Jacqueline

Looks great

Looking great

On day 27 after my transplant and starting to itch in my donor area. Any recommendations to use for relief?

2950 Follicle Count Transplant for African Female Background – African Female aged 50 living in Texas. Due to frequent braiding, which was always tight, lost some of my hair on the front sides that made me feel like those areas looked bald and were quite visible in pictures. Over a period of four months, I did quite a bit of research and compared transplant procedures between Turkey and the US. This included joining support groups online for those who had done transplants and provided feedback of their journey. During the consultations in the US, the average cost I was quoted was $18,900 and discounted for $16,000 if paid in cash for about 2,500 count transplant. During my research phase, I met a doctor in Dallas who had a successful experience with Dr Yaman (he had 6,800 follicle count transplants over two visits in 2022 and the results were impressive. This doctor had also referred 6 other people to go to Turkey and their experience with Dr. Yaman yielded good results. I contacted the Yaman clinic and communicated with their team using Whatsapp, sent videos and pictures of my hair where they provided an assessment and then scheduled a video call with Dr. Yaman. They were always very responsive. I got all the answers I needed and scheduled my procedure for October 2nd, 2023. I was quoted $3,250 which included the transplant, airport transfers, 3 nights at a 5 start hotel and breakfast for 3,400 follicles. After making my flight booking, I shared my details with clinic and was placed on the schedule and provided with instructions to prepare for the procedure as well as pickup information. I got a good deal from Delta Airlines from Dallas to Istanbul with a short 2-hour connection in Paris. My sister came along with me on the trip for support. ARRIVAL – was picked up at the airport in a newer model Mercedes van owned by the Yaman Clinic. There was a gentleman from Toronto who also arrived around the same time and was also there for a procedure. We were taken to the Gorrion Hotel (decent 5 start hotel located in a commercial neighborhood). Took about 45 minutes for the airport. Check in was smooth, ordered some lamb chops for dinner via room service (prices were very affordable) and went straight to bed since it was already 9pm DAY OF PROCEDURE – had a nice breakfast and were picked up by the same driver at 8am. There was a gentleman from San Francisco who was also headed to the clinic. Once at the clinic, I was checked in and proceeded to do the blood work on the 1st floor. Then was taken to the 3rd floor and had a consultation with Dr. Yaman. He reviewed/ drew my proposed hairline, showed me my potential donor area on a big screen tv, took measurements of the thickness of my hair, did a review of my medical records/ history etc. Next my sister was escorted to the waiting area while I went to get my hair shaved off (donor area), pictures were taken from different angles of where the transplant was to be done, changed into the hospital gown, and was escorted to one of the operating rooms. The operating room has a TV with my name and the pictures taken scrolling through. I requested to get a blanket and muscle relaxer to ease my nerves (was given a zanax). Next, I was asked to select what I wanted to watch on YouTube on a large TV screen. Dr. Yaman, then walked me through the procedure, created the final hair line and got my approval. He had 3 other assistants in the room. Before he gave the anesthesia, he explained how that would work. Having read about how painful the process was I was nervous. Luckily, I barely felt much pain. It kind of felt like when you visited the dentist and get you gums numbed. The pain was very minimal (I’d say a 2.5 on a scale of 10). He mentioned that most men cry and complain about how painful the process it. The numbing was done at the front and back of my head. Within a short period of time the procedure was underway, and I must have fallen asleep along the way. I remember being woken up to have a quick 20-minute lunch with my sister. The food consisted of rice, veggies, and some chicken skewers. The food was decent. I went back and they continued with the procedure. Was done around 6pm, had a bandage added to the donor area and given instructions on after care and how to sleep when I got to the hotel (they also provided an inflatable travel pillow). I had read to carry my own based on reading people who had had prior procedure The waterproof liners they provided to use while sleeping were very beneficial to avoid soiling the bedsheets. Left the clinic and had no pain. Once at the hotel, order some room service and called it a night. DAY AFTER PROCEDURE – after breakfast I was picked up and taken to the clinic. The bandages were removed, transplant and donor areas were washed, and training was provided on what needs to be done once I got home (this included written instructions). They also did a video using my phone of the process, so I could watch it when I got home. I was also provided with some foam, shampoo, various medication (for the stomach, an antibiotic, to help with inflammation, pain killers if needed, and a 6-month vitamin supply to help with the hair growth. Once the consultation was completed and we thanked the staff for everything, my sister and I were out touring Istanbul and shopping for a few hours. TRIP BACK HOME (Day 2) – We were picked up by the clinic at 3am and dropped off at the airport. I decided to upgrade my flight back to the US which was well worth it considering I wanted to be careful with my head in general and be able to be comfortable. Once I landed in Paris my face was totally swollen (could barley open my eyes). I contacted the clinic and they said that was normal (was also in the aftercare documentation). Moving forward for the rest of the trip I used an ice pack every 1 hour. DAY 2 to 5 - Spent most of my time resting. No pain at all, just a swollen face and felt fatigued. Still sleeping at an inclined position to be careful with my head (using a travel pillow) DAY 6 – went back to the office and most people complimented me on the cool haircut that I got. DAY 10 – did the final wash and got all my scabs out. Had to do the 2 additional washed to get them all out. DAY 14 – donor area that was shaved off has grown back fully and can feel the hair growing in the transplanted area (can feel the spikes). Now I am able to go back to my normal sleeping pattern

Got my procudre done today. Thank God the pain during the initial.phase of getting the injections was not bad at all. All went well. Got 2,950 implants and now ready for the recovery journey. Thanks to everyone for their support. Will continue to use the insights shared on this blog while I go through the healing process. By the way, how long did you stay in bandages (how many days) before having to walk around without them?

Thanks for the heads up. Heading out from Dallas as well. I plan to do an upgrade since the flight looks to be at about 50% capacity. Excited and nervous at the same time. All the best with your journey.

Thank you

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Your experience and updates have made me feel so much better about getting the process done by Dr. Yaman (definately calmed my nerves). I am headed to Turkey this weekend from Texas for a hair transplant with Dr. Yaman. I am getting about 3,400 grafts at the front of my hair line. Been thinking about it for awhile now. Question - beside the pain from the injections from the anesthesia was the procedure itself painful? Did you feel any discomfort during the process? Once the anesthesia wore out, how did you feel? Any painkillers? My sister is coming along and wanted to stay at the clinic while i had the procedure. Is tat necessary? How was the trip back and recovery? My plan is to head back to the office 5 days after the procedure. Thank you.