Understanding Hair Transplants

Hair transplantation is a surgical technique that restores hair in thinning or bald areas by transferring healthy follicles from a donor zone (usually the back of the scalp). It’s not just a cosmetic procedure — it’s a scientifically proven medical solution for permanent hair restoration.

In the last two decades, hair transplant technology has evolved dramatically. Clinics like Hairmedico in Istanbul combine advanced techniques such as FUE, DHI, and Sapphire FUE with medical artistry, ensuring every patient receives natural and lifelong results.

The Science Behind Hair Transplants

Each person’s scalp contains thousands of follicular units — natural groupings of 1 to 4 hairs. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically affects the frontal and crown areas but spares the occipital (back) zone. This donor zone is genetically resistant to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for most hair loss.

During a transplant, these DHT-resistant follicles are moved from the donor zone to bald regions. Once transplanted, they retain their resistance — meaning they will continue to grow permanently.

Step 1: Consultation and Hair Analysis

Every successful operation begins with a thorough evaluation. At Hairmedico, patients undergo a detailed trichoscopic examination to measure:

Donor area density (in grafts/cm²)

Hair caliber, thickness, and texture

Degree of hair loss (classified using the Norwood Scale)

Skin type and scalp elasticity

A personalized plan is then created. Dr. Arslan Musbeh designs the hairline according to facial symmetry, gender, age, and long-term aesthetic goals.

You can explore real-life transformations in the Before & After Gallery.

Step 2: Preparation and Local Anesthesia

Before the operation, the donor area is shaved (fully or partially depending on technique), disinfected, and numbed with local anesthesia.
This ensures a painless experience. Some patients may also receive mild sedation to remain relaxed throughout the process.

At Hairmedico, the clinic’s “one patient per day” policy ensures that each procedure is performed with full concentration and precision — with no time pressure.

Step 3: Follicle Extraction

This is one of the most delicate stages. Using micromotor devices or sapphire punches, individual follicles (or grafts) are extracted one by one.

Extraction Techniques:

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction):
Each follicular unit is carefully removed using a 0.7–1.0 mm punch. This method leaves no linear scar and has minimal downtime.

Sapphire FUE:
Uses sapphire-tipped blades for micro-incisions — reducing trauma, improving healing, and enabling higher graft density.

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation):
In this method, follicles are extracted and directly implanted using a Choi Implanter Pen, without creating separate channels. It allows for precise angle control and is ideal for female and hairline cases.

You can learn more about each method on:

FUE Hair Transplant Technique

DHI Hair Transplant Technique

Step 4: Channel Opening — The Artistic Stage

The channel opening phase determines the final density and natural look.
Tiny micro-channels are created in the recipient area, following the natural direction and angle of existing hair.

Dr. Musbeh uses sapphire blades — far sharper and smoother than traditional steel — allowing closer spacing of grafts and quicker healing.

Every incision is made according to a precise plan that balances:

Hair growth direction

Depth and diameter

Density per square centimeter

This is where medical precision meets artistic design.

Step 5: Graft Implantation

Once the channels are opened, extracted follicles are implanted one by one using fine forceps or implanter pens.

Implantation requires an experienced hand and aesthetic vision.
Each graft is positioned to mimic natural growth patterns — ensuring a soft, seamless hairline.

💡 Pro Tip: At Hairmedico, only Dr. Musbeh performs or supervises these key steps personally — ensuring uniform quality and survival rates above 95%.

Step 6: Post-Operation Care

After the operation, patients receive detailed care instructions, including:

Use of medical shampoos and moisturizing lotions

Sleeping position (head elevated for the first 3 nights)

Avoiding physical activity and direct sunlight

Instructions for washing starting on Day 3

Hairmedico’s comprehensive aftercare package includes PRP sessions, special shampoos, and direct follow-up by Dr. Musbeh’s medical team.

For full recovery tips, visit Hair Transplant Aftercare Guide (FR).

Recovery Timeline and Hair Growth Phases

During this time, transplanted hairs gradually thicken and take on a completely natural appearance.

💡 Result: By the 12th month, you can cut, wash, and style your hair normally — permanently.

Common Questions About Hair Transplants

1. Is a hair transplant permanent?

Yes. Transplanted follicles from the donor zone retain their DHT resistance and continue to grow for life.

2. Does it hurt?

No. Local anesthesia makes the procedure completely painless, and mild soreness resolves within a few days.

3. When can I return to work?

Most patients resume light work within 3–5 days, and normal activity after 10–14 days.

4. How many grafts do I need?

That depends on your degree of hair loss. Typically:

Receding hairline: 1,500–2,000 grafts

Crown restoration: 2,500–3,500 grafts

Full coverage: up to 5,000 grafts

5. Will the result look natural?

Absolutely — when performed by an experienced surgeon using Sapphire FUE or DHI, results are indistinguishable from natural growth.

Safety and Ethics in Hair Transplantation

The foundation of a successful transplant is medical ethics.
Top clinics like Hairmedico follow European safety protocols, ensuring sterile environments and full doctor participation.

Key safety standards include:

Use of single-use surgical tools

Certified medical staff only

Daily sterilization and HEPA-filtered operating rooms

One patient per day for optimal focus

The Role of PRP and Post-Treatment Support

After surgery, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy helps stimulate healing and boost graft survival.
It improves blood circulation, strengthens the scalp, and accelerates regrowth.

At Hairmedico, PRP is included in every package — part of the clinic’s holistic approach to hair health and recovery.

Hair Transplant Techniques: Detailed Comparison

Modern clinics like Hairmedico often combine Sapphire FUE + DHI techniques to achieve superior density and precision.

Cost Overview: Turkey vs Other Countries

💡 Key Insight: Turkey’s lower cost does not mean lower quality — it reflects economic efficiency, high surgical volume, and established expertise.

Why Choose Hairmedico Istanbul

Led by Dr. Arslan Musbeh, an internationally recognized expert with 17+ years of experience.

One-patient-per-day approach ensures undivided attention.

Specialization in Sapphire FUE and DHI hybrid techniques.

Full multilingual team (English, French, German, Arabic, Spanish).

Complete post-op support with PRP and follow-up programs.

At Hairmedico, precision, innovation, and ethics define every step — resulting in natural, dense, and lasting outcomes.

Conclusion: Science, Skill, and Art Combined

So — how do hair transplants work?
They work because they combine medical science, technical precision, and aesthetic artistry.

When performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Arslan Musbeh, each follicle is transplanted with exacting care — ensuring not just hair restoration, but the restoration of confidence, identity, and self-image.

Explore more about techniques and results on:

Hair Transplant FUE Technique

Hair Transplant DHI Technique

Before & After Results

About Hairmedico

About the Author

Dr. Arslan Musbeh — internationally renowned Hair Transplant Surgeon and founder of Hairmedico Istanbul.
With more than 17 years of experience, he specializes in FUE, Sapphire FUE, and DHI techniques, combining medical excellence and artistic precision to create natural, permanent, and world-class results.

🩺 Hairmedico – Where Science Meets Art in Hair Restoration.