Israelis Opt for New Locations for Hair Transplants

Turkey was until recently a popular destination for not only Israeli tourists but also numerous Israelis seeking to undergo various medical procedures such as dental implants, injections, and dental treatments. This included the hair transplant industry, which was primarily concentrated in Turkey. However, recent conflicts and severe travel warnings have caused a decline in the number of Israelis choosing to visit the country. As a result, many Israelis have sought alternative destinations for their surgeries, such as Greece, Georgia, Cyprus, and even within Israel.“I felt comfortable walking around Cyprus” Avi, a 35-year-old Israeli, shares his personal experience. Initially planning to have a hair transplant in Turkey, the outbreak of war in Gaza led him to reconsider his decision. The subsequent political tensions in Turkey post-October 7 made him uncomfortable with the idea of interacting with the local population, leading him to seek alternatives.

In response to the declining Israeli clientele, Turkish clinics have temporarily relocated to Turkish Cyprus. This move, despite the country only being officially recognized by Turkey, didn’t deter Israelis, including Avi’s father, who felt safer there. The presence of a large Israeli community also contributed to the comfort level.

“A close friend of mine just returned from Greece after a transplant”

For Yaniv, a 43-year-old from Givatayim, choosing Greece as a destination for his hair transplant came after several of his friends had undergone the procedure there. The fact that he was accompanied by a close friend who was a member of the security forces, who are restricted in their travel destinations, also influenced his decision.

As a result of the increased demand, Greece has seen a significant influx of Israelis seeking hair transplants. One of the country’s clinics, managed by Barry Cohen and Dr. Chris Tseklos, has reported an increase in police and security personnel clientele, particularly due to their inability to visit destinations such as Turkey or Turkish Cyprus for security reasons.

The price difference

Due to the ongoing war, international hair transplant companies have had to quickly adapt to the changing situation. Initially considering exiting the market, Gal Vakanin, founder of “Natinim Barash” – a community for baldness and hair transplant problems, noticed a significant drop in demand. This was attributed to not just the fear of flying but also the emotional unavailability of potential clients due to the conflict and subsequent drafting of reservists.

Vakanin also notes that while alternative destinations can’t compete with Turkey’s attractive prices, they still offer more affordable rates than those in Israel. A hair transplant in Turkey costs around 2,800 euros, while the same package in Turkish Cyprus costs approximately 3,600 euros. However, prices in Israel can reach up to NIS 30,000.

The causes of baldness – and the different treatments

Dr. Yaron Zanati, a dermatology specialist at the Al-Hakhalit in Eilat district, and a hair transplant specialist for Mako Health, explains that baldness can occur due to a variety of reasons, the most common being androgenetic or hereditary baldness. This involves hair follicles being highly sensitive to the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which negatively impacts hair growth.

There are different methods to address the condition, including medication and hair transplants. The latter involves transferring hair from the back and side of the scalp, or the ‘donor part’, to the thinning area. The procedure is typically performed from the age of 25, which is when the pattern of baldness can be better diagnosed.

Despite the current aversion to Turkey, some believe that it’s only a matter of time until Israelis return. Nati, a pharmacist and hair transplant consultant, observes that despite the security situation, some clients are still willing to have their transplants done in Turkey due to the cost factor.