Did Suat Kaya have a hair transplant? Yes, after 20 years of a hairpiece

What did Suat Kaya say about his hair transplant?

In December 2019 the former Galatasaray and Turkey midfielder, by then a football coach, gave an interview to the DHA news agency about Turkish football and his own career. He mentioned that after leaving Menemenspor he took a break, “had a hair transplant” and then received an offer from Sakaryaspor. Sabah published his words on 4 December 2019: “My hair is about my own happiness. I am 53 and I used a hairpiece for 20 years. Everyone thought it was my own hair. I couldn’t tell anyone it was a hairpiece. Now I have had a hair transplant. I make changes for myself. God willing, I will get a good result from the transplant in April.” The next day A Haber quoted the same statement.

That is all we rely on here. Kaya did not describe the technique, the number of grafts or other medical details, so this article does not guess at them. Where the text below explains methods and timelines, it describes hair transplantation in general, not his treatment.

From a hairpiece to his own hair

For two decades Kaya kept a secret that the public never suspected. In the interview he explained it simply: his hair is about his own happiness, and he makes changes for himself. For many men who wear a hair system, the question is the same — whether to keep hiding hair loss or to look at a medical option. A transplant works differently from a hairpiece: it does not cover the scalp, it moves the patient’s own follicles, which then grow as normal hair.

His words also show realistic expectations. He did not claim an instant result; he spoke of waiting several months — which is exactly how transplanted hair behaves.

How a hair transplant works today

A modern hair transplant is an outpatient operation under local anaesthesia. Follicles are taken one by one from the donor area, usually the back of the head and the temples, and implanted where hair is missing. The main techniques are:

• FUE — grafts are extracted individually through tiny punctures and placed into channels made by the surgeon. No linear scar and no stitches.
• DHI — grafts are implanted with a special pen (Choi implanter) without pre-made channels, which gives fine control over angle and direction.
• Combined DHI+FUE — FUE extraction with DHI implantation.

Which technique fits depends on the extent of hair loss and the density of the donor area, which is why the choice is made at a consultation, not from a celebrity story.

Who is a good candidate and how to prepare

A transplant works best when the donor area at the back of the head is dense enough to give grafts. Typical reasons people consider it are a receding hairline, thinning temples or crown, low overall density, patchy hair loss, and hair loss after trauma, burns, illness or hormonal disorders. Age in itself is not a barrier for an adult patient; what matters is health and the donor area.

There are also contraindications, including trichotillomania, body dysmorphic disorder, cancer, severe heart disease, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a pacemaker and intolerance to anaesthetics. The surgeon checks these before a date is booked. The patient then receives a list of tests and instructions; the number of grafts is estimated free of charge at the consultation.

Why he spoke of waiting until April

Kaya expected a good result “in April”, a few months after the operation. That fits the usual course. The scalp heals in about ten days. In weeks 2–4 the transplanted hairs shed — this is normal, the follicles stay under the skin. New growth starts at months 3–4, noticeable density comes at months 6–9, and the final result is assessed at 12–18 months. The timeline below shows the stages.

1. Day of surgeryLocal anaesthesia, grafts are taken and implanted; you go home the same day.
2. Days 1–10The scalp heals and small crusts fall off; you follow the washing and sleeping instructions.
3. Weeks 2–4Transplanted hairs shed. This is expected: the follicles remain under the skin.
4. Months 3–4New hair begins to grow, often fine at first.
5. Months 6–9Density becomes clearly visible.
6. Months 12–18The final result can be assessed.

A hair transplant at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs FUE, DHI and combined hair transplants for international patients. The first consultation is free and can be held online: the doctor assesses photos of the hair and the donor area, estimates the number of grafts and names the price, which is then fixed in the contract. Current prices are $2,200 for FUE, $2,500 for DHI and $2,700 for the combined method. The price includes follow-up appointments at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, and the clinic gives a lifetime guarantee of hair growth. More details are on the hair transplant page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Suat Kaya or his treatment. His story is simply a well-known example of a man who talked openly about the procedure.

Hair transplant prices in this article are the current offer, valid until 31 October 2026. Regular prices: FUE $2,700, DHI $2,900, combined method $2,900. The price that applies to you is confirmed at the consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Did Suat Kaya have a hair transplant?

Yes. In an interview published by Sabah on 4 December 2019 he said he had worn a hairpiece for 20 years and had now had a hair transplant. A Haber quoted the same words.

How old was Suat Kaya at the time?

He said in the interview that he was 53.

Which method did Suat Kaya use?

He did not say which technique was used, so we do not speculate. Today most transplants are done by FUE, DHI or a combination; the choice depends on the individual hair loss and donor area.

Can a hair transplant replace a hairpiece?

It depends on the donor area. If the back of the head gives enough grafts, a transplant can restore the patient’s own growing hair. The surgeon assesses this at the consultation.

How much does a hair transplant cost at City Medical Centre?

Prices are $2,200 for FUE, $2,500 for DHI and $2,700 for the combined method. The final price is given after the free consultation and fixed in the contract.