What the price includes
Packages abroad often bundle the hotel and transfers and quote one price for as many grafts as they can take. Irish clinics usually price by the graft or the session, with follow-up visits in person. Compare like with like: flights, time off, a companion, and a possible return trip.
What to check, in any country
- Who plans the hairline and who takes and places the grafts: a doctor, or technicians?
- How many patients the clinic treats in a day
- The doctor's name and registration, which you can verify before you travel
- What happens, and who pays, if there's an infection or poor growth
- A written plan with the number of grafts, not just a maximum
The official advice
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises anyone going abroad for a procedure to research the provider's credentials, check the facility is accredited in that country, talk it over with your own doctor first, and get an English discharge summary. Ordinary travel insurance doesn't normally cover a procedure going wrong, and the Department can't help with costs or legal action afterwards.
Aftercare at home
The first two weeks are when infections and graft problems show. If you've flown home, your GP is the one who sees it. Tell them what was done and bring your paperwork. Donor areas that have been over-harvested can't be put back, which is why the number of grafts taken matters as much as the price.
Count the whole cost
| Item | In Ireland | Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| The procedure | €1,500 to €10,000, most €3,500 to €9,500 | Lower, often one package price |
| Travel and a hotel | Rarely needed | Flights, and a few nights |
| Time off work | About a week | About a week, plus travel days |
| Check-ups | In person | By phone or photos, or a return trip |
| If something goes wrong | Back to the same clinic | Your GP here, then a repair at your own cost |
If you stay in Ireland
Most Irish procedures cost €3,500 to €9,500. You can meet the doctor before the day, go back in person, and check them on the Medical Council's register. More on transplants in Ireland.
Questions people ask
Is it safe to get a hair transplant in Turkey?
It depends on the clinic and who does the work. Some are excellent; some run several patients at once with technicians doing the surgery. Check the doctor before you book.
Why is it cheaper abroad?
Lower wages and running costs, high volumes, and in some clinics less doctor time per patient.
Can an Irish clinic fix a bad transplant?
Sometimes, if enough donor hair is left. Repairs cost more than doing it once, and not everything can be corrected.
Do I need to stay abroad after a transplant?
Many clinics ask you to stay for a first wash and check a day or two after the procedure. Ask before you book flights.