If you’ve struggled with hair loss, you know how difficult it can be to address. Of course, there are great solutions out there that have worked for millions just like you. There are creams, pills, and therapies you can take advantage of. One of the most lasting solutions, however, is a hair transplant.
A hair transplant is meant to be a permanent solution to hair loss. With one, you can even potentially recreate your youthful hairline. However, transplants do tend to be expensive. And with medical tourism on the rise, you may be considering getting yours abroad.
There are a few reasons why getting a new head of hair abroad might not be the best choice. There are numerous potential complications, varying standards of immediate care, and limited aftercare. So before you buy your ticket to Turkey, read on to learn why you ought to rethink getting a transplant abroad.
1. Varying Standards of Care
The quality and safety standards of healthcare facilities can vary wildly from country to country. Some may have less stringent regulations on various medical procedures, including hair transplants. Would you really want to get yours done with unsanitized equipment? There’s no guarantee that you’ll get the same quality of care and attention to detail that you’ll receive stateside.
Keep in mind that hair transplants are technically a surgical procedure. So you risk infection if the facilities, tools, and protective equipment used in that procedure aren’t properly sanitized. And poorly treated infections can spiral into further, trickier to address complications. In contrast, establishments in the States must adhere to well-established healthcare standards. This ensures a safer and more reliable experience and outcome.
2. Unexpectedly Expensive
It’s no secret that the cost of hair transplants can be quite high. You might think that risking lower-quality care is worth it if it’s cheaper. And it is true that the cost of treatment outside of the states can be lower, at least on paper. What most people don’t consider, however, is how much time and money it takes to travel abroad. The extra expenses involved can far outweigh the initial napkin math.
One of the most popular countries for hair transplants is Turkey. A round-trip ticket from JFK to Istanbul will run you about $450 to $600 each way, if you find a good deal. Not too bad, right? Now add in all the hotel stay, taxi rides, food, and drinks you’ll need during the length of your stay. Plus, that doesn’t even account for the extra time you’ll need to stay if there are complications. While getting a transplant abroad may seem cheaper, double-check your math before you pull the trigger.
3. Risky Communication
As an English-speaking person living in the West, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a doctor at least once in your life. It’s a wonderful luxury that our modern society can thankfully, mostly, afford. However, have you ever felt confused by a doctor’s instructions? Like you weren’t able to totally translate their doc-speak into something a bit more practical and actionable? Well, as you can imagine, working with a doctor overseas can easily exacerbate that issue.
Effective communication is essential for executing a surgery like a transplant. Misunderstandings due to language barriers can result in miscommunication of expectations and post-operative care instructions. Not only can this negatively impact your experience but also the quality of the procedure. Choosing a clinic stateside will reduce the likelihood of complications that could have been easily avoided otherwise.
4. Limited Follow-Up Care
It’s important to note that this is not a one-and-done procedure. Proper post-operative care is crucial for ensuring success. That’s why many clinics offer follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Trained clinicians can detect any abnormalities or other issues as they arise. That way you can deal with them as soon as possible and prevent further complications from developing.
However, if you have the procedure abroad, you may find it logistically challenging to attend these appointments. Sure, the first few may be simple enough as you’re already in the area. But what about a one, three, or six-month follow-up? Would you be willing to book another round-trip flight to Turkey for one doctor’s appointment? Don’t neglect the importance of follow-up care when it comes to getting a hair transplant.
5. Complications and Insurance Coverage
Every surgical procedure carries inherent risks with it. In the case of hair transplants, risks could take the form of infection, scarring, graft failure, or other unseen complications. When undergoing surgery abroad, you may face challenges accessing the appropriate medical care if complications arise.
Additionally, you may not have the same legal protections as you do in your home country. As you might imagine, this of course applies to medical coverage from health care plans. But what about if your doctor or operating facility decides to discontinue the care you desire? What if something unexpected happens? Getting your transplant in the States will help you prepare for the worst if it happens.
Transplants Stateside Are Steady and Safe
You don’t want to cut corners with medical procedures, including hair transplants. It’s a permanent solution to hair loss that requires exceptional finesse and experience to pull off. Spare yourself a crooked, scabby hairline and get your transplant in the States rather than abroad.
