İSTANBUL, Türkiye, April 29, 2025 — Former professional ice hockey player Matia Marcantuoni is the latest public figure to turn to Istanbul’s growing medical tourism industry for hair restoration. The Canadian athlete recently underwent a successful hair transplant procedure at the Hair Center of Turkey, a clinic renowned for its cutting-edge techniques and personalized patient care.
Marcantuoni, who faced gradual hair thinning and a receding hairline in his late twenties, said the transformation went far beyond aesthetics. “Losing your hair feels like losing a part of yourself,” he said. “After trying to ignore it for years, I decided to take control.”
The decision came after extensive research and virtual consultations with clinics worldwide. Marcantuoni ultimately chose the Hair Center of Turkey, citing its reputation for professionalism, patient-focused care, and international certifications.
“They didn’t try to sell me anything,” he noted. “They asked about my goals, assessed my hair via video, and explained the procedure in detail. I felt like a person, not a number.”
Upon arrival in Istanbul, Marcantuoni was greeted by a clinic-arranged driver and checked into a five-star hotel, part of the all-inclusive package offered by the Hair Center of Turkey. “It didn’t feel like a medical trip—it felt like a wellness retreat,” he said.
The next day, the athlete met with the clinic’s team for an in-person consultation and final scalp analysis. Using high-resolution dermatoscopic imaging, the specialists designed a custom hairline suited to Marcantuoni’s facial structure before performing a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure.
Over the course of seven hours, more than 2,700 grafts were transplanted under local anesthesia and sedation. “There was zero pain, and the staff kept me informed and comfortable the entire time,” he recalled.
Following the procedure, Marcantuoni received post-operative care instructions, medication, and specialized hair care products. He spent the following days resting and recovering in Istanbul, which he described as a surprisingly pleasant experience. “It felt more like a mini vacation than recovery,” he said.
Within two weeks, scabbing and redness had diminished. Three months post-procedure, Marcantuoni began seeing early growth, with full density expected within 9–12 months. Today, he boasts a natural-looking, fuller hairline and renewed self-confidence.
“I look in the mirror now and feel like myself again,” he shared. “It’s not just about hair—it’s about confidence and presence.”
He now encourages others to do thorough research when considering a transplant. “Don’t go for the cheapest option—go for the one that truly cares. For me, that was the Hair Center of Turkey.”
Marcantuoni joins a growing number of international patients choosing Turkey as a destination for hair transplantation. With thousands of successful cases and rising visibility from celebrity endorsements, the country has solidified its place as a global leader in medical tourism.
The Hair Center of Turkey, which holds a health tourism authorization certificate, has served over 8,000 patients from more than 50 countries. Known for its advanced techniques—including Sapphire FUE and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)—the clinic combines medical expertise with luxury services such as multilingual support, sedated anesthesia, VIP transportation, and high-end accommodations.
As attitudes around cosmetic procedures continue to shift, Marcantuoni’s story underscores a broader trend: hair restoration is no longer just about appearance—it’s about reclaiming confidence and self-worth.
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