Hair transplant in Istanbul: what to pack
Short answer: Most of what you need comes from the clinic: shampoo, medicines and a written aftercare sheet. Pack for the things clinics do not cover: sleeping upright, keeping your head untouched, and a few days of sightseeing.
Confirm with your surgeon. These are general activity limits from published aftercare guidance. Your clinic's written instructions always come first, and they may be stricter or looser for your procedure.
Clothes
- Button-up or zip-front shirts. You do not want to pull anything over your head for the first days.
- A loose, clean hat with a wide brim, for when your clinic allows one.
- Layers. Clinics and museums are air-conditioned; outside can be hot from May to October.
- Comfortable flat shoes for Istanbul's hills and cobbles.
Sleep and travel
- A U-shaped travel pillow. Clinics ask you to sleep semi-upright at first, and on the plane it keeps the donor area off the headrest.
- An eye mask. Sleeping upright in a hotel is easier in the dark.
- Compression socks and a water bottle for the flight home. On journeys of 4 hours or more, walk about every hour.
Sightseeing
- A compact umbrella for shade in the first days, when nothing should touch the grafts.
- Sunglasses. Forehead swelling can reach the eyes on days 2 to 4.
- A transit card or ride app so you can take taxis door to door. See the day-by-day guide for what fits each day.
Before you fly
- Get the clinic's aftercare instructions, contact number and follow-up plan in writing.
- Ask which day you can fly. Clinic sheets usually allow it from around days 2 to 3.
- Keep any medicines from the clinic in your hand luggage.
Sources
- After FUT hair transplant surgery: post-op instructions. Bernstein Medical (clinic aftercare sheet). Checked 2 November 2026.
- Sun, sea, sauna and swimming: hair transplant protection timeline. Smile Hair Clinic, Istanbul (clinic aftercare guide). Checked 2 November 2026.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): long journeys. NHS (UK). Checked 2 November 2026.