Why Travelling Abroad for Hair Transplants Is Risky
If you’re losing your hair, you’ve probably seen the tempting ads: “ Affordable hair transplant in Turkey or Thailand !” But before you book that flight, it’s important to know the real risks of going abroad for surgery, especially hair transplants. The risks often outweigh the savings, and there are safer, more effective alternatives you should consider.
The Hidden Dangers of Overseas Hair Transplants
1. Over-Harvesting the Donor Site
Many clinics abroad, especially in Turkey, are known for aggressively harvesting hair follicles from the donor area. If too many follicles are taken, you risk permanent bald patches and visible scarring on the back and sides of your head. The donor area doesn’t regenerate—once those follicles are gone, they’re gone for good.[2]
2. Unnatural Results and Poor Technique
A common issue is improper placement of hair grafts. If the angle, direction, or density is wrong, the result can look unnatural or even bizarre. Overpacking grafts can also lead to “graft necrosis” (death of transplanted follicles), infection, and scarring.[2]
3. Scarring
Scarring can be one of the most common (and noticeable) signs of a bad hair transplant. This is primarily due to a poorly trained surgeon using outdated techniques or not using modern equipment. Scars not only ruin the hair transplant’s overall look but can also prevent hair from growing there permanently. While most professional clinics follow safety guidelines and promise minimal scarring, overseas clinics often try to cut costs by sacrificing basic patient care as their business model is seeking clients looking to pay less.
4. Lack of Follow-Up Care
Aftercare is vital for a successful hair transplant. Many overseas clinics don’t provide adequate follow-up, leaving you stranded if complications arise. Without proper aftercare, the risk of infection, poor healing, and failed transplants skyrockets.[2]
5. No Legal Recourse
If something goes wrong, it’s much harder to seek compensation or corrective treatment from a clinic overseas. You may be left with permanent damage and no support.
6. The man below tragically ended his own life after receiving a botched transplant in Turkey.
A man has died by suicide after a failed beard transplant. He went to Turkey for the procedure with someone pretending to be a surgeon.
Mathieu Latour set off for Istanbul in March 2024 for the transplant, costing him $2000 — nearly a fifth of the price of having it in France.
The botched treatment had him lose 1000 grafts of hair and had 4000 transferred from his head to his face, according to Daily Mail. Read more here.
Real-Life Hair Transplant Disasters in Turkey and Thailand
It’s not hard to find horror stories online—patients returning from Turkey or Thailand with a botched hair transplant . Poor hairlines, severe scarring, and infections. For example, one man shared images of his scarred donor area and patchy, unnatural hairline after a low-cost transplant in Turkey. His story is a cautionary tale about prioritising price over quality and safety.[2]
“I thought I was saving money, but I ended up spending more on corrective surgeries and treatments when things went wrong.”
For more real-life stories and images, visit forums like Hair Restoration Network or search for “hair transplant gone wrong Turkey” to see the risks firsthand.
Here is a you tube video featuring a guy named Spencer Stevenson who underwent 13 hair transplants over a period of 20 years that have cost him a staggering total of £40,000.
Verifying the Credentials and Certifications
Even if you have read success stories or seen them first hand, there are a huge amount of horror stories that remain undocumented. Some are too embarrassed and often fall into deep depression. Some are contractually bound not to publish any negative feedback for fear of litigation. Others sadly are afraid of retribution or other negative consequences such as severing any chance of having matters rectified via further surgery.
Some people will always stay optimistic, no matter what advice they get. They will keep going, hoping for the best.
For those, it’s important to make sure the medical tourism agent you choose is certified and follows the law. Reliable agents are transparent about their qualifications and partnerships with accredited hair clinics.
Check agency accreditation: Ensure that the agent is accredited by recognised organisations, such as the Medical Tourism Association (MTA) or other relevant industry bodies. Accreditation helps verify that the agent follows industry standards for safety and quality.
Research partnerships with clinics: Verify that the clinics they work with are certified by Turkey or Thailand hair transplant health authorities and have good reputations. You should also ensure that these clinics follow international healthcare standards.
Confirm legal status: Make sure the agent operates a legitimate business, with official registration in Turkey or Thailand. Avoid unlicensed or unregistered agents who may operate outside regulatory oversight.
The Financial Reality: Are You Really Saving Money?
The upfront price is far higher than the following low cost non-invasive alternative. Then add on the hidden costs of complications, corrective procedures and travel. If you need more surgery or treatment for infection or scarring, you might spend double or more than you planned.
A Safe, Proven Alternative: The PHL Cap from LEREDD
Why risk surgery when you can stimulate hair regrowth safely at home? The PHL Cap by LEREDD uses a powerful combination of red (630nm) and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths (850nm & 940nm) to promote hair growth, thicken follicles, and improve scalp health—without trauma, scarring, or infection. And the price is a mere fraction of what one would spend on a transplant. [1]
How Does the PHL Cap Work?
Combats Androgenetic Alopecia: The PHL Cap extends the anagen (growth) phase and stimulates epithelial stem cells, directly targeting male and female pattern baldness.[1]
Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation damages hair follicles and leads to hair loss. The PHL Cap’s red and NIR light therapy reduces inflammation, creating a healthy environment for hair to grow.[1]
Improves Blood Flow: Increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, stimulating growth and repair.[1]
Thickens Hair: Clinical studies show red light therapy increases hair thickness in both men and women.[1]
Used pre and post care in Hair Transplant patients: The PHL Cap can also be used prior to procedure for 15 minutes to assist in making the area less sensitive to the procedure, making it more comfortable for the patient. Post procedure, red light assists in fast tracking wound care. It sits above and not directly on the scalp. It does not press on any of the newly grafted follicles making it a perfect add-on if grafting surgery has taken place. And because it helps heal quicker there is the added advantage of less chance of an infection taking hold. If you are getting a hair transplant in Turkey or Thailand, ask the clinic staff about the PHL Led cap for recovery.
Read more about it here.
Are you still undecided ? Proven Results….
This 25 year old client from Australia had made preliminary arrangements to head to Turkey in 2025.
Nonetheless he reached out and decided on purchasing the PHL Cap combined with Minoxidil. The results above speak for themselves.
He is very impressed. He has now stopped his travel and procedure. This has saved him a lot of money and possible surgery problems. He can now use this money in other areas of his life. (Note: Facial area and tattoo blurred on client request).
Why the PHL Cap Trumps the Competition
The PHL Cap is designed in Australia, comes with a robust warranty, and is supported by a local team—no risky travel, no hidden costs, and no surgical trauma.[1] If you are local to Melbourne Australia you can view by appointment and even book hair regrowth treatments in our clinic.
Common Sense Wins: Choose Safety, Save Money, Grow Hair
Don’t gamble with your health or appearance. The risks of infection, scarring, trauma, and financial loss from overseas hair transplants are real and well-documented. Instead, invest in proven, non-invasive technology like the PHL Cap from LEREDD for safe, effective hair regrowth at home.[1]
Ready to regrow your hair without the risks?
Explore the PHL Cap and join thousands who have chosen the safer, smarter path to hair restoration.
For more information and to see real results, visit LEREDD’s official website and discover why the PHL Cap is Australia’s leading choice for hair regrowth. Shipping worldwide from stocks ready to go.
