There are always risks having a hair transplant procedure abroad, particularly if you are considering undergoing a hair transplant in Turkey. The low prices may be tempting, but the majority of the time, the prices reflect the quality of the procedure. Crown Clinic frequently has to repair poor hair transplants that have been performed abroad or by inexperienced physicians.
It’s even more critical that you have your hair transplant in the UK during COVID, even if your destination is on the ‘green list’ – not only are you at risk of a botched procedure abroad, but you’re also at increased risk of coming into contact with the virus. Crown Clinic is a COVID-protected clinic and has introduced strict guidelines to protect our staff, patients, and their loved ones. However, many clinics abroad do not follow the same standards of hygiene, meaning that you can never guarantee your own safety.
The dangers of having a hair transplant in Turkey
Although hair transplants in Turkey are often sold as a package deal, undergoing the surgery is not a holiday. Recovery time after having the procedure, whether you opt for FUT or FUE, is critical, to make sure that you lower the risk of infection and can ensure the success of your hair transplant.
The reason that hair transplants are offered at such low prices in Turkey is that the majority will be performed by an unqualified, unlicensed technician, rather than an experienced doctor. As a result, infections, scarring and weak hair growth or no hair growth are not uncommon.
Unfortunately, not all insurance companies will cover the cost of having a medical procedure outside of the UK. If something were to go wrong, you must consider how quickly you’ll be able to travel back to the UK to resolve the issue and how any delays will further impact you post-surgery.
It is critical that you thoroughly research the surgeon, the clinic, and the dangers of having a hair transplant procedure in Turkey. If there are any doubts at all, don’t go – it simply isn’t worth the risk.
While having hair restoration treatment in the UK seems costly, consider adding up the cost of the procedure, flights, accommodation, and spending money, plus the strong possibility of having your hair restoration treatment redone if you don’t achieve the desired results.
Hair transplants in Turkey during COVID
With the above considerations, add COVID-19 to the list of dangers and ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the clinic COVID protected?
- What safety measures and government guidelines are in place to protect you from COVID-19?
- Is the clinic following other medical procedures, such as from the ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery)?
- What happens if you come into contact with COVID-19 abroad?
- Will you be able to fly home as planned if you tested positive?
- Will your holiday insurance cover the costs of flying your home at a rescheduled time?
- Will your medical insurance cover the cost of having a medical procedure outside of the UK and if you test positive for COVID-19?
- Will you be able to stay in your chosen accommodation if you tested positive?
- What happens to your family or friends that you travelled with?
Although the borders may gradually be reopening, nobody can be certain when life will be returning to normal. Travelling abroad should be at the bottom of your priority list, especially for hair restoration treatment. This is another reason why you should have your hair transplant procedure in the UK, at a clinic that is COVID-19 protected.
Before planning your trip to Turkey, or another country for a hair transplant treatment, consider your options, do your research, and look at the long-term impact it could have on your health and finances, particularly with COVID-19.
Crown Clinic is a licensed practice for performing successful hair transplants in the UK. Dr Shahmalak is recognised for his work, with a global reputation and a high profile, established figure within the industry. For more information about hair restoration, book a consultation at Crown Clinic today.