Our hair is a part of our identity, it is our most permanent and effective accessory. It gives our face shape, tells our story to the world and kind of builds a bridge that showcases how we choose to present ourselves to the world. That is why it is no wonder why transgender and gender-neutral hair transplants have become mainstream: hair is one of the first steps that can affirm the rich diversity of our identities.
Unlike a regular hair transplant, a transgender or gender-neutral hair transplant aim is not just to restore lost hair but also enable patients to feel affirmed in their gender identity.
Transgender men may seek to change their look to present a more masculine hairline with edges or even look into beard transplant. Similarly transgender women may want to increase the density and vitality of their hair to make it more feminine.
People who identify as gender-neutral may want to opt for hair styles that do not give them seemingly masculine or feminine hair styles. Instead of following societal preconceptions of gender, gender-neutral people may want to change their hairstyle to match their unique style and a hairline that is not gender-specific.
It should be underlined however that the lack of or the existence of hair, nails, makeup etc. do not maketh a person! The intent of these aesthetic procedures, including hair transplant mentioned in this article, should be discussed in a setting that DOES NOT pry on the expectations of transgender- gender-queer or gender-neutral individuals but to give them the space and the opportunity that they seek THEMSELVES.
Therefore descriptions and adjectives like “masculine” or “feminine” are used as discourses that are suggestive rather than definitive, utilized in order to critique or draw inspiration from traditional definitions of the word. Furthermore, it is by no means the intention of this article to critique, classify or judge any individual be it a patient or not and mold them into a binary category.
That being said, the demand in transgender and gender-neutral hair transplants is rising which goes to show how hair transplants can be customized to fit the needs of the patient regardless of their gender-story. Turkey being the world’s leading hair transplant center is not a stranger to hair transplants that are unique in nature.
Continue reading to find out the specifics about transgender and gender-natural hair transplants and their costs in Turkey.
Hair Transplant Methods for Transgender Patients
All hair transplants are customizable however it wouldn’t be an understatement to claim that hair transplant methods for transgender or gender-queer patients are the most custom and unique hair transplants. This is because the surgeon needs to work closely with the patient in order to reflect their gender-identity in a way that will allow them to be themselves. There are two methods that are used for transgender and gender-queer patients like gender-neutral patients: FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant).
Even though the DHI Direct Hair Implantation) that is a hit amongst patients is an option it is usually not opted for transgender or gender-neutral patients as the hair transplant they are aiming for tends to require higher numbers of hair grafts which the DHI may not be able to administer. That however doesn’t mean DHI can’t be used on transgender or gender-neutral patients, if the amount of hair grafts needed are in the appropriate range then these patients can also qualify for a DHI hair transplant. Simply put, hair transplants are NOT limited to gender-identity and can be administered safely to all genders.
The reason why FUE and FUT are more preferred by transgender or gender-queer patients is that these methods can administer higher numbers of hair grafts which means the patient will have denser or fuller hair: The more the hair grafts the denser the hair. Both of these methods yield successful results that will not only help with hair recovery but also help with the transition process many transgender patients struggle with.
The operation becomes a milestone in the patient’s transition process as the surgeon works closely with their patient in achieving their desired look. Note that no matter the transplant method, be it FUE, FUT or DHI the operative application does not change according to gender. In order to find out more about how these methods work you can visit our individual articles that delve deeply into how these methods operate and what you can expect in terms of hair growth and recovery.
How does transgender or gender-neutral hair transplant work?
In order to make sure patients are more in tune with their gender identity and affirm themselves not based on society’s expectations but their own contentment transgender and gender-neutral hair transplants work to aid specific needs of the patient. In order to help their patient achieve their customized and carefully laid out hair recovery plan, the surgeon administers a personal hairline to fit the unique needs of their patient.
Transgender men usually opt for hair transplants that will give them a traditionally masculine look. Depending on their hairline they may request hair that has more masculine characteristics such as a square shape, a style that will work with sideburns etc. In this process some patients may also opt for beard transplants in order to achieve a more “masculine” look. In a similar vein, transgender women may request a hairline that will have a more “feminine” look.
Some patients may opt for hair styles that are “traditionally” feminine with softer edges, denser and fuller hair style thus their hair recovery process should strive for this look. Some surgeons may opt to individually place hair grafts in order to mimic what can be traditionally defined feminine, depending on the patient’s facial structures and requests.
In order to match the gender-neutral aesthetic the patient may be requesting, surgeons usually opt for hair transplant methods that can yield the optimum number of hair grafts and leave minimal to little scarring which significantly alter the recovery period. Both the FUE or the FUT method can be used to yield great results however DHI may also be used in order to give the transplanted hair a natural direction.
The aim is simple: eliminate the risk of gender-dysmorphia, which is a destructive mental state where the patient does not feel like they do not “sync” with their own body, and lead the way for the patient to comfortably and confidently be themselves.
What to expect from transgender or gender-neutral hair transplant?
Transgender or gender-neutral hair transplants are extremely private and custom operations that aim to help patients on their gender-identity journey. Therefore knowing what to expect can be even more crucial for patients who are seeking help due to a very personal and thus very important cause. Making the patient feel at ease about not just the outcome but the process can be crucial to the overall success of the operation and its perception. With this goal in mind the first step actually becomes the most crucial one: the consultation.
The surgeon explains each and every step of the method they choose and refers to their patient’s request whilst checking out the donor area availability. This donor area is usually located at the back of one’s head however depending on the volume of hair graft needed for the operation or the viability of the hair density the donor hair follicles can be from other parts of the body.
