“Pure torture” – Man shows mercilessly how hard a hair transplant really is

More and more people are openly sharing their journey to new hair on social media – including bandages, swelling, and surgical scars. Two patients from Switzerland share why they decided to have a hair transplant – and what they would do differently today.

Arben, from the Aarau region, suffered from severe hair loss when he was under 30. He researched procedures on TikTok but hesitated for a long time. In 2023, he finally had the operation in Pristina. "The couch was pure torture," he told the Swiss portal " Blick ." The aftercare was extremely difficult: "It's almost impossible to sleep normally in the first few weeks because you have to protect your head."

The weeks that followed were extremely physically demanding – caring for the sensitive scalp with its crusty skin was a daily challenge. Expert Sarah Schmid also warned in an interview with "Blick" against trivializing content on social media: Many videos are not medically sound and could create false expectations or downplay risks.

According to the clinic, a total of 6,550 hair follicles were transplanted. Today, he is only partially satisfied: " The hairline doesn't look entirely natural—that's due to the superficial consultation, which was conducted only via WhatsApp. I strongly advise others against this." Nevertheless, he receives many compliments and feels younger and more confident.

Kathrin (53) from Zurich also struggled with hair loss. "The bald patches were especially visible when I tied my hair back or while bathing. My family knew how much I was suffering." In February, she had 1,415 hair follicles transplanted at a Swiss clinic.

"My hair may still be fluffy, like a young man's first mustache, but it's no longer bald," she says. For Kathrin, it's clear: "Plastic surgery? Not if you're ultimately going to become a completely different person. But if you stay true to yourself and simply become more self-confident as a result, why not?"

Many people opt for a hair transplant in Turkey – but the procedure is not without risk. An expert explains what patients should definitely be aware of.

• Unreliable providers : Due to the large number of clinics, there are also providers with insufficient qualifications. This can not only worsen the outcome but also endanger your health.
• Infections due to unclean conditions : As with any surgical procedure, hair transplantation carries the risk of infection. A sterile environment is essential.
• Different standards : Medical regulations in Turkey may differ from European standards – with consequences for the quality and safety of treatment.
• Difficult follow-up care : If complications arise, follow-up treatment abroad is often difficult – especially due to geographical distance or language barriers.
• Insufficient information : Some providers lure patients with low prices, but provide insufficient information about possible side effects and the procedure itself.