Hair of Istanbul -- 2 HT, Nearly 4000 grafts, not much but destroyed donor to show for it

[Peezus]

3 minutes ago, aaron1234 said:

If your 2nd procedure was just last week then take a deep breath.  You won't know for several months what kind of result you'll get, so be patient.  In the meantime, are you on fin?  Not getting on fin when you already have a good head of hair might be a worse mistake than going to Turkey for a HT.

I am on fin, have been for almost 2 years now. I REALLY wish I got on it in my early 20s, though, because I used to have a gorgeous head full of thick hair all through my crown and vertex. I got prescribed Proscar and my gf at the time convinced me it would ruin my libido so I never took it. Waited until I was 31--started taking it and my dick still works as well as ever. Super upset I squandered potential in the hair I could have kept if I had only taken it back then, might have needed about 1,000 grafts to rebuild my temples and hairline and that'd be about it. But now I am where I am!!

[aaron1234]

Well, you can't change the past.  You're on it now, and that's a wise decision.  

[Doron Harati]

I am so sorry to hear about this unfortunate incident, the same happened to me with Arenamed clinic in Turkey, but I am not alone, I am suing with more ppl that went with the same rep, I may also sue the clinic too, many ppl around the globe told me they went there and experienced painful procedure.

I truly understand what you going through, I got you're PM, I'll do my best to help you, thank you for sharing your experience, in my opinion you should never go back for a "repair" in the same clinic, unless it's a respectful doctor that follow the Micro FUE  protocol which happens to 3% of his paitents in a year maybe.

This is my donor by Arenamed clinic, I am was so lucky my donor near to my ears is very generous and Dr. Maras from HDC in Cyprus could save me, so grateful for that!

 

Edited December 15, 2020 by Doron Harati

[Peezus]

6 hours ago, Doron Harati said:

I am so sorry to hear about this unfortunate incident, the same happened to me with Arenamed clinic in Turkey, but I am not alone, I am suing with more ppl that went with the same rep, I may also sue the clinic too, many ppl around the globe told me they went there and experienced painful procedure.

I truly understand what you going through, I got you're PM, I'll do my best to help you, thank you for sharing your experience, in my opinion you should never go back for a "repair" in the same clinic, unless it's a respectful doctor that follow the Micro FUE  protocol which happens to 3% of his paitents in a year maybe.

This is my donor by Arenamed clinic, I am was so lucky my donor near to my ears is very generous and Dr. Maras from HDC in Cyprus could save me, so grateful for that!

 

How I truly wish I posted on here a week back before I was deciding to go back to Turkey or not.

 

I don't believe they used any kind of FUE microscope or magnification. They were very reckless with my donor and with planting over native hairs. I don't know what my recourse as far as suing is because it's just me and one other person I've met through forums who have had nightmare experiences at HOI and to be honest, I really don't have the money for a lawsuit right now. I barely had the money to spend on a procedure as expensive as theirs is. But now I'll save my money and try my best to find a SURGEON and clinic who can repair my diffuse thinning, and hopefully not damage my donor too much further. I'm just scared at this point, I won't have enough donor left for what I need.

 

Thanks for sharing pics of your experience. I wish people knew just how careless and corrupt Hair of Istanbul is.

[anotherhairlosssufferer]

I never heard of them. Their instagram page @hairofistanbul has 1.4 million followers? And the results they post look pretty good. Something there just doesn't add up. I am so sorry for the experiences you went through.

[UnbaldEagle]

4 minutes ago, anotherhairlosssufferer said:

I never heard of them. Their instagram page @hairofistanbul has 1.4 million followers? And the results they post look pretty good. Something there just doesn't add up. I am so sorry for the experiences you went through.

If you look at those followers a lot of them are female instagram models, random guys from all over the world with no pre-existing hairloss, i.e. people who surely have no interest in HOI whatsoever. There's actually a few apps where you'd buy credits and get lots of randomly assigned followers in return (people who also use that app). It's something like traffic exchange. 

The results (the pictures) are photoshopped. Check out the videos instead and see the difference, none of those hairlines look natural. 

[Melvin- Admin]

21 hours ago, Peezus said:

Just last week.

The donor was moth eaten after the first one, only not as bad as it is now. I had my reservations about going back but they promised me they would listen to my concerns and fill in my crown / vertex they didn't the first time.

They basically told me they wouldn't once I got there, as they thought I would keep losing hair in that area and it was too premature. Despite the fact their website often gives guys an entire head of hair all the time on their social media. I should have known better than to trust social media--as I'd researched on this site for years with in depth reviews and results from members. Was locked into Demirsoy or Cinik (I know he has mixed reviews) but changed at the last moment. Did the same with my 2nd, was set on going to Cinik for a repair but HOI told me they would make it right for free and I think I just foolishly believed it would be different.

 

Extractions seemed MUCH cleaner after the 1st procedure. But regardless, they use a very big hold punch. And they take from outside the safe zone.

 

Here are some donor area pics after the 1st HT:

And after the 2nd:

I will say this, we are usually our worst critics, while I have been saying this non-stop DO NOT TRUST INSTAGRAM! It’s forums like this one where you see the truth.

I think you’re still in a good spot moving forward, and I truly hope you’ll use our community as a source of information. Even when things don’t turn out as expected, instead of dwelling on misfortunes, I believe in looking and moving forward.

The positives is you still have a lot of hair left, you can get smp to disguise the scars, and we have plenty of capable surgeons who can fix and repair your previous work. Please let me know how I can help. 

[Peezus]

16 minutes ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

I will say this, we are usually our worst critics, while I have been saying this non-stop DO NOT TRUST INSTAGRAM! It’s forums like this one where you see the truth.

I think you’re still in a good spot moving forward, and I truly hope you’ll use our community as a source of information. Even when things don’t turn out as expected, instead of dwelling on misfortunes, I believe in looking and moving forward.

The positives is you still have a lot of hair left, you can get smp to disguise the scars, and we have plenty of capable surgeons who can fix and repair your previous work. Please let me know how I can help. 

Can you please recommend some doctors to consult about fixing my thin vertex and the shoddy work of HOI? I will hopefully have a decent looking donor after another procedure and then move forward with SMP and live with whatever my hair does for the rest of time.

 

I am just so disappointed in myself. For choosing HOI in the first place. For going back a 2nd time. I can't believe I did this to myself and disfigured the sides of my head, when I could have just gone with Cinik or any other clinic who have produced respectable results.

 

I still feel so much like I can't be around myself. I am having a hard time just coping with this healing process and not wanting to die.

[Melvin- Admin]

7 minutes ago, Peezus said:

Can you please recommend some doctors to consult about fixing my thin vertex and the shoddy work of HOI? I will hopefully have a decent looking donor after another procedure and then move forward with SMP and live with whatever my hair does for the rest of time.

 

I am just so disappointed in myself. For choosing HOI in the first place. For going back a 2nd time. I can't believe I did this to myself and disfigured the sides of my head, when I could have just gone with Cinik or any other clinic who have produced respectable results.

 

I still feel so much like I can't be around myself. I am having a hard time just coping with this healing process and not wanting to die.

Here’s our list of recommendations, you can research each of our doctors on the forum, and see real reviews. 

https://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-transplant-surgeons.asp?sr=HRN-MOB

 

[Peezus]

Guys, I don't mean to be a downer right now but I am feeling pretty low--borderline suicidal. I need to know there is a way out of this but I fear because I can't afford a top surgeon, it's my destiny to just live with a mangled head and can't even grow out my hair because of how thin the vertex / crown is and are going to be.

 

I just feel stuck. And I'm lashing out at my girlfriend and loved ones because of how much I'm hurting. I blamed her for not letting me go to Cinik the first time, because she wanted me to be home while she had a trial to testify at. And then before my resecheduled trip, she showed me the HOI instagram and I fell for it. Now I'm just casting blame and also blaming myself HARD. I'm so stupid for going to them not once but twice--and not going to a better surgeon for the repair. Why am I so stupid?

[Falconary]

I dont think it looks that bad. The donor area is easily covered if you dont trim your hair very short, and recepient area is also not that bad. But maybe your pictures doesnt show how bad it really is?

I have seen waaay worse in real life. I have a friend that is basically semi bald and looks like a cancer patient with extremely Little hair left in the donor area and extremely Little to No hair on top and front. Your case is easily repaired with body hair or smp, or both. I would suggest to rock a longer hair for a while, save money and go to a experienced Doctor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Melvin- Admin]

1 hour ago, Peezus said:

Guys, I don't mean to be a downer right now but I am feeling pretty low--borderline suicidal. I need to know there is a way out of this but I fear because I can't afford a top surgeon, it's my destiny to just live with a mangled head and can't even grow out my hair because of how thin the vertex / crown is and are going to be.

 

I just feel stuck. And I'm lashing out at my girlfriend and loved ones because of how much I'm hurting. I blamed her for not letting me go to Cinik the first time, because she wanted me to be home while she had a trial to testify at. And then before my resecheduled trip, she showed me the HOI instagram and I fell for it. Now I'm just casting blame and also blaming myself HARD. I'm so stupid for going to them not once but twice--and not going to a better surgeon for the repair. Why am I so stupid?

Stop blaming yourself and your gf. You live and learn, there are solutions. Believe me, even the worst cases can be repaired, @Gatsby @Doron Harati to name a few who were in worse positions. 

Also, I think you’re being too hard on yourself and the results. By no means is that the worse I’ve ever seen, a few years back we had @Sanjar41 come on the forum after being absolutely butchered. We all rallied behind him and got him a free repair. Now, there are surgeons within a reasonable budget who can fix your hair, all is not lost. Eugenix is a highly skilled clinic that are reasonably priced, as is HDC, and BHR clinic Athens. 

If you want send me a pm, and I will help you get consultations. We’re a brotherhood here man, we will help!

[Peezus]

42 minutes ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

Stop blaming yourself and your gf. You live and learn, there are solutions. Believe me, even the worst cases can be repaired, @Gatsby @Doron Harati to name a few who were in worse positions. 

Also, I think you’re being too hard on yourself and the results. By no means is that the worse I’ve ever seen, a few years back we had @Sanjar41 come on the forum after being absolutely butchered. We all rallied behind him and got him a free repair. Now, there are surgeons within a reasonable budget who can fix your hair, all is not lost. Eugenix is a highly skilled clinic that are reasonably priced, as is HDC, and BHR clinic Athens. 

If you want send me a pm, and I will help you get consultations. We’re a brotherhood here man, we will help!

Melvin,

I appreciate you greatly, man. A big part of this is that I have always had really poor body image (dysmorphia) which caused me to have an eating disorder throughout most of my 20s. So I am extra critical of myself. I survived my slow killing myself when I got down to near 120 lbs, and I'm hopeful I can survive what I'm putting myself through now. While this may not be the worst, it's what I have to live with for the time being. And in the case of my donor area, forever.

I'm just so mad I wasted so many grafts on such a disreputable place. That I didn't have more common sense to go elsewhere the 2nd time. And that makes me frustrated more at myself than anything.

 

I'll reach out in a bit on consultations. If I sit around looking at this scalp of mine without trying to be proactive, I feel like I'll never get anything in life done.

 

I'm supposed to be grading Finals for my students this week but all I've been able to do is obsess and hate myself. Thanks for trying to set me on a course of action. I'm just not sure what I can realistically do when the time comes, because this clinic drained me mentally and financially.

 

Talk in a bit & thanks again.

Paul

[jjsrader]

I would make that bad-influence gf take 2 extra jobs - have her give you all her money for the next 2 years - minimum & research & then get a proper repair from a trusted surgeon.  Then dump her.

Edited December 16, 2020 by jjsrader

[Melvin- Admin]

17 minutes ago, jjsrader said:

I would make that bad-influence gf take 2 extra jobs - have her give you all her money for the next 2 years - minimum & research & then get a proper repair from a trusted surgeon.  Then dump her.

I'm disappointed in this post, were not Twitter or Reddit where people thrive on Trolling. We're here to give good advice and help fellow hair loss sufferers. I will not tolerate this type of behavior.

[Peezus]

26 minutes ago, jjsrader said:

I would make that bad-influence gf take 2 extra jobs - have her give you all her money for the next 2 years - minimum & research & then get a proper repair from a trusted surgeon.  Then dump her.

thanks for the laugh but honestly, she's not to blame. It was a dick move of me.

Edited December 16, 2020 by Peezus

[Kruchie]

@PeezusI think I replied to your thread on Reddit? Just try and take a step back for a minute, everything could look SO much better in a few short months and if nothing else, you're young and have plenty of time. You're definitely not a point of no return. Just give it time and re-evaluate the situation. I actually don't think your hair looks that bad to be honest but that's not to say you don't have the right to feel the way you do about it, I've had some real dark times due to my hair too. Feel free to message me here or preferably on Reddit and we can chat a bit more. 

Edited December 16, 2020 by Kruchie

[Melvin- Admin]

34 minutes ago, Kruchie said:

@PeezusI think I replied to your thread on Reddit? Just try and take a step back for a minute, everything could look SO much better in a few short months and if nothing else, you're young and have plenty of time. You're definitely not a point of no return. Just give it time and re-evaluate the situation. I actually don't think your hair looks that bad to be honest but that's not to say you don't have the right to feel the way you do about it, I've had some real dark times due to my hair too. Feel free to message me here or preferably on Reddit and we can chat a bit more. 

Great advice, now that is sensible. 

[Rossybop]

Hey buddy,

Having read your long post I am feeling really upset and my heart goes out to you. I have to say I think this story is totally remarkable and if other people become aware of your story they might be less likely to make the same mistake that you've made, therefore I think this story should be broadcast at high volume. I would consider contacting journalists and sharing your story that way as it will help save other people from visiting this bad clinic.

Concerning your predicament I was actually expecting the pictures to be a lot worse. Based on your pictures I would say you can probably be saved at the hands of a good surgeon. There are lots of good surgeons who specialize in very precise repair jobs for guys like you that have been cheated by evil scammers. On that note you should know that you are not alone - sadly bad hair transplants are very common and a lot of guys have found themselves in the same predicament as you.

I can't begin to imagine how you feel right now but I am cheering for you and hoping that you can feel better soon. There is no shame in falling victim to bad things so don't blame yourself, this could happen to any one of us. Right now I would honestly say you are not looking too bad, you've still got plenty of hair to work with and I believe that with the right repair job you can come out of this feeling happy and one day this whole terrible ordeal will be behind you and you will be able to move on from it. You can get through this tough moment. Everybody here believes in you, and there is still lots of hope for regaining a good result in the future so don't give up hope yet. You have the support of everybody on this forum.

I'd also like to thank you for sharing this brave story because it is a story that has the power to save other people from falling victim to Hair of Istanbul. If you need someone to talk to for support please feel free to message me. My name is Ross.

Be safe. You can get through this. We believe in you.

[Peezus]

15 hours ago, Kruchie said:

@PeezusI think I replied to your thread on Reddit? Just try and take a step back for a minute, everything could look SO much better in a few short months and if nothing else, you're young and have plenty of time. You're definitely not a point of no return. Just give it time and re-evaluate the situation. I actually don't think your hair looks that bad to be honest but that's not to say you don't have the right to feel the way you do about it, I've had some real dark times due to my hair too. Feel free to message me here or preferably on Reddit and we can chat a bit more. 

Kruchie,

 

Thanks man. You're the one with the fantastic results from Cinik and DUT, right? I have some questions on Dutasteride, was thinking of trying it myself for my diffuse thinning. I'll message in a bit. Still having major non-cinik regret!!!

[Peezus]

1 hour ago, Rossybop said:

Hey buddy,

Having read your long post I am feeling really upset and my heart goes out to you. I have to say I think this story is totally remarkable and if other people become aware of your story they might be less likely to make the same mistake that you've made, therefore I think this story should be broadcast at high volume. I would consider contacting journalists and sharing your story that way as it will help save other people from visiting this bad clinic.

Concerning your predicament I was actually expecting the pictures to be a lot worse. Based on your pictures I would say you can probably be saved at the hands of a good surgeon. There are lots of good surgeons who specialize in very precise repair jobs for guys like you that have been cheated by evil scammers. On that note you should know that you are not alone - sadly bad hair transplants are very common and a lot of guys have found themselves in the same predicament as you.

I can't begin to imagine how you feel right now but I am cheering for you and hoping that you can feel better soon. There is no shame in falling victim to bad things so don't blame yourself, this could happen to any one of us. Right now I would honestly say you are not looking too bad, you've still got plenty of hair to work with and I believe that with the right repair job you can come out of this feeling happy and one day this whole terrible ordeal will be behind you and you will be able to move on from it. You can get through this tough moment. Everybody here believes in you, and there is still lots of hope for regaining a good result in the future so don't give up hope yet. You have the support of everybody on this forum.

I'd also like to thank you for sharing this brave story because it is a story that has the power to save other people from falling victim to Hair of Istanbul. If you need someone to talk to for support please feel free to message me. My name is Ross.

Be safe. You can get through this. We believe in you.

Ross,

 

Thanks so much, man. I feel really supported and welcome here. And yes, I want to share my story far and wide because HOI are corrupt and uncaring. They scarred my donor area at such an insane rate, I have no clue how any clinic in Istanbul is still using a graft punch that large in 2020!!

I feel a bit raw still right now, so I'm unsure about reaching out to journalists. Maybe in a few weeks when I'm not feeling so exposed and vulnerable.

It's my intention to share this information so noone else goes to this clinic. I hope they get discovered for who they really are and get shut down. I know there are lots of places selling false dreams and results, but this place has literally taken my confidence from me. They've robbed me of feeling like I'll ever have a full head of hair and depleted my donor to the point I don't think even with some of the best surgeons, I'll be at a place I could have if I just chose the right clinic off the bat.

 

Appreciate your very kind words. I am going to try to be kinder to myself and those I love but it's hard.

They've taken a lot from me.

My hope is just that as a forum, we can ensure that no future hair loss sufferers end up here. There's lots of bloggers and the like also trying to hock HOI as a miracle clinic, too. For all the mixed things I've heard about Cinik and other 'hair mills', though, I've never seen anyone leave there with a donor as destroyed as mine.

 

Thanks for reaching out, Ross.

[Rossybop]

49 minutes ago, Peezus said:

Ross,

 

Thanks so much, man. I feel really supported and welcome here. And yes, I want to share my story far and wide because HOI are corrupt and uncaring. They scarred my donor area at such an insane rate, I have no clue how any clinic in Istanbul is still using a graft punch that large in 2020!!

I feel a bit raw still right now, so I'm unsure about reaching out to journalists. Maybe in a few weeks when I'm not feeling so exposed and vulnerable.

It's my intention to share this information so noone else goes to this clinic. I hope they get discovered for who they really are and get shut down. I know there are lots of places selling false dreams and results, but this place has literally taken my confidence from me. They've robbed me of feeling like I'll ever have a full head of hair and depleted my donor to the point I don't think even with some of the best surgeons, I'll be at a place I could have if I just chose the right clinic off the bat.

 

Appreciate your very kind words. I am going to try to be kinder to myself and those I love but it's hard.

They've taken a lot from me.

My hope is just that as a forum, we can ensure that no future hair loss sufferers end up here. There's lots of bloggers and the like also trying to hock HOI as a miracle clinic, too. For all the mixed things I've heard about Cinik and other 'hair mills', though, I've never seen anyone leave there with a donor as destroyed as mine.

 

Thanks for reaching out, Ross.

You're very welcome. I'm glad you're feeling well supported here. Out of curiosity do you know what size is there punch tool?

I can understand how you might be feeling a bit raw and vulnerable. Rest up, refresh yourself and things will start looking brighter again soon.

I definitely do you think you should get the message out into the media be it on newspapers or TV. People will thank you for it. It is so scary what they are doing. You say there are bloggers and vloggers talking about how good this place is - I just can't understand that. How are they getting such high praise when they are a dangerous scam. With regards to Cinik and Turkey in general I am sceptical of the hair transplant industry there. It seems to have a reputation for being risky. Even Cinik does not have many traceable qualifications.

Anyway I wish you well brother. Talk any time.

Ross.

[Peezus]

1 hour ago, Rossybop said:

You're very welcome. I'm glad you're feeling well supported here. Out of curiosity do you know what size is there punch tool?

I can understand how you might be feeling a bit raw and vulnerable. Rest up, refresh yourself and things will start looking brighter again soon.

I definitely do you think you should get the message out into the media be it on newspapers or TV. People will thank you for it. It is so scary what they are doing. You say there are bloggers and vloggers talking about how good this place is - I just can't understand that. How are they getting such high praise when they are a dangerous scam. With regards to Cinik and Turkey in general I am sceptical of the hair transplant industry there. It seems to have a reputation for being risky. Even Cinik does not have many traceable qualifications.

Anyway I wish you well brother. Talk any time.

Ross.

Yeah, but sadly I think their hype machine is flying off the rails. From what I heard, Floyd Mayweather just went there to get a HT so they'll get a ton of publicity *eyeroll*.

As far as Cinik, I've seen some great results. And much less scarring. Anyway, that's where I was initially supposed to go but I changed my mind due to HOI's Instagram deception. Now I am where I am!! Tons of regret, and I could have had a FULL HEAD of hair for all the grafts HOI have wasted on such a small area while decimating my donor.

 

No clue the size of their punch, I ask but they never give me straight answers. Their rep said 'there is only one size in the industry, we use the same size as everyone'.

 

Genuinely wish I avoided Istanbul altogether and went somewhere with better credentials.

[Kruchie]

3 hours ago, Peezus said:

Kruchie,

 

Thanks man. You're the one with the fantastic results from Cinik and DUT, right? I have some questions on Dutasteride, was thinking of trying it myself for my diffuse thinning. I'll message in a bit. Still having major non-cinik regret!!!

Yeah, I am happy with my results so far 😄 wasn't always the case though, I had a lot of worries about my hair throughout this process tbh but everything just kept getting better, I have a feeling it will be the same for you too. Happy to answer any Q's just message me. 🙏  

[Rossybop]

1 hour ago, Peezus said:

Yeah, but sadly I think their hype machine is flying off the rails. From what I heard, Floyd Mayweather just went there to get a HT so they'll get a ton of publicity *eyeroll*.

As far as Cinik, I've seen some great results. And much less scarring. Anyway, that's where I was initially supposed to go but I changed my mind due to HOI's Instagram deception. Now I am where I am!! Tons of regret, and I could have had a FULL HEAD of hair for all the grafts HOI have wasted on such a small area while decimating my donor.

 

No clue the size of their punch, I ask but they never give me straight answers. Their rep said 'there is only one size in the industry, we use the same size as everyone'.

 

Genuinely wish I avoided Istanbul altogether and went somewhere with better credentials.

Wow. Crazy stuff. It kind of beggars belief that Floyd Mayweather - a billionaire sports icon - would go to Istanbul for a cheap hair transplant.