Planning a hair transplant in Istanbul? This is the packing and recovery list I wish I had, from a nurse practitioner who went through it. Travel-day comfort, what to wear after surgery, and aftercare essentials for sleeping, washing and healing, all...
Start here. My complete A-Z guide as a nurse practitioner who had it done in Istanbul: choosing a clinic, packing, surgery day and aftercare.
Hair Transplant in Turkey A-Z by @DreamUnfold
For the long flight home and sleeping upright the first nights. Keeps your head supported without pressure on the grafts.
Trtl Travel Neck Pillow
Smooth satin creates less friction than cotton once your clinic clears you to lie back down. Easier on healing skin and new hair.
Satin Pillowcase
Pack only button-front tops. You don't want to pull anything over your head after surgery.
Button-Front Pajama Set
Once your clinic says a hat is OK, a loose one covers your head for the trip home. Skip anything tight that presses on the grafts.
Loose Bucket Hat
Keep aftercare supplies in one cube so you're not digging through your suitcase in the hotel after surgery.
Packing Cubes
The flight from the US to Istanbul is 10+ hours each way. Compression socks help with swollen feet and legs on the long haul.
Compression Socks
Staying hydrated matters on the flight and during recovery. The built-in straw means you can drink without tilting your head back.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
Clinic days are long and you may be in a chair for hours. A charged phone keeps you connected to family and your clinic coordinator.
Anker Portable Charger
Turkey uses European-style plugs, so your US chargers won't fit. One universal adapter with USB ports covers your phone, charger and more.
Universal Travel Adapter
Many clinics ask you to mist the grafts with saline for the first days. A continuous fine mist is gentle, with no pressure on new follicles. Follow your clinic's instructions.
Fine Mist Spray Bottle
When your clinic clears you for the first gentle wash, a mild, fragrance-light shampoo is a common pick. Check with your surgeon on which products and when.
Gentle Baby Shampoo
Clinics and planes get cold. A zip-up keeps you warm without anything touching your head going on or off.
Zip-Up Hoodie
Hands-free shoes you step into, so you don't have to bend over and tie laces in the first days after surgery.
Skechers Slip-Ins Sneakers
Recovery means a lot of sitting still in a hotel room. A light e-reader you can hold at eye level beats looking down at your phone for hours.
Kindle Paperwhite
Hangs on the hotel bathroom door so everything is at eye level. No bending over a counter or suitcase while you're healing.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Earbuds instead of over-ear headphones, since nothing should press on your scalp. Great for podcasts during a long procedure day.
