Hair transplantation in Turkey is currently considered one of the most in-demand procedures, and in this interview we discuss its key features with expert Oya Sisman.
Dr. Oya Sisman is a specialist in the field of hair transplantation, working with modern hair restoration methods and an individualized approach for each patient. In her practice, she combines hair transplantation with comprehensive supportive therapy, including PRP procedures and the selection of treatments to slow down the patient’s hair loss. The doctor places special emphasis on natural-looking results, careful work with the donor area, and gradual, predictable hair growth after the procedure.
The interview is conducted by Maria Chabdaeva, director of the international company Beauty by Experts Medical, which organizes treatment with leading plastic surgeons.
- Hello everyone! Today I am very happy to introduce Oya Şişman, who is the head of the hair transplantation department. You are a favorite hair transplant specialist of Experts Medical, as we have many patients who are very satisfied with the results of transplantation. Therefore, we are very grateful for your work.
Thank you.
- Please tell us a few words about yourself. How long have you been performing hair transplants, and how many procedures have you completed?
I have been performing hair transplantation for many years. I cannot name the exact number of patients who have undergone this procedure with us, but I can say that I performed my first transplant in 2003. At that time, we were using the FUT technique, which you may have heard of. During the procedure, we took a strip of skin from the donor area of the scalp, divided it into follicular units, and transplanted them one by one into the balding area. This technique was widely used around the world for a long time.
In 2005–2006, we began extracting individual hair follicles using the follicular unit extraction method, known as FUE. At the same time, we opened channels in the recipient area where the extracted follicles were implanted one by one. In the last 5–6 years, we started implanting hair follicles using the DHI technique. In this procedure, just like in FUE, we extract follicles one by one from the donor area, but during implantation we use a special pen. We call it the Choi pen. Each follicle is carefully placed into the pen and implanted into the balding area.
Thus, we use two techniques: with FUE we create channels in the recipient area, while with DHI we use a special pen for implantation. Both methods are in high demand among patients. The operation takes 7–8 hours depending on the number of transplanted grafts.
On the first night after hair transplantation, we recommend that patients rest. On the second day, we remove the bandages, teach the patient how to wash their hair, and then they can return home. We perform hair transplants for 1000 or more patients per year.
- That is a lot!
Yes, of course, there are certain factors such as pandemics that can affect the number of patients. But I have given you an approximate figure. This is a very large number of patients over many years.
DHI vs FUE: Effectiveness and Advantages
- You use the new DHI method. How effective is it, and what are its advantages compared to FUE?
We extract hair in the same way in both techniques, but in the DHI method we use only local anesthesia. This means that after DHI hair transplantation there is no risk of swelling. After hair transplantation, some swelling is usually observed. With the DHI method, there is no swelling. This is the first advantage. The second is that during implantation, the Choi pen creates a round channel, which helps the transplanted follicles adapt better to the new site and take root more effectively.
With the older technique, the first results could be seen only after 6–8 months. With the new technique, after 8 months, 60–80% of the hair has already grown. Therefore, we see the effect of the procedure much faster. Recovery is also much quicker. The transplant area heals significantly faster compared to the FUE technique. Thus, DHI is more effective and ensures faster recovery. These are the main differences between the two techniques.
- Can we say that the DHI method preserves more hair? In other words, does more hair survive with DHI compared to FUE?
I must say that the most important factor is the donor area. If the patient has a large bald area, we must extract the maximum number of grafts from the donor area without damaging it. This can be 4000–5000 grafts. The number of transplanted follicles is not the main criterion when choosing a technique. It can be either FUE or DHI. The most important thing is that after 3 months the donor area is fully recovered and covered with hair, looking exactly as it did before the procedure. That is why we pay great attention to this area.
- I have heard that after DHI hair transplantation up to 98% of hair survives. While with FUE the percentage is lower because follicles may be damaged and later fall out.
I can say that with the FUE method we lose about 10% of hair follicles, while with the DHI method the loss is only 2–3%. In some cases, all transplanted follicles survive.
- Will there be a visible difference after the DHI technique? I mean, will the result look more natural compared to FUE?
Of course, of course. Yes, I understand what you mean. During hair, beard, or mustache transplantation — no matter which area — we must always follow the natural direction of hair growth. If this is done correctly, the new hair looks very natural. This also applies to eyebrow transplantation. Even if the patient is completely bald, we can determine the natural growth angle and achieve an excellent result.
- How long do transplanted hairs stay on the head? If the patient continues to lose hair, will they also lose the newly transplanted hair that has grown?
You probably know that in 99% of cases, hair loss is genetic. If patients had their own natural hair before the transplant, they may continue to lose it afterward. That is why we recommend vitamins, treatments, and anti-hair loss products. This helps preserve their native hair, while transplanted hair will continue to grow on its own and does not require additional treatment.
If the patient continues to lose their original hair, a second procedure may be needed to cover newly balding areas. However, transplanted hair remains permanent. Of course, unexpected medical issues can always occur, but in all normal cases, there is no reason for transplanted hair to fall out.
Hair Loss and Supportive Treatment
- Would I be correct in saying that a patient may continue to lose their natural hair, but they will not lose the newly transplanted hair?
Yes, of course. Because the hair from the donor area of the scalp is genetically programmed not to fall out. When we transplant it to another area, it still retains the same genetic code. Therefore, it does not fall out.
- What methods can patients use to reduce their own hair loss? You mentioned certain treatment options.
