Seeking answers to some of the burning questions about hair transplants from a patient perspective, we also try to understand what makes a surgeon a great hair transplant surgeon. How do we avoid ending up in the hands of a mediocre hair replacement surgeon and find the best one? In the context of hair transplant surgery, is there a direct link with the cost we pay when it comes to our health? In this interview with a top hair transplant surgeon, you will find answers to questions like these and more.
Today, we have the privilege to speak with a leading surgeon in the industry: Dr. Ozlem Bulu. She is one of the most booked hair transplant artists in a booming industry and has eye-opening thoughts on the topic. If you want to know what differentiates a top-quality hair transplant from a failed one, and where to seek help that is also affordable, this interview is for you.
We hope that you find Dr. Bulu’s input as valuable as we did. With all that said, let’s take a look at the challenging questions we asked and how she responded.
Why Did You Want to Become A Hair Transplant Surgeon?
Ozlem Bulu: Oh, you know, I love cooking as a hobby:) What food preparation represents for me is something very special. There’s something meditative in it where I can express myself freely, and push the limits of my creativity while combining some unexpected ingredients that actually work well together.
I believe that fine gastronomy is an art form, and so is a hair transplant. I’d like to think of myself and my skills as an artist because, at the end of the day, I work with my hands. A successful hair transplant is not just about the number of grafts that are implanted. For me, it’s also about their angle and the overall harmony. It’s about the excitement and satisfaction I see on a patient’s face. It’s about planning the design of the hairline together with each patient. You know, it is like being a private Chef. You have to use your skills and knowledge to cater to the best interest and liking of your patient. That for me, is the main motivation because every patient is different, so I get to prove myself every day, to every single patient of mine who put their trust in my art.
Are You Saying That Hair Transplant Surgery Can Be Considered Art?
Ozlem Bulu: Well, I don’t see why not! Like an artist, you have to master the technique, build up enough experience, and take pleasure from patience. What we, as top hair transplant surgeons do is very fine work. But there’s no point in discussing whether it’s art or science because, to me, it’s both.
How Do You Monitor The Quality of Your Results?
Ozlem Bulu: This is like asking, how do you measure happiness? But I understand where you’re coming from. Because I’m a surgeon, people expect me to talk about scientific results and statistics. And I do too because measuring is very important. My main indicator, however, is patient satisfaction. We don’t do hair transplants on robots, it’s on people. I sit down with each patient and listen to them without interrupting. But after that, it’s my turn. I draw a map of what can be done and adjust their expectations towards where they need to be.
We can’t always assume that a natural-looking hair transplant is the most wanted or satisfying for all people. It’s not ok to generalize in cosmetic surgery. You have to ask the patient what they want. There may be a patient who does not care how natural it’ll look, they may just want as much density as realistically possible in a certain part of their scalp. Of course, I provide direction, I give my professional advice, and say what I have to say. But people’s satisfaction levels are about what they want. Providing patients with top-quality and lasting hair transplant results is the technical part, which is my standard.
With Such High-Demand, Are Hair Transplants in the Top 5 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures?
Ozlem Bulu: This is a tricky one because according to the 2023 report released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons*, hair transplant did not make it to the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in the US, but eyelid surgery and breast augmentation did. Why is that? Because these procedures are relatively affordable in the US when a hair transplant is very expensive. Moreover, a hair transplant procedure has no chance to be even partially covered by any type of medical insurance policy, Medicare or private, non of it. An eyelid surgery on the other hand is covered in most cases when deemed a medical necessity. A hair transplant is a psychological necessity that reduces anxiety and uplifts the quality of one’s life but governments don’t seem to show interest in the psychological wellbeing of their citizens.
How Do Patients Find You? Where Are You Based?
Ozlem Bulu: I’m very lucky for being in the right place at the right time to practice my skills. I’m based in Istanbul, Turkey, and accept patients for hair transplant surgery at Heva Clinic.
It is sad that in the past decade, thousands of colleagues left the country to go where they are treated best and to feel their value. I am the lucky one because what I do and the skill level I find myself today, is the most wanted surgical specialization here. The effect of hair transplant surgery in tourism is almost like that of gastronomy. Today, a hair transplant is almost as much of an association as the kebab about Turkey.
Sorry world, but we don’t only do it best but also provide the best value for patients’ hard-earned money. I don’t know the exact number of nationalities I treated throughout my career by memory but I should look into it because it may be more diverse than the United Nations:) We are known as a very hospitable nation and evidently, patients trust us. Most people only realize later on that I only do the surgery and there’s a whole team behind making each patient feel welcome. That’s why I feel that Heva Clinic represents my values, the team takes care of every detail. They pick up international patients from the airport, provide comfortable luxury accommodation, and bring my patients to me safe and relaxed. Also, the hair transplant costs here in Turkey are rarely overpriced, and this means I’m off to a good start every time.