Maurizio, a 42-year-old architect from Florence, Italy, began noticing thinning in his early 30s. What started as a receding hairline soon escalated into more acute hair los. By his late 30s, the balding had progressed significantly, with noticeable thinning on the crown and temples. Maurizio dove into extensive research on the best options for hair transplant in Turkey.
Positive reviews from fellow countrymen, combined with Dr. Aygin’s impressive track record of over 20 years and thousands of successful procedures, convinced Maurizio to choose the Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic. He was especially drawn to the clinic’s use of the Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), known for its precision and natural-looking results. Intrigued by hair transplant before and after galleries online, Maurizio scheduled a virtual consultation to discuss his options, including Turkey hair transplant cost.
The Decision for a Two-Stage Approach
Maurizio’s hair loss was classified as Norwood Stage 5, meaning it was too advanced for a single session to achieve optimal density and coverage. Dr. Aygin recommended a two-stage plan: the first transplant to restore the frontal and temporal areas, followed by a one-year wait to allow full healing and growth before addressing the crown in the second procedure. Maurizio agreed to the personalized planning, which included detailed discussions on graft numbers, techniques, and expected outcomes.
First Hair Transplant: The Procedure Step by Step
Maurizio’s journey began with his first trip to Istanbul in June 2023. Excited yet nervous, he flew from Florence to Istanbul Airport, where the clinic’s VIP transfer service greeted him with a comfortable shuttle to his hotel.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
- Arrival and Consultation: Upon checking into the clinic the next day, Maurizio underwent a thorough in-person evaluation. Blood tests were conducted to ensure he was fit for surgery, and Dr. Aygin personally designed his new hairline using digital imaging tools.
- Shaving and Planning: The donor areas (back of the head and beard) were shaved, and the surgical plan was finalized: 4,600 grafts for the front hairline and 200 for the temporal areas, with 4,000 grafts harvested from the backhead and 600 from the beard for added density.
The DHI Procedure
The Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) method was chosen for its minimally invasive nature, involving no incisions or stitches. Here’s how it unfolded:
- Anesthesia Application: Local anesthesia was administered to numb the donor and recipient areas, ensuring Maurizio felt no pain throughout the 6-7 hour procedure.
- Graft Extraction: Using a specialized micromotor tool, individual hair follicles were carefully extracted from the donor sites. This step took about 2-3 hours, with breaks for comfort.
- Graft Implantation: The extracted grafts were immediately implanted into the balding areas using a Choi implanter pen. This tool allows for precise control over the angle, depth, and direction of each hair, mimicking natural growth patterns. The front received the bulk of the grafts to rebuild a youthful hairline, while the temples were subtly enhanced.
- Post-Procedure Care: After completion, Maurizio’s scalp was cleaned, and he received instructions on medications, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent swelling.
Maurizio spent the night at the hotel, experiencing mild discomfort but no major issues. The clinic provided a follow-up wash the next day before his flight home.
The One-Year Wait: Healing and Progress Tracking
Returning to Florence, Maurizio embarked on a year of patience and monitoring. The clinic’s aftercare team stayed in touch via email and video calls, providing guidance on every stage of recovery.
Immediate Post-Op Phase (Days 1-14)
- Swelling and Scabbing: Mild swelling around the forehead subsided within a week. Tiny scabs formed at the implantation sites but fell off naturally by day 10.
- Hair Shedding: Around week 3, the transplanted hairs entered the “shock loss” phase and shed, which Maurizio expected from the clinic’s education.
Growth Milestones (Months 1-6)
- Month 1-3: New hairs began sprouting, though sparse at first. Maurizio used recommended shampoos and avoided sun exposure.
- Month 4-6: Visible density increased, with the frontal area showing promising regrowth. He tracked progress with monthly photos, comparing before after hair transplant photos to stay motivated.
Full Maturation (Months 7-12)
- By month 8, the hairline looked natural and fuller, boosting Maurizio’s confidence. The temporal areas blended seamlessly.
- Regular check-ins with the clinic confirmed healthy progress, and by the one-year mark, Maurizio was ready for the second procedure. He noted how the wait allowed his donor areas to fully recover, ensuring viability for more grafts.
Throughout this period, Maurizio shared his hair transplantation before after pictures with friends, inspiring others in Italy to consider similar treatments.
Second Hair Transplant: Enhancing Coverage
In July 2024, Maurizio returned to Istanbul for his second session, focusing on perfecting the hairline and densely covering the crown. The travel logistics were identical—smooth airport transfer and hotel stay—reinforcing his trust in the clinic.
Pre-Procedure Assessment
- A quick review confirmed the first transplant’s success, with Dr. Aygin planning 1,200 grafts for the front and central scalp (to refine the hairline) and 2,800 for the crown.
The DHI Procedure Revisited
Similar to the first, but tailored for completion:
- Extraction: Grafts were again taken from the backhead, prioritizing areas with the strongest follicles.
- Implantation: The Choi pen was used to add density to the crown, creating a fuller, more uniform look. The procedure lasted about 5-6 hours.
- Post-Op: Maurizio followed the same recovery protocol, returning home after a day of rest.
Post-Second Procedure: Final Results and Reflections
Now, over a year after his second transplant (as of August 2025), Maurizio’s hair is thick, natural, and indistinguishable from his original. The crown, once a source of insecurity, is fully covered, and the overall density rivals his 20s. He continues to share hair transplant before and after updates, emphasizing the value of choosing a reputable clinic like Dr. Serkan Aygin’s.
Key Benefits Experienced
- Natural Results: The DHI technique ensured no visible scarring and perfect integration.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Turkey hair transplant cost was a fraction of Italian prices, including travel and accommodation packages.
- Support System: From initial research on hair transplant in Turkey to ongoing care, the clinic’s team was exceptional.
Maurizio’s story highlights that advanced hair loss doesn’t mean defeat—it’s about finding the right expertise. For anyone considering similar paths, viewing before after hair transplant photos and hair transplantation before after pictures from real patients like him can be transformative. If you’re in Italy or beyond, Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic stands out as a top choice for life-changing results.