Of course, we always offer treatment. I recommend specific methods and hair care products to patients. If our recommendations are followed, hair loss can be slowed down. However, there is also a genetic factor. Our body is designed in such a way that hair naturally falls out over time. It is difficult to fight this.
- Are you referring to cosmetic products or procedures such as PRP and similar treatments?
It depends on what is available to the patient. For some people, PRP is easy to undergo. If they say PRP is difficult for them, then we can offer anti-hair loss products. For example, special shampoos and several courses of vitamins per year.
- Is this a one- or two-month course taken once a year, or is it a longer-term therapy?
It depends on the situation. If a person is losing a lot of hair, then therapy needs to be carried out over a longer period in order to stop the process. Usually, if a patient is around 19–20 years old and hair loss begins, it happens very quickly. In such cases, there is no point in treatment, as the hair will fall out anyway in the near future. However, if patients over 20 begin to experience hair loss after a transplant, I can definitely recommend certain products and treatments. If they are not used, by the age of 35 a person may become completely bald. If treatment is used, hair can be maintained until 40–45 years of age. So everything depends on the individual situation.
Results and Recovery After Hair Transplantation
- Do you recommend PRP during the hair transplant and after the procedure when patients return home, or do you not see much benefit in it?
If the patient wishes, we perform PRP during the hair transplantation procedure. After the hair transplant, it is recommended to undergo 3–4 additional sessions in the patient’s home country at intervals of 3 weeks. This will certainly support hair growth. Alternatively, after 2–3 months, patients may start using anti-hair loss products. This is also beneficial.
- When can we expect results after a hair transplant?
After a hair transplant, time is needed. Every patient is different. Results will vary from person to person. If hair follicles are very thin and weak, it may take around 6–8 months. However, usually, if the patient has good-quality follicles, the first results can be seen after 2–3 months. The final result can be assessed one year after the transplant. In some cases, especially in the frontal area of the scalp, the final result may be expected after 14–15 months.
- If a patient works with people, when can they return to work without discomfort or visible signs?
This depends on many factors, but it should be noted that after a hair transplant there is redness in the donor (occipital) area. The DHI technique has an important advantage: the head does not need to be fully shaved. We implant follicles between the patient’s existing hair. I cannot guarantee 100%, but usually after 2–3 weeks there are almost no visible signs of transplantation in the donor area. If the person is not bothered by slight redness in the back of the head, they can return to work after one week. If the working environment involves dust or dirt, a bandana or hat can be worn. I recommend avoiding intense physical activity for 2 weeks. However, if necessary, the patient can return to work. After one week, normal social life can be resumed.
- Our patients ask whether they will be able to sleep normally after a hair transplant. Many are worried they will only be able to sleep sitting up. Are there any restrictions?
Of course, it is not easy, but during the first 2–3 nights it is better to sleep on the donor (occipital) area. We will apply bandages and provide a special neck pillow. This is important because during deep sleep the patient may accidentally touch the transplant area and damage the grafts. Therefore, patients must be very careful when lying down to sleep.
Donor Area, Guarantees, and Travel Organization
- Hair is taken from the donor area. Is it correct to say that this area regenerates over time?
It is like organ transplantation: when we extract hair follicles, we immediately transplant them into the balding area. As a result, the donor area becomes slightly less dense. However, this is completely unnoticeable. The areas from which follicles were extracted remain hidden under the patient’s own hair. After a few months, the donor area looks exactly the same as before the transplant. No one can tell that follicles were taken. Even if the head is completely shaved, no difference will be visible.
- Do you offer guarantees to patients who come for a hair transplant?
We do not give a 100% guarantee, of course, because we cannot predict exactly what will happen after a hair transplant. To date, among 10–20 thousand patients, we have had no problems or complaints. However, if any questions arise, we are ready to help resolve them.
You know that medical tourism is not easy, because we perform the hair transplant and after 2 days the patient returns to their home country. Therefore, we must monitor them remotely. This is not easy. But thank God, to this day we have had no infections, inflammations, or other complications. The most serious issue patients may experience is mild itching or redness. That is all. Therefore, if any problem arises, patients can always contact us. You are aware of this. We try to resolve any issues that come up. This is our guarantee.
- How can patients come to you for a hair transplant?
You can contact Experts Medical and everything will be organized for you. Tell us your travel dates, and we will be waiting for you.
- I was very pleased to speak with you, and I am sure it was also very interesting for our patients. Thank you.
See you soon.
How to Travel to Turkey for a Hair Transplant with Oya Sisman
Oya Sisman performs hair transplantation using modern techniques, including FUE and DHI. Depending on the degree of hair loss, the condition of the donor area, and individual patient characteristics, the most suitable technique and recovery plan are selected.
The company Beauty by Experts Medical works with verified clinics and specialists in hair transplantation. All medical institutions undergo strict selection, are equipped with modern technology, and comply with international quality and safety standards. The selection of a specialist is supervised by director Maria Chabdaeva, taking into account experience, techniques used, and patient feedback.
To organize a trip for a hair transplant in Turkey with Oya Sisman, simply contact the medical coordinators at Beauty by Experts Medical via the phone numbers listed on the website or leave an online request.
At every stage — from the initial consultation to returning home — patients are supported by medical coordinators. They assist with travel arrangements, hotel booking, transfers, translation, and ongoing support. This approach makes the hair transplant process in Turkey as clear, safe, and comfortable as possible for the patient.
