I really appreciate how you noticed that I usually take time to write carefully, and since you requested my feedback, I’m finally finding the time to share this after returning from my trip.
If only I had known I was experiencing hair loss back in high school, it might not have progressed this far. For those considering a hair transplant, I imagine most of you are older than I am, but if it’s genetic, please consider starting hair care early for your kids—even as early as high school.
Alright, let’s get started.
Here’s what I used to look like.
Looks like I have a lot of hair, right? This is a photo where I pulled hair from the crown to make bangs. Deceptive? Maybe. At the time, I was so stressed about my hair that I spent about 300,000 KRW at a salon in Bundang to get men’s hair extensions (they last about 3–4 months). I had this photo taken after a haircut at the same salon.
But in reality… it was this bad.
For reference, I’m in my 20s. If you can imagine being in your 20s and experiencing this degree of hair loss, you might understand how depressing it felt.
The beginning of alopecia and hair loss
It was a combination of hormonal issues and stress. My hairline was receding, and my crown was thinning noticeably.
I’m the kind of person who acts on instinct, so one day, I thought:
“I’ll get a hair transplant. Even if it’s just for a short time in my 20s, I want to look great!”
That’s when I started researching Turkey, got in touch with a clinic, and decided to go for it.
Before & After Photos
For those in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my before-and-after shots. Now, I’ll dive into the detailed review.
Day 1: Sightseeing and relaxing
The drive from Istanbul Airport to the hotel took around 30–40 minutes. Since I was on my own on the first day, I visited a few famous spots like Hagia Sophia, enjoyed some delicious food, and spent the evening resting at the hotel.
Day 2: Surgery day
The hotel was really close to the clinic. When I arrived, I met Irem, a translator who spoke excellent Korean. The preparation for surgery was thorough, and I recommend wearing a shirt or wide-necked clothing, as there’s a chance blood might stain your clothes after surgery—so avoid anything nice.
I was a bit nervous right before the procedure, but my doctor had personally undergone a hair transplant as well, and his explanations reassured me.
Initially, I was only planning to address my receding hairline, but I got ambitious and decided to cover everything, so I ended up shaving my head. It was shorter than a military buzz cut, but looking back, it was absolutely the right decision.
Days 1–2 Post-Surgery: Care and recovery
They started washing my hair the day after surgery, and thanks to painkillers and anesthesia, I felt little to no discomfort. Though others warned me about scabs looking scary, I tried not to worry too much.
On Day 2, scabs began to form, and there was some oozing, but I followed the clinic’s instructions and used towels carefully to keep the area clean. The most important rule: don’t touch the transplanted area.
They strictly advised against wearing hats. Instead, I recommend bringing a black umbrella. I didn’t, and my scalp ended up getting sunburned.
Food and sightseeing in Turkey
On Day 2, I tried sushi. It was pricey but delicious. I also enjoyed traditional Turkish desserts and soups, which were really satisfying. Thanks to Irem’s recommendations, I discovered some fantastic restaurants.
In Turkey, it’s more convenient and safer to use ride-hailing apps instead of regular taxis. Don’t forget to get a transportation card, too.
Final tips
Let the scabs fall off naturally. If it’s itchy, take painkillers instead of scratching.
Avoid smoking and drinking as much as possible, and strictly follow shampooing instructions.
Istanbul felt safe overall. Just avoid acting like you’re loaded with cash. Over nine days, I spent about 30,000 lira. If you’re on a budget, 1,500 lira per day should be enough for a comfortable trip.
I made a lot of great memories, and writing this took me about two and a half hours. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll do my best to respond over the next month.
Thanks for reading!
