50 Yrs... Heading to Turkey ....Maybe!

**Jazz1** · 04-04-2014 02:12 AM

Originally Posted by GettingOld

After much research and contemplation, I feel most comfortable with Dr. Erdogan (Asmed) in Istanbul Turkey. He has decided not to mess with the crown but to use meds on that. Heading out last week in April. I will be meeting my daughter in Istanbul who is studying abroad in Europe and am looking forward to visiting one of the most interesting and historical cities and countries in the world. I will report back with a detailed trip report but so far communications with Dr. Erdogan and the Asmed staff have been pleasant, professional and timely.

Let me know how it goes I will consult him soon as we'll.

**GettingOld** · 04-28-2014 09:24 AM

As promised I will give a bit of a play by play of my trip to Turkey to see Dr. Erdogan. I actually came a week early to rendezvous with my daughter who is studying in Scotland and so we met for her spring break. I am from Atlanta Georgia USA so the flight over was a redeye. We stayed in Istanbul then went on to Cappadocia then back to Istanbul for the procedure. Turkey is a great value and the history, sites and people are amazing. Everyone is very honest and very hospitable. If you have any Turkey travel questions just ask but on to the hair. I just left my initial consultation which took about 3.5 hours. I am going with 3,000 grafts (2100 temporal with 900 on my vertex). Also will be taking Proscar (a cheaper version of Propecia with same active ingredient).

Asmed which is the name of the practice for Dr. Koray Erdogan is located on the Asian side so its a quick ferry ride over and short taxi ride. The hotel they use is really nice (Nice Royal Hotel) and I would rate it a little nicer than a Crown Plaza with a better breakfast. You can walk one block to the office or they will send a driver for you. It was raining so I opted for the driver. The first thing that struck me as odd was this crazy heat shrink wrap machine that you put your foot in as you enter the vestibule. It shrink wraps your shoe so no dirt enters the building. Once inside I understood why. This place was brand new, very modern and pristine. All the staff where the same stylish uniform. Lets just say the office is high tech and impressive.

After doing a medical history they sent me down to a studio where they did a photo shoot of me with hair. Afterward I met with Dr. Erdogan and three other staff members. One of the staff members who is fluent in english stays with you the entire time in case you need translation. I would say about 25% of the staff knew english including Dr. Erdogan. I was then shown a video of the procedure being done and my photo shots were shown to me and then you drew a first draft of the hair line along for my reaction. After doing a number of calculations and taking measurements etc... we came up with the graft numbers shown above. Time to pay up. I had been withdrawing a lot of cash from Atms in the days before the procedure so it was actually a relief to get rid of it versus walking around. I did it this way since I was coming so early to Turkey and did not want to carry a lot of cash in Advance. Plus, paying up was not so bad as I just thought of how much money I was saving compared to other places and honestly based on my research I was getting one of the best in the world. Dr. Koray charges 2.5 Euro per graft.

Then the fun part. They bring you to a high tech kinda of beauty salon room where they shave and wash your scalp. The they use a little machine to photograph your scalp for input into a computer for later computer analysis of the scalp. Back to the photo room where Dr. Erdogan then spends about 30 minutes drawing lines on your scalp. Then shows you a computer analysis of your scalp showing the density of the donor area and and other areas of your scalp. Apparently he is known for his artistry of the hairline and also for achieving really high density. OK, the bald head was not so bad but the blue lines make me look like a space alien. Gotta go with a hat tonight. After the procedure though I cannot where a hat until after the first hair wash on Friday.

I would say the only thing that was not impressive was the hat they provided me. Kinda of like a fishing hat. Not my style so I went with my baseball cap. Oh well, I would say everything (but the hat) far exceeded my expectations on day one. Ask any questions you may have. I will update after tomorrow as the first round of grafts are at 8:00am. Photos to follow later.

**topcat** · 04-28-2014 01:18 PM

Normally I would say the crown work is a mistake but given you age and the medication you are probably safe. You are a perfect HT at this point age/hair loss..............I'm sure you will have a fantastic result...........no doubt.

Look forward to seeing pictures of the work and thanks for updating.

**GettingOld** · 04-29-2014 09:07 AM

What a looooong day! Still could not be more pleased with my choice . Arrived at 7:45am and was offered breakfast but I had already eaten. Was given a locker and key to put my shoes and other belonging in then went through various stages of sterilization areas before reaching the operating/procedure room.

First thing was a 20 minute massage to relax me. These guys are overkill on the details from EKGs blood work blood pressure and pulse every hour. You would think I was getting a heart transplant. Very high tech. They decided to go with all 3,000 in one day. I had two extractors one of which is considered the fastest and best in the world. Pain? Well injecting the local anesthesia was very uncomfortable but after that very little to no pain. I was given a great foot massage while they were doing it. Lasted about 30 minutes and was great. The extractions took about 3-4 hours. Then Dr. Erdogan does the punch (not sure of the right term) himself which took around 2 hours.

Afterward lunch (pretty good) the very slow process of putting the grafts in took about 5 hours with 3 technicians working on me continuously. Watched a couple of movies and had some good conversation to help the time pass.

A long day and a bit of of headache. But I am done and will go back for the hair wash tomorrow and a checkup.

One kinda of cool thing. Spanish television was doing a documentary on Dr. Erdogan and was filming the day I was there. I agreed to be interviewed and have my procedure filmed. My big break into TV. It will actually be televised nationally in Spain so I will be interested to see. it.

If the results turn out anywhere near the professionalism of the office and people I will be more than happy.

Pics of before and after to follow. I just wanted to get this documented while still fresh in my mind possibly giving some insight into the experience.

**GettingOld** · 04-30-2014 10:14 AM

Slept well as I was exhausted from the earlier day. They gave me a special neck pillow and some ATP spray to apply. Had dinner brought in if you know what I mean as I kinda looked really weird with the bandages and all.

Went in next morning for the following:

- Final hair wash and extensive post care information like hair wash instructions, hat etc......

- After pics with folder including CD of them, airline instruction letter, graft summary by count (singles doubles etc..) and average graft which mine turned out to be 2.1

- Goodbyes..... I ended up hugging them all. Best healthcare choice and experience of my life. I cannot imagine a way to improve his process. My son is preparing for Medical school and I wish I could talk him into a practice like Dr. Erdogans. This experience was an 11 out of 10. I am not a plant or whatever you call folks who plug a doctor just a very satisfied customer. I will help anyone with specifics. At the end Dr. Erdogan presented me with a gift of very special Turkish Delight that can only be found one from one shop in Turkey made since 1777 by one family business. I think this was fitting as the whole experience truly was a Turkish Delight!