In this consultation the doctor should paint a clear picture of how the patient’s hair will look so that the patient can change anything if they don’t feel comfortable with it. Upon settling on a day the patient waits for the operation to come by taking extra care of their health and omitting stress along with avoiding alcohol or smoking before the surgery due possible complications. Depending on the method of transplant along with the number of grafts needed the operation can take anywhere between 3 to 6 hours.
Sometimes patients may opt to divide their hair recovery into two separate hair transplants depending on the need and ease of recovery. After the operation the doctor will want patients with a few guidelines on how to take care of their new hairline, especially the first time they wash it. The patient should also research and ask their clinic in order to have the most comfortable recovery period. Knowing what to expect from the hair transplant recovery timeline can be very helpful for the patient to handle this process with ease and care. You can read our article on hair transplant growth timeline to know what to expect from a hair transplant journey and when.
It should be further underlined that the expectation of a transgender or gender-neutral hair transplant is not only aesthetic: it has roots in gender-affirmation and identity building. If done right the hair transplant process can be a transformative step for transgender or gender-neutral patients who are looking for that connection between their identity and appearance.
Transgender or Gender-Neutral Hair Transplant Cost in Turkey
Turkey has made a name for itself in the hair transplant community for cost-efficient, safe and high-tech transplant operations. It is literally the capital of the best surgeons and top-notch hair clinics that will offer their patients options that will not break the bank. That is why it is no surprise that many patients come to Turkey for a sensitive and extra-care operation like transgender or gender-neutral hair transplant.
Turkey tries to offer the best and the most inclusive services to their patients regardless of their sexual preferences or gender orientation.
It is hard to pinpoint a cost for transgender or gender-neutral hair transplant as these operations can use different methods and can be in a range of different numbers of hair grafts. Currently FUT(Follicular Unit Transplant), FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and sometimes DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) methods are used in transgender or gender-neutral hair transplants. And depending on the number of grafts needed and the difficulty of operation based on hair viability can change the cost of the operations.
Currently transgender and gender-neutral hair transplants can cost anywhere between 2000 to 7000 USD in Turkey. Consult a hair clinic to learn which method will work best for you and the number of hair grafts you need for the hair transfiguration you need which determines the cost of a hair transplant operation.
Is It Safe to Have Transgender Hair Transplant Surgery in Turkey?
Turkey is the capital of hair transplants where tens of thousands of patients visit every year. Even though that might be the case, some patients may have a concern coming to an unknown country where the culture may not be what they know or are used to. However that should not be the case for Turkey! Turkish people are known for their hospitality and sympathy. An old Anatolian saying even goes: “Come what may! Come whoever you are, come again!” signaling acceptance and generosity.
That is why it can be concluded without a doubt that it is safe to have transgender hair transplant surgery in Turkey. However if the patient feels stressed out about a potential concern they can always confer to their clinic to know what some measures they can take may be in order to make sure that their patient is well-looked after.
Recovery for Transgender Hair Transplant
Hair transplants are pretty non-invasive operations in which the recovery process is usually smooth and not cumbersome. The recovery of a hair transplant depends on the method of hair transplant and the number of hair grafts which signifies the incisions made to the scalp and the density of skin renewal of the area.
It can be concluded that the recovery period of a transgender hair transplant is not that different from a “regular” or a cis-gender hair transplant. The most important and obvious difference would be the importance of the affirmation of gender-identity for the patient and what difference the results will make in their lives.
Usually the first two weeks following the operations are the days where the discomfort is experienced the most. Patients may experience mild swelling, itching or headaches in the first few days following the operation for which they should request some ibuprofen or anti-itch cream from their clinic. In the first week patients will see scabs forming on their scalp which means scars are healing. Follow your doctor’s recommendations on NOT picking on the scabs and letting them fall on their own.
Usually the best way to do that is through the washing. The way the patient washes their hair after the operation is crucial for the recovery as well as they need to be gentle and not use shampoos that can be damaging to an already sensitive scalp. You can consult our article on first wash tips for your hair post-transplant.
In order to recover rapidly and surely the patient must follow the doctor’s suggestions well and take care of not only their hair health but also their overall health. This will ensure a speedy recovery and will enable the patient’s to reach their desired results faster. Hair clinics usually arrange check-ups for their patients in order to make sure everything is on track. Make sure to follow up with your clinic and you will see results in no time!
FAQs
Can transgender people get hair transplants?
Well of course, not only are hair transplants operations that are NOT sex or gender oriented but are the perfect course of action when one is looking to change their appearance to match their identity and self-representation. Thus hair transplants can be a liberating and affirming operation that will help transgender or genderqueer people.
Is it safe to have Hair transplant in Turkey as a Transgender?
Overall Turkey is a safe-place to get hair transplants as a transgender person. Hair clinics offer the best patient-care services which include making the patient safe and tending to their concerns. However if the patient feels unsure or unsafe they should contact their hair clinic to learn about what some of the measures clinics take in order to specifically address these issues.
Can I get a hair transplant while on hormone therapy?
Yes, if the patient is eligible for a hair transplant and is in good overall health then they can get a hair transplant while they are on hormone therapy. In fact the hormone therapy can even work well with the recovery process and cell renewal stage as the patient is recovering from the transplant. Consult your doctor on the best way to determine your eligibility for a hair transplant.
Is the hair transplant recovery process different for a transgender patient?
The recovery process for a hair transplant varies only depending on the method and/or the number of hair grafts NOT the gender orientation of the patient. Therefore, hair transplant recovery is not different for a transgender patient. It is the importance of the results and the communication between the patient and their doctor that sets transgender or gender-neutral hair transplants apart. As these procedures usually are linked to more of a patient’s identity and can be transformative on many levels.
