For patients in South Africa

Eyelash transplant in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

An eyelash transplant places individual hair follicles along the lash line to give fuller, natural-looking lashes, using FUE or DHI techniques. It is a delicate procedure close to the eye, and the new lashes come from hair elsewhere on your body, usually the scalp, so they behave differently from natural lashes. This page sets out what South African patients should know, alongside our South African hair transplant guide.

What it involves

After health checks, blood tests and a face-to-face meeting with the surgeon, follicles are placed one by one along the lash line, planned around your natural lash pattern and features. The procedure usually takes around five to six hours.

Because transplanted lashes usually come from scalp hair, they keep growing longer than natural lashes and generally need regular trimming, and some people also need to curl them so they sit in the right direction. Ask the clinician how this applies to you before you decide.

Who it may suit

• People with naturally sparse lashes or reduced lash density
• People who have lost lashes through genetics, over-plucking, trauma, burns or previous cosmetic procedures
• People with enough healthy donor hair
• Non-smokers, or people able to stop before surgery
• People prepared for ongoing trimming and realistic about the result

Suitability is confirmed after a medical review of your lashes, donor area, medical history and photographs. If an eyelash transplant is not the best option, the team should recommend what is.

Aftercare around the eyes

Mild redness, swelling and small scabs around the lash line are normal in the first days. Do not rub or touch the area, and do not apply make-up, lash products or creams until the surgeon says you may. Most scabs fall away within the first week and light daily activities usually resume.

The trip from South Africa

From Johannesburg or Cape Town, a direct flight to Istanbul takes around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir, where treatment takes place. South Africans need an e-Visa before travelling; our e-Visa guide explains how to apply.

Most patients are cleared to fly after two to three days, subject to the surgeon’s approval; book a return ticket you can change. On the long flight home, avoid rubbing your eyes and follow the eye-care instructions you are given. Once home, good sunglasses help protect the area from strong South African sun and glare.

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic hair procedures abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad. Check both before you book.

Results over the following year

The transplanted lashes may shed in weeks two to eight; this is expected. New growth begins from around three to four months, and lashes become longer and fuller over time, with the final result usually visible after 12 to 18 months. Send progress photographs as asked; Turkey is one hour ahead of South Africa.

Risks include swelling, redness, temporary sensitivity, scabbing, itching, minor bleeding, infection, folliculitis and uneven lash growth, and some follicles may not survive, leaving lower density than hoped. Our treatment guarantee covers medical complications and clinically necessary revisions for one year from the treatment date; that treatment is done in İzmir at no charge, but flights and accommodation are your own cost. It does not cover a preference for a different look within what was discussed. Our complaints page explains how problems are handled.

What we will not do

We will not promise a lash length or density, or treat if a transplant is not the right option for you. Our main eyelash transplant page has more detail, and our eyebrow transplant page covers brows.

Frequently asked questions

Will transplanted eyelashes need trimming?

Usually, yes. They normally come from scalp hair, so they keep growing longer than natural lashes and generally need regular trimming, and sometimes curling.

Can I wear mascara after an eyelash transplant?

Not until the surgeon says you may. In the early days avoid rubbing or touching the area and do not apply make-up or other products to it.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for an eyelash transplant?

Most patients are cleared to fly home after two to three days, subject to the surgeon’s approval. Allow for health checks and a surgeon meeting on arrival.

When will my new eyelashes grow?

Transplanted lashes may shed in the first weeks. New growth begins from around three to four months, and the final result is usually visible after 12 to 18 months.

Will my medical aid cover an eyelash transplant?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic procedures like this, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad. Ask both before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.