Hair Restoration in Greece

Hair restoration treatment is a solution for those who are battling hair loss or balding due to aging or diseases. The main goal is to give patients a full head of hair, as well as to improve their appearance and confidence. Hair restoration can be performed by dermatologists or plastic surgeons. There are numerous different types of hair restoration, ranging from non-surgical to surgical treatments. Some of the most common are:

• Prescription medicine – your doctor can prescribe medicine, such as minoxidil and finasteride, to help stop hair loss and regrow hair. These medicines are usually prescribed for those with pattern (hereditary) baldness, but may not restore as much hair as other types of hair restoration.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) – this is a therapy procedure that involves drawing injections of a concentration of your own platelets to your scalp. It is commonly used for androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
• Microneedling – during microneedling, a skin roller with small needles are used to cause minor skin injury to regenerate the health of the hair follicles, resulting in new hair growth. This procedure is recommended for alopecia areata, androgenic alopecia, and male pattern baldness.
• Scalp micro-pigmentation (SMP) – this is a type of hair tattooing to give an illusion of having a fuller head of hair. It can be done on any form of hair loss, including those with thinning hair, severe baldness, alopecia, as well as cancer patients and people who want to conceal scars from a hair transplant.
• Hairline lowering surgery – this procedure is best for those who have receding hairlines. It involves “moving” your hairline to its old position or a little closer to your brows. 
• Hair transplant – this is the most popular and effective hair restoration procedure. It works by moving hair follicles from one part of your body or scalp with healthy hair follicles to a balding or thinning part of your scalp. It can also be done to restore hair on other parts of the body, such as your brows.

How Long Should I Stay in Greece?

The length of stay in Greece can be different for every person, depending on the type of hair restoration procedure you underwent. In general, you may need to stay in Greece for 2 to 7 days until you are allowed to travel home. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Different hair restoration procedures have different recovery times. With medications, microneedling, and PRP, no recovery time is usually needed. However, you may be advised to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities for 24 to 48 hours. With scalp micro-pigmentation, hairline lowering surgery, and hair transplant, you may need to take around 5 to 10 days off work. During this period, you should also avoid any strenuous activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

A detailed aftercare instruction will be given by your doctor. It is vital that you follow all of these instructions to get the best results and avoid complications. You may be asked to avoid hair accessories and styling your hair until your scalp has fully healed. 

What's the Success Rate?

With continuous research, improvement in treatment techniques, and advancement in technology, hair restoration procedures are now more successful and safer than ever before. For example, the success rate of hair transplant now ranges from 95% to 98%, and modern hair transplant gives more natural results.

Are there Alternatives?

If you do not want to undergo any medical procedures or take any medications, you can try other hairstyles or use a wig as the non-surgical alternatives. It is best, however, that you consult your doctor regarding the best alternatives for your specific case. 

Hair Restoration in and around Greece

About Greece

Located at the very bottom of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is a mesmerizing blend of sun-drenched islands and historical marvels. Boasting approximately 2,000 islands, an impressive 170 among them are inhabited and teeming with life. Greece's geographical charm has been nowhere short of a magnet to travelling enthusiasts, pulling in a spectacular count of over 24 million wanderlust-struck visitors each passing year.

Greece turns out to be a preferred hotspot for a particular category of globe-trotters. Travelers come from the farthest stretches of the world seeking its array of top-tier beaches to soak up the sun, the warm ocean for an invigorating dip, the array of ancient relics for their history fix, and to immerse into an engaging culture. The universal allure of Greece, seemingly, never ceases to captivate the hearts of explorers worldwide.

The upward shift in Greece's status as a medical tourism hub has been quite noticeable in recent years. Medical tourists are being increasingly drawn to the country, a relative newcomer in the industry, due to a myriad of reasons. One of the core attractions is its health care system, which holds a high rank on the global scale. However, in spite of boasting of world-class standards, the medical services in Greece are pleasantly affordable. In fact, it flaunts some of the most pocket-friendly medical care prices across Europe and even globally.

The medical services that Greece provides run a comprehensive gamut. Cosmetic surgery and fertility treatments are particularly sought-after medical services, favoured by numerous medical tourists. Orthopedics also sees a consistent flow of patients, along with cardiac care procedures. The well-established oral and dental sector in Greece is another popular draw for people wanting to combine their medical treatments with a relaxing vacation. The availability of such diverse, high quality, yet affordable healthcare options certainly puts Greece on the map as a promising medical tourism destination.

Popular Parts of Greece

The captivating city of Athens, the crown jewel of Greece, presents a dazzling blend of antiquated splendor, enchanting landscapes, and a vibrant modern core. The capital prides itself in harboring an unparalleled assortment of Greek ruins and antiques. Prime among them is the Acropolis, an iconic ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop. The Greek Agora, a central public space in ancient Greek city-states, adds an extra charm to Athens’ archaeological grandeur.

On the other hand, the striking island of Santorini stands as another touristic magnet in Greece. Admired far and wide, it carries the reputation of being the most breathtaking island in the country. The enormous allure of Santorini with its distinctive architecture, caldera views, and famous sunsets, keeps it perennially embedded in the bucket lists of travelers worldwide. From the captivating capital of Athens to the charming Santorini, Greece exhibits alluring facets that are truly hard to resist.

It is best known for its unique landscape and cliff-top towns. While Santorini is the most spectacular, Mykonos is the most glamorous. It is noted for its classy seafood restaurants and boutique hotels. Some of the most famous attractions in Mykonos, besides its beaches, are Paraportiani and Little Venice.

Weather and Climate in Greece

Set on the Mediterranean, Greece experiences a climate that is typically balmy and sun-soaked throughout the year with a cycle of four distinct seasons. Summers, spanning June to August, bring about warm and agreeable temperatures. This peak season draws in a large number of tourists, making it an ideal time to take a dive into the azure seas.

As September ushers in the fall season, the weather across Greece turns cooler but largely stays clear. On the flip side, winters starting from December to February reveal a different picture. Coastal cities remain warm but the country's northern regions experience significantly lower temperatures, occasionally even witnessing snowfall.

As March marks the arrival of spring, the weather begins to warm up again, though evenings can retain a cool nip in the air. Each season has its unique charm and adds to the overall allure of Greece.

Getting around in Greece

Athens International Airport holds the distinction of being the largest and busiest hub for international air travel in Greece. This is typically the point of arrival and departure for a majority of international tourists exploring Greece. The extensive network of this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, connecting many global cities like Dubai, London, Moscow, and New York to the heart of Greece.

Among affordable means of transport, the ferry services stand out, particularly for travelling among the islands. They run on a frequent basis, with services especially ramped up during the sun-soaked summer months. For land travel, buses come across as largely comfortable and hassle-free, although the network is somewhat limited.

For intra-city travel within major Greek metropolises, the extensive network of buses and trolleybuses prove to be reliable options. Particularly in Athens, the capital city, the metro and tram systems offer additional efficient and cost-effective ways to explore the local attractions. Additionally, taxis, which are conveniently available quite everywhere, turn out to be extremely pocket-friendly. Whether hopping between islands or navigating city streets, Greece offers a range of transportation options to suit the needs and budgets of different travelers.

Tourist Visas in Greece

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which means that citizens of most countries can travel to Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Greece:

• All European Union citizens
• Citizens of Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and Vatican City
• Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States

Citizens of all other countries need to obtain a visa to visit Greece.

You can apply for a Greek tourist visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application process can vary depending on the country where you are applying, but there are some general requirements that all applicants must meet, such as having a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of financial means.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency in Greece is the euro (€). €0.94 is equivalent to approximately US$1.
2. Money & Payments: Reliable ATMs can be found easily in all cities and towns, particularly on the mainland. Major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, are widely accepted. Tipping is expected in most places, usually around 5% to 10%. Make sure to tip in cash. 
3. Local Language: The most widely spoken language in Greece is Greek, which is the official language of the country. Most people in tourist areas and the younger generations can speak and understand some English, German, French, or Italian.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Greek Orthodox Church is the largest religion in Greece, representing 90% of the total population. There are also small communities of Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Jewish. 
5. Public holidays: The most celebrated holidays in Greece include Easter, Apokreas (Carnival Season), and Saint’s day of the Virgin Mary, Ohi Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.