Hair transplant in Istanbul · Day 9 of 10
Day 9 after a hair transplant in Istanbul
You can do most low-effort sightseeing. Sun, swimming, saunas, the gym and tight hats are still off the list.
Today's rules
Sun on the scalp
Still no direct sun on the scalp. If your clinic allows it, a loose, clean, wide hat that does not touch the grafts is fine for short spells outdoors.
Source: Smile Hair Clinic, Istanbul · Bernstein Medical
Swimming, sea and pools
No swimming of any kind. Clinic guidance ranges from 2 weeks to a month or more; the Istanbul clinic guide cited here says no swimming in the first month.
Source: Smile Hair Clinic, Istanbul · Bernstein Medical
Sweating and exercise
Gentle walking with breaks. Clinics differ here: the Istanbul clinic guide says to avoid heavy sweating and heat for at least a month, while a US clinic sheet allows controlled exercise with the head held neutral from day 4. The NHS notes you may be told to cut down on exercise for the first month. Follow your own clinic.
Source: Smile Hair Clinic, Istanbul · Bernstein Medical · NHS
Hammam, sauna and steam
Off limits. Heat and humidity soften crusts and stress the grafts. The clinic guide cited here says no sauna, steam room or hot bath for the first month.
Source: Smile Hair Clinic, Istanbul
Hats, helmets and caps
Only a loose hat your clinic approves. Helmets (bikes, scooters, quad bikes) and tight caps stay off for weeks.
Source: Bernstein Medical · Smile Hair Clinic, Istanbul
Crowds and head contact
Grafts are better anchored, but still avoid crushes where heads and bags swing past.
Source: Bernstein Medical
Alcohol
The clinic sheet cited here allows alcohol again after three days. Keep it modest and ask your own clinic.
Source: Bernstein Medical
Smoking and nargile
No smoking for two weeks after the procedure, and better not at all. That includes nargile cafés.
Source: Bernstein Medical
Flying home
Clinic sheets allow travel and flying from around days 2 to 3. Take a neck pillow so the donor area is not pressed against the headrest, walk the aisle and drink water on long flights.
Source: Bernstein Medical · NHS
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.
4 things you can do today
Hagia Sophia
The great dome is worth it, but queues stand in the sun and the inside is crowded. Women cover their hair and everyone removes shoes.
Gentle walking, some open-air walking, about 1.5 hours
Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
Two hours on the water past palaces, mansions and both bridges. Pick a seat in the covered cabin or the shaded side of the deck.
Seated, shaded or covered, about 2 hours
Guided food tour with ferry ride
Street food on both continents: kebab, pickles, baklava and more, with a lot of walking in between.
A few hours on foot with breaks, some open-air walking, about 4 hours
Topkapı Palace
Courtyards, the Harem and the treasury. Three hours of walking with long open-air stretches between buildings.
A few hours on foot with breaks, some open-air walking, about 3 hours
Also fine today: Dolmabahçe Palace · Basilica Cistern · Bosphorus dinner cruise with show · Grand Bazaar · Public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy · Spice Bazaar · Pierre Loti cable car and tea garden · Galata Tower · Eminönü street-snack walk · Pera Museum · Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront · Whirling dervish ceremony · Istanbul Archaeology Museums · Turkish cooking class
2 things to skip today
Turkish hammam
Why not: It means steam, hot water or sauna heat.
Not during the 10 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Balat and Fener streets
Why not: Too long in direct sun for this stage.
Not during the 10 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Where to eat today
- Meze and fish at a meyhane. Beyoğlu taverns serve dozens of small plates. Rakı is traditional; you can skip it.
- Kebab and lahmacun. Adana kebab, lahmacun and pide in Fatih or Kadıköy. Spicy and chewy.
- Balık ekmek at Eminönü. Grilled fish in crusty bread from the boats by the Galata Bridge.
Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates