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Unravelling the Remarkable Surge of Hair Transplantation in Turkey

In partnership with Dr Emrah Cinik

By Brian Leonard

Side portrait view of a man with short facial hair
00,000 tourists went to Turkey for hair transplants in 2015. (Image: Nathan Fertig)

Hair transplantation is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Turkish economy. This trend has been going on since the early 2000s. Statistics indicate that more than 100,000 tourists went to Turkey for hair transplants in 2015. Over 662,000 medical tourists would travel to the country to take advantage of its affordable and high-quality hair transplant services in 2019. By 2022, this figure had grown to around a million people. Now, the sector is worth approximately $2 billion. 

Turkey might be your best bet if you are considering getting a hair transplant.

The Catalysts Behind the Flourishing Medical Tourism in Turkey

The main reason behind the quick growth of the health sector of Turkey is the high quality of service offered in the hospitals. Doctors in the country are known for their thorough training. Turkey also has a large percentage of JCI-accredited medical hospitals. You can expect to find hospitals with high-quality facilities in the country. 

Besides the quality of the service, patients also check the cost of the hair transplantation service. In Turkey, medical services are incredibly cheap, especially compared to the USA and other Western nations. The price of the service doesn’t reflect its quality. 

The reason behind the low cost of medical services in Turkey is the affordable cost of labour in the country. Living costs in Turkey are relatively low, especially compared to countries like the USA and UK. Therefore, professionals in the country can afford to charge low prices for their services. The weakened Lira has also helped to make health services cheaper. 

It is worth noting that many Asian and Middle Eastern countries have similarly cheap services. However, their medical education standards are shallow compared to that of Turkey. 

Medical tourism has also exploded because of logistical advantages. Turkey allows visitors from many countries to visit the country without a Visa. Given the country’s location, many people can enjoy very short flights to the country. 

Assessing the Quality of Medical Care in Turkey

High-quality medical care is one of the main reasons behind the rapid growth of the medical tourism sector of Turkey. Since the industry has proved very important to the economy, the Turkish government has taken steps to protect it. Circular No. 2011/41 of the Turkish Ministry of Health outlines some rules medical institutions must follow when treating foreign patients. 

When getting hair transplantation surgery in Turkey, the doctor will be responsible for all negligence. The country’s laws also indicate how lawsuits between hospitals and patients should be handled. Either way, patients in the country are protected from malpractice.

Turkish medical facilities use the latest hair transplantation technology to keep up with patient demands. They employ state-of-the-art technology to ensure that they get the desired results. One of the commonly used hair transplantation methods is FUE. This is highly preferred because it doesn’t involve stitching or linear scarring. The process is easier and less painful, and you can expect to recover faster.  

The medical tourism sector of Turkey has been growing for many years. Patients have offered testimonies that prove that the country provides excellent medical services. You can clearly see that the patients got excellent outcomes. 

The Pros of Medical Tourism

Medical tourism has become a significant contributor to the economy of Turkey. Aside from attracting foreign income in medical fees, this form of tourism also encourages foreigners to spend money in Turkey. Istanbul is a historically important city, so many people visiting the country will want to spend some time at popular attractions in the city. The economy will also get a boost from purchasing goods and services like accommodation and transport.

Another benefit of medical tourism is that it increases the soft power of Turkey. As more people visit the country, they understand the city more and more and will develop a better view of Turkey as a whole. The increased consumption of Turkish culture also plays a major role in boosting the country’s soft power.  

As the medical tourism sector grew, many clinics have found it necessary to offer comprehensive travel packages. For a certain amount of money, you can get a flight ticket, transfers from the airport, accommodation, post-operative care, and language interpretation services. The advantage of these packages is that they end up saving you money. You will also enjoy high levels of convenience since everything is included in a single package.

The Importance of Prudent Selection of Surgeon

While Turkey is generally known for high-quality and successful hair transplant surgery, it is prudent to select a surgeon carefully. This will ensure that you get the best possible outcomes. First, you should check the doctor’s website to see how their procedures are done. Checking the before and after photos can also help you know what to expect. Finally, make sure you evaluate the customer testimonials. It will even be safer to use client recommendations.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Medical Tourism in Turkey

It has become evident that the medical tourism sector is vital to the Turkish economy, and the government is taking steps to promote the industry. The government can expect to enact more laws to protect patients visiting the country. Clinics will also have to offer better results as competition gets stiffer. 

Overall, medical tourism has helped to reshape global perspectives on the nation. More people are getting the opportunity to experience Turkish culture and enjoy the hospitality of the local people. The country’s economy will enjoy massive boosts from the medical tourism sector. In addition to spending money on healthcare, patients also have to pay for accommodation and other goods and services. Many people will also take the opportunity to experience the history and culture of historical places like Istanbul.