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Section 1 · D-30 to D-15
Bookings & Confirmations
One month out, these items need to be locked in. Leaving them to the last week creates unnecessary stress before a major medical procedure.
📋Clinic & Administrative Confirmations7 points
✓
Written confirmation of your surgery date Critical
WhatsApp or email confirmation with exact date, time and clinic address. Save this message offline on your phone.
✓
Flights booked and boarding passes downloaded Critical
Outbound: arrive the day before surgery (D-1). Return: minimum D+1 or D+2. Direct flights preferred — Turkish Airlines, easyJet or Ryanair from most UK/EU airports.
✓
Hotel confirmed (or included in package) Important
If included in your package: confirm the hotel name and airport transfer pick-up time.
✓
Travel insurance purchased
Must cover medical repatriation and cancellation. Verify the policy covers elective medical procedures abroad. UK travellers: GHIC card does not cover Turkey — private insurance is mandatory.
✓
Valid travel documents checked Critical
UK/EU/AU passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date. UK citizens can enter Turkey without a visa for stays under 90 days. Check requirements for your nationality at gov.uk.
✓
Recent blood test results sent to the clinic If over 50
Full blood count, coagulation screen, fasting glucose — within 3 months. Send by WhatsApp before your final booking confirmation.
✓
Full list of current medications sent to the clinic Critical
All daily medications without exception — including supplements, low-dose aspirin, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants. Use generic (INN) names as well as brand names.
Section 2 · D-7
Medications to Stop —
At Least 7 Days Before
The following medications thin the blood and must be stopped at least 7 to 10 days before surgery. This is one of the most important preparation steps — getting it wrong increases bleeding risk and can compromise graft survival.
✗ Always consult your GP before stopping any prescribed medication
Some medications (Warfarin, Apixaban, Aspirin 75mg for cardiac reasons) cannot be stopped without medical advice — abrupt discontinuation carries cardiovascular risk. Your GP and the clinic team should both be informed.
| Medication | UK / Common Examples | Stop When | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-dose aspirin (cardiac) | Aspirin 75mg, Dispersible Aspirin | Discuss with GP | GP approval needed |
| NSAIDs / anti-inflammatories | Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac | D-7 | Stop |
| Anticoagulants | Warfarin, Apixaban (Eliquis), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Clopidogrel | GP decision | GP mandatory |
| High-dose Vitamin E | Supplements above 400 IU/day | D-7 | Stop |
| High-dose Omega-3 | Fish oil above 3g/day | D-7 | Stop |
| Alcohol | — | D-7 minimum | Stop |
| Topical Minoxidil | Regaine 5%, Minoxidil topical | D-7 | Pause |
| Finasteride | Propecia, Finasteride 1mg | — | Continue |
| Blood pressure medication | Amlodipine, Ramipril, Bisoprolol | — | Continue |
| Thyroid medication | Levothyroxine (Synthroid) | — | Continue |
| Statins | Atorvastatin, Simvastatin | — | Continue |
💊Medications Checklist D-75 points
✓
NSAIDs stopped (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) D-7
Replace with paracetamol (Panadol) if you need pain relief. Do not take ibuprofen for any reason in the 7 days before surgery.
✓
Alcohol stopped D-7
Direct anticoagulant effect. Stop 7 days before and avoid for 15 days after surgery.
✓
High-dose Vitamin E and Omega-3 stopped D-7
Standard dietary amounts are fine. Only high-dose supplements (Vit E above 400 IU, Omega-3 above 3g/day) need to stop.
✓
Topical Minoxidil paused D-7
Can be restarted 4 weeks after surgery once the grafts have fully settled.
✓
Medication protocol confirmed by the clinic Critical
The clinic has confirmed exactly what to stop and what to continue for your specific case and medication list.
Section 3 · D-3 to D-1
What to Pack —
The Complete Packing List
👕Clothing — the absolute rule4 points
✓
3 button-up or zip-up shirts/jackets Critical
Shirts, zip-up hoodies, or button-through jackets only. Absolutely no pull-over tops for 10 days after surgery — pulling fabric over your head risks dislodging freshly implanted grafts. This is the single most common mistake.
✓
Soft wide-brim hat (not a baseball cap)
For outdoor sun protection from Day +1. Rigid-brim baseball caps are prohibited for 15 days. A soft wide-brim or bucket hat is ideal.
✓
U-shaped travel pillow for the return flight
Protects the donor area (back of head) from rubbing against the seat. Essential comfort on the return journey.
✓
Comfortable walking shoes
Istanbul requires walking. Avoid brand-new shoes you haven't broken in.
📄Documents to bring6 points
✓
Valid passport Critical
Valid for 6 months after your return date. UK citizens: take a photo of your passport data page and save it offline.
✓
Clinic booking confirmation (saved offline)
Includes clinic address, coordinator's name, and WhatsApp number — accessible without an internet connection.
✓
Flight tickets (downloaded as PDF offline)
Do not rely on airport Wi-Fi. Download to your phone before leaving home.
✓
Printed list of your current medications
Include generic (INN) names as well as brand names. Crucial for the pre-operative consultation.
✓
Travel insurance certificate
Policy number and 24-hour emergency contact number saved offline. UK reminder: GHIC is not valid in Turkey.
✓
Blood test results if requested (digital + paper copy)
PDF on your phone and a printed backup if possible.
✗ What NOT to pack
- No ibuprofen, Nurofen, or aspirin — you have paracetamol if you need pain relief
- No your regular shampoo — medicated post-op shampoo is provided by the clinic
- No rigid baseball cap or tight beanie — both are prohibited for 15 days post-surgery
- No topical Minoxidil — stopped D-7, only resumed 4 weeks after surgery
- No hair gel, wax or spray — do not apply any styling product on surgery day
Section 4 · The Night Before
Final Preparations —
The Day Before Surgery
🌙Evening before departure8 points
✓
Wash your hair normally (last wash before surgery)
Wash with your regular shampoo. Do not apply any styling products afterwards.
✓
"Before" photos taken and backed up
Top, front, both sides, back of head — natural light, dry hair, neutral background. These are your reference for the 12 and 18-month comparison.
✓
Phone fully charged + charger in hand luggage
Your phone is your lifeline to the clinic via WhatsApp and your access to boarding passes and maps.
✓
Google Maps Istanbul downloaded offline
Useful if airport or hotel Wi-Fi fails. Download Istanbul offline before you leave home.
✓
Clinic WhatsApp number saved (+90 553 855 74 21)
Also save your personal coordinator's number if provided.
✓
Light evening meal (no alcohol, no very fatty foods) Recommended
Pasta, rice, vegetables work well. No alcohol. No rich, heavy meals. Moderate caffeine.
✓
Small amount of local currency or card for extras
Your package covers all essentials. Budget around £50–£100 / €60–€100 for personal extras.
✓
Get at least 7 hours of sleep
Surgery day runs 6 to 10 hours. Arriving well-rested significantly improves your comfort throughout the day.
Section 5 · Surgery Day
Surgery Day —
Hour by Hour
6:30
Wake
Light breakfast — mandatory
Local anaesthesia only — eating is allowed and recommended. Toast, eggs, tea or moderate coffee. Avoid acidic juice or very fatty foods. Do not arrive on an empty stomach.
7:30
Transfer
Hotel to clinic transfer
Your driver will be waiting in the hotel lobby with your name. Journey time 20–45 minutes depending on Istanbul traffic.
8:00
Clinic
Arrival, check-in & pre-operative review
Quick pre-op assessment. Changed into medical gown. Hairline design with Dr. Türk — you approve together before anything starts.
8:30
Shave
Pre-operative shave — done at the clinic
Performed by the medical team under sterile conditions. Do not shave your head at home beforehand — this is a controlled medical step.
9:00
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia — the only uncomfortable moment
A sensation of pressure lasting 30–60 seconds. Once fully anaesthetised: no sensation for the rest of the day.
9:30
Extraction
Graft extraction phase
2.5–4 hours depending on graft count. You lie face down. Headphones and films provided. Breaks every 90 minutes.
13:00
Lunch
Lunch break + repositioning
Meal provided at the clinic. You move to face-up position for the implantation phase. Good time to ask any questions.
14:00
Implant
Implantation by Dr. Türk
3–5 hours. Dr. Türk personally controls the angle, direction and depth of every graft. Completely pain-free at this stage.
18:00
Done
Surgery complete + post-op instructions
Dressing applied to donor area. Medication kit provided. Written post-op instructions in English. Return to hotel by private car.
Evening
Rest
Strict rest — absolute rules
Head elevated at 45°. Do not touch or scratch the transplanted areas. No alcohol. No smoking. Paracetamol only if discomfort (never ibuprofen).
✅Surgery Day Checklist — tick these on the morning6 points
✓
Light breakfast eaten Important
Local anaesthesia only — do not come to the clinic on an empty stomach.
✓
Button-up or zip-up shirt worn
This is the shirt you'll be wearing when you leave the clinic after surgery.
✓
Phone fully charged + charger in your bag
Surgery day runs 8–10 hours. Films and music available throughout.
✓
No styling products in your hair
Hair must be clean, dry, and free of any gel, wax, hairspray or oil.
✓
Passport in your bag
Required at clinic reception for your patient file.
✓
Medications list in your bag
Used for Dr. Türk's final check before anaesthesia is administered.
Section 6
Istanbul Practical Guide —
Transport, Weather, Money
Spring · Mar–May
12–22°C
Ideal season. Soft hat recommended for outdoor time from Day +1.
Summer · Jun–Aug
26–34°C
Hot. Mandatory sun protection on transplanted areas. Stay in shade.
Autumn · Sep–Nov
14–24°C
Excellent. Ideal combination of comfortable recovery and sightseeing.
Winter · Dec–Feb
3–10°C
Beanies prohibited for 15 days — pack a scarf and high collar instead.
→ Istanbul Essentials
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Major credit/debit cards accepted everywhere. Euros also widely accepted. Favourable exchange rate for GBP/EUR.
- Phone: UK SIM cards typically work in Turkey with standard roaming — check with your provider (EE, O2, Vodafone). Alternatively, buy a local SIM at the airport for data.
- Transfers: included in your package — your driver will be at arrivals with your name on a sign.
- Time zone: Istanbul is UTC+3 (2 hours ahead of UK in winter, 1 hour in summer).
- Language: English-speaking coordinator available by WhatsApp throughout your stay.
- Airport: Istanbul has two airports — Istanbul Airport (IST, European side) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW, Asian side). Confirm which your clinic uses for the transfer.
Section 7
What NOT to Do —
10 Mistakes That Affect Results
✗ The 10 most common mistakes patients make
- Shaving your head at home — the pre-op shave is done at the clinic under sterile conditions
- Taking ibuprofen or aspirin in the 7 days before surgery — major bleeding risk
- Drinking alcohol the night before or during the 15 days post-surgery
- Smoking in the 7 days before and 15 days after — directly reduces graft survival rate
- Not telling the clinic about all medications — including supplements and OTC drugs
- Doing intense exercise in the week before surgery
- Arriving with styling products in your hair on surgery day
- Pulling a t-shirt over your head after the procedure — can dislodge grafts
- Getting your head wet in the first 5 days outside the clinic's washing protocol
- Direct sun exposure on transplanted areas for the first month
Section 8
FAQ — Practical Questions
What medications should I stop before a hair transplant?+
Stop at least 7 days before: ibuprofen (Nurofen), aspirin unless prescribed for cardiac reasons (discuss with your GP), high-dose Vitamin E (above 400 IU), high-dose omega-3 (above 3g/day), alcohol, topical minoxidil. Never stop prescribed anticoagulants (Warfarin, Apixaban/Eliquis, Rivaroxaban/Xarelto, Clopidogrel/Plavix) without your GP's explicit approval. Continue finasteride, blood pressure medications, statins, and thyroid hormones as normal.
What should I pack for a hair transplant trip to Istanbul?+
For a 3-day trip: valid passport, 3 button-up or zip-up shirts (no pull-overs), soft wide-brim hat, U-shaped travel pillow for the return flight, travel insurance documents, printed medication list. Do NOT pack: your regular shampoo (post-op shampoo is provided), ibuprofen, rigid-brim caps or beanies, or topical minoxidil. The clinic provides the complete post-op care kit, medicated shampoo, and all post-operative medications.
Should I shave my head before flying to Istanbul?+
No. The pre-operative shave is done on the morning of surgery at the clinic under sterile conditions. For No-Shave DHI, no shaving is required at all. Come with your hair at its normal length.
Can I travel to Istanbul alone for a hair transplant?+
Yes — the vast majority of patients travel alone. All transfers are included and organised: airport to hotel, hotel to clinic, clinic to hotel, and hotel to airport. An English-speaking coordinator is available by WhatsApp throughout your stay for any questions or concerns.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Turkey?+
UK passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date. GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is not valid in Turkey — private travel insurance is mandatory.
What should I eat on the morning of hair transplant surgery?+
Have a light breakfast — local anaesthesia only is used, so eating is allowed and recommended. Toast, eggs, tea or moderate coffee are fine. Avoid very fatty foods, acidic juice, and excessive caffeine. Do not come to the clinic on an empty stomach as surgery runs 6–10 hours.