally designed Gregory’s new hairline.
The DHI technique allowed:
- Direct implantation without creating prior incisions
- Maximum control over angle and direction
- Higher density placement
- Faster healing compared to traditional methods
The procedure was performed under sedation combined with local anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort.
For Gregory, the experience felt organized, calm, and highly professional.
From Minneapolis to Istanbul: The Medical Tourism Experience
One of Gregory’s biggest concerns was logistics. Traveling internationally for surgery can feel overwhelming — but the clinic provides a fully coordinated experience.
Travel & Accommodation Overview
|
Service |
Description |
|
Airport Pickup |
Private VIP transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) |
|
Accommodation |
4- or 5-star hotel near the clinic |
|
Transfers |
All clinic-hotel transportation arranged |
|
Interpreter |
Dedicated English-speaking patient host |
|
Post-Op Care |
Follow-up laser treatment & detailed instructions |
Compared to navigating multiple appointments in the U.S., Gregory found the Istanbul experience seamless and structured.
Hair Transplant Cost: USA vs Turkey
In Minneapolis, Gregory received quotes exceeding $20,000 for similar graft numbers.
In Turkey, he received:
- Specialist DHI treatment
- Sedation administered by an in-house anesthesiologist
- 3 nights hotel accommodation
- VIP transfers
- Post-op medication and care
— all at a significantly lower overall cost.
The affordability of hair transplant in Turkey is driven by:
- Lower operational costs
- High-volume specialization
- Government support for medical tourism
- Dedicated hair transplant centers
It does not indicate lower quality — in fact, many Istanbul clinics focus exclusively on hair restoration.
2,800 Graft Hair Transplant Before & After: The Final Outcome
At 12 months, Gregory achieved:
- A restored, natural hairline
- Balanced density
- Improved facial harmony
- Renewed confidence
His journey demonstrates why thousands of international patients choose Turkey each year for hair transplantation.
FAQs
Is 2,800 grafts enough for a full transformation?
For frontal and mid-scalp restoration, yes. It provides strong density without exhausting the donor area. The exact graft number is always determined after medical evaluation.
When can patients return to work?
Most patients return to non-physical jobs within 3–5 days. Gregory chose to take 10 days off to feel fully comfortable before returning to public-facing work.
Why is Turkey more affordable than the U.S.?
Lower labor costs, high specialization, and medical tourism infrastructure make Turkey more cost-effective without compromising standards.
Ready to Start Your Own Hair Restoration Journey? Your transformation begins with a professional evaluation. Send your photos today and receive a free online consultation from the medical team at Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic.
You’ll receive:
- Personalized graft estimate
- Hairline design evaluation
- Treatment plan tailored to your goals
- Transparent cost breakdown
Your new hairline could be just one decision away.

