What should I do if my hair transplant in Turkey went wrong?

Document everything with photos and screenshots, get an independent medical assessment at home, formally complain to the clinic in writing, consider a chargeback if you paid by card, and file a free case on ClaimAbroad for guided support.

Can I get a refund for a bad hair transplant in Turkey?

Possibly. If you paid by credit card, you may be eligible for a chargeback within 120 days. UK credit card holders may also be covered under Section 75. Turkish consumer law also provides recourse through the Consumer Arbitration Board.

Hair Transplant Gone Wrong in Turkey — What To Do

Common problems reported by hair transplant patients

Graft count discrepancy

Clinic promised 4,000+ grafts but the actual count was significantly lower. This is the most commonly reported issue — and the hardest to verify without an independent assessment.

Technicians instead of surgeons

The procedure was performed by unqualified technicians rather than the named surgeon. In many clinics, the doctor only appears briefly while technicians do the actual extraction and implantation.

Infection and scarring

Post-procedure infections, excessive scarring, or necrosis of the donor area. Often linked to poor hygiene, overcrowded operating rooms, or inadequate aftercare instructions.

No results after 12 months

Minimal or zero hair growth despite promises. Clinics stop responding once the patient has returned home. Follow-up care is non-existent.

What to do if your hair transplant went wrong

1. Document everything immediately

Take clear photos of your scalp from multiple angles. Screenshot all WhatsApp conversations with the clinic, including any promises about graft count, technique (FUE/DHI), and surgeon involvement. Save your original treatment plan, consent forms, and payment receipts.

2. Get an independent medical assessment

Visit a dermatologist or trichologist in your home country. Ask them to assess the graft survival rate, scarring, and whether the procedure was performed to a reasonable standard. A written medical opinion significantly strengthens your case for complaints and chargebacks.

3. Contact the clinic formally

Send a written complaint by email — not just WhatsApp. State clearly what was promised versus what was delivered, and what resolution you expect. Give them 14 days to respond. Keep copies of everything.

4. File a chargeback if you paid by card

If you paid by credit or debit card, you may be able to reverse the payment. You typically have 120 days from the transaction date. UK credit card holders paying over £100 may also be covered under Section 75. See our full chargeback guide.

5. Report to ClaimAbroad

File your case for free on ClaimAbroad. We review it, notify the clinic under the 72-hour rule, and guide you on your strongest options — whether that’s a chargeback, consumer arbitration, or a formal complaint to Turkish health authorities.

Planning a hair transplant in Turkey? Get your treatment plan independently reviewed before you commit — cosmeticdentistryaudit.com provides independent pre-treatment checks.

The UK Foreign Office warning

The UK FCDO has confirmed that at least 22 British nationals have died following medical procedures in Turkey since 2019, with 7 deaths in 2025 alone. While most hair transplant complications are not fatal, the FCDO specifically warns about the risks of undergoing procedures in clinics that prioritise volume over safety.

Your rights as a foreign patient

Turkish consumer protection law (Law No. 6502) applies equally to foreign patients. Since April 2025, clinics treating international patients must hold a valid HealthTürkiye certificate. Since January 2026, Komplikasyon Sigortası (complication insurance) is mandatory for foreign patients. If your clinic lacks either of these, your case is significantly stronger.

Hair transplantgone wrongin Turkey?