This long-form page is written in a neutral, clinical tone to help you make an informed decision. It prioritizes patient safety, realistic expectations, and long-term donor preservation. Methods and protocols below reflect routine surgical practice. Where evidence is evolving, we state it clearly.

1) Executive Summary

Goal: natural density with long-term balance, not short-term “maximum at all costs.”

Best results come from: correct indication, careful donor management, and a surgeon-led plan tailored to facial geometry, hair calibre, and future hair-loss risk.

Method is a tool, not a promise: Sapphire FUE and DHI can both deliver excellent outcomes in appropriate indications.

Timeline: shedding at weeks 3–8; first growth months 3–4; big improvement months 6–9; maturation by month 12; late maturation up to month 18 (some hair types).

Safety: standardized sterilization, single-use items, local anesthesia protocols, and structured follow-up reduce risk. Report early if redness spreads, heat increases, pain escalates, foul odor appears, or pustules are widespread.

Costs: graft count, method, surgeon time, and any adjuvants; Istanbul packages typically include consultation, surgery, medication/care kit, first wash, hotel, and transfers (see Prices).

2) Who Is a Good Candidate

Typical Indications

Male pattern hair loss (levels 2–5) with reasonable donor density

Female diffuse thinning in selected cases after investigating causes

Scar camouflage (post-surgery or trauma)

Beard/eyebrow density work for localized targets

Readiness & Expectations

Stable health and willingness to follow aftercare

Transplant improves density and framing; it does not freeze future loss outside implanted zones

Stepwise plans (e.g., hairline now, vertex later) can protect donor reserves

Use Caution / Defer

Active scalp disease, uncontrolled conditions, suspected body dysmorphic disorder

Alopecia areata (active) or acute telogen effluvium

Very weak donor density → consider non-surgical strategies first

3) Consultation & Diagnostics

Photo Protocol

Front, 45°, both profiles, vertex, and donor/occipital views under neutral lighting

No filters; camera at eye level; same distance each time

Start with an online photo assessment via Contact

Clinical Examination

Donor density (FU/cm²); shaft diameter and curl index; skin–hair contrast; pattern analysis (hairline, mid-scalp, vertex vectors)

Differentiate inflammatory/scarring alopecias, dermatitis, traction alopecia, medication-related shedding

Classification Systems

Norwood (men) and Ludwig (women) aid communication; planning remains individualized

Laboratory Work (When Appropriate)

Targeted tests (e.g., ferritin, thyroid) