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Why You Shouldn’t Go to Turkey for Your Hair Transplant Procedure?

Dr. Ahmad Saaed
July 28, 2023

Now more than ever, men and women across the UK have been looking to receive hair transplant procedures. As more and more people begin to struggle with hair loss, the demand has increased drastically. The market is one of the fastest-growing healthcare practices in the world, with the market size rising 64% between 2014 and 2021 according to ISHRS statistics. With the increase in popularity, this has led to desperate measures, with many looking for a quick and cheap option. This mindset has led to many travelling abroad and receiving botched transplants, particularly in Turkey!

Table of Contents

Why are people travelling to Turkey?

For low-cost hair transplants, Turkey has become the prime destination for those looking for a bargain, and 60% of all hair transplants in the world take place here. People are lured in by cheap quotes and ambiguous marketing claims that are designed to sell you more than they can offer. You can be offered a quote before knowing if you are even a suitable candidate for a hair transplant. These promises may seem cheap initially but increase in price when factoring in travel and other expenses. At Fortes Clinic, we would never recommend you for surgery unless we can get you optimum results. Travelling abroad for a hair transplant comes with its difficulties. Flying internationally can be stressful enough as it is, never mind flying post-surgery. This is only the start of the problems.

What is the problem with cheaper-alternative options?

The reality is that it is cheap for a reason. The service that you receive in locations such as Turkey is sub-par compared to what you will receive in the UK. Research from Quartz has shown that many clinics in Turkey go against regulations so that they can accommodate more clients. Commonly, the patient will be led to believe that the doctor that they have a consultation with is the one that handles the procedure, but then are handed to a nurse or technician who performs the surgery. At Fortes Clinic, Dr Ahmad Saaed is with you throughout the whole process, from your first consultation all the way to your aftercare. In Turkey, many clients have received horrendous results, a major factor being the over-harvesting from the donor area. This can have a permanent effect on the client’s head, and in some cases cannot be rescued by another surgeon. Taking too many follicular units from the back of the head can result in bad scarring on the patient. Due to the fierce demand for hair transplants abroad, this has created ‘production line procedures’. Clinics in Turkey are there to maximise their revenue and try to operate on as many clients as they can in one day. Think to yourself, if you are one of fifteen people being operated on, are you really going to get the attention that you need from the doctor? Procedures are often rushed so they can finish as many as transplants which will always cause problems. In 2019, Turkey averaged over 2,200 hair transplants per day! We operate under the mindset of ‘quality over quantity, and Fortes Clinic will ensure that you are always our priority. One of the most important aspects of a hair transplant is aftercare, and this is non-existent when you have flown back to the UK after having the procedure in Turkey. If you become infected or need advice from your surgeon, it can prove very difficult to get this dealt with. Patient care and comfort are as important as the procedure itself.

Why choose Fortes Clinic?

Unlike clinics abroad, Fortes Clinic puts your happiness as our ultimate goal. We understand that hair loss can be a daunting time for most, and our team of experts will ensure that you are guided through the hair restoration process smoothly, and our customers receive optimal results every single time. Contact our team today for a consultation, and see what services we can offer you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Ahmad Saaed

Dr Ahmad Saaed is the Founder and Lead Practitioner at Fortes Clinic in London. A qualified hair restoration surgeon and trichologist, Dr Saaed has been a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery since 2017. With expertise in FUE, FUT, and PRP treatments, he combines surgical precision with artistic hairline design to deliver natural, life-changing results for his patients.

Browse our Before & After Gallery

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 117 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Oggy Boggy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m incredibly happy with my hair transplant results after just five months. The difference has exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

Everyone at the clinic was friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the initial consultation right through to the procedure and aftercare. They were always happy to answer any questions and made the whole experience stress-free.

I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone considering a hair transplant. Thank you to the whole team!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Davit Gevorgyan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a transplant done here at the surgery and it’s been a year since and I couldn’t be more happy with the results! Thank you to the team and to Dr Saaed
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Edward Wilson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent results from my hair transplant. I cannot recommend more highly. Thank you very much to Dr Saaed and the Fortes Clinic team
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nick Baldwin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience beginning to end - Dr. Ahmed did such an incredible job with my transplant and I wouldn’t be happier!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   H Amini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had my hair transplant done on Thursday — 1,700 grafts for the front corners and crown.

The whole experience was genuinely excellent. I even fell asleep for part of it, which says a lot about how comfortable the process was.

Dr Ahmad made me feel completely at ease, and the entire team were incredibly caring and attentive throughout the day.

Lunch was provided, and having Netflix and music available made the whole experience feel relaxed and stress‑free.

Looking forward to sharing an update on my results in around six months.

Thanks again, everyone 💙
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christian Oldroyd 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible natural results and a world class experience!!

I had an FUE hair transplant -
I cannot recommend Fortis Clinic in London highly enough. I did a lot of research beforehand and even visited Harley Street, but Fortes just had a much better feel. There was no pressure and it didn't feel "salesy" at all; it was clear from the start they just really know what they are doing.

One of the best things about them is that they only take one patient per day, so you are the sole focus of the entire team. The communication is excellent; they are so quick to respond to every email and call, which really put me at ease. On the day of the surgery, I was initially quite nervous about the pain, but it was actually very minimal and nothing like I had feared. Dr. Saed is a total expert—so professional and confident that you just know you’re in safe hands.

They really look after you throughout the day (the lunch provided was a great touch!) and the aftercare package is spot on. They provide everything from the shampoo to a neck pillow, so you don’t have to worry about a thing once you leave.

I’m now two weeks post-op and the results are already better than I ever imagined. The hairline looks incredibly natural, the scabs came off easily, and I had hardly any swelling or lingering pain. They are simply the best. Thank you again to the whole team for everything!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ismael Sancho 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a hair transplant here in January 2025 and it was amazing. I had about 2800 grafts or so (which is quite little) and it made a monumental difference to my hair.

Dr Ahmad Saaed was great throughout , I was reassured by him at my initial consultation, where he was knowledgeable but also didn’t pressure me into any decisions.

During the procedure Dr Ahmad and his team were also great, I had a largely painless and pleasant experience watching Netflix ! I almost fell asleep at points !

Afterwards, the team at Fortes were again great , and I am extremely happy with my results.

I continue going there to receive PRP, which is a testament to how reliable they are !

I would recommend Fortes to anyone needing their relevant services.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Colin Dolan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely fantastic service. Dr Saeed was extremely professional and results of the treatment were excellent.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   haider shubbar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did a hair transplant at this clinic few days ago and just want to share my great experience. From the moment i walked in greeted by Gina's lovely smile to meeting Dr Ahmed for an honest and professional consultation who offered me different options with no pressure. I felt at ease throughout the procedure and a full post care package provided. Thank you once again, i look forward to the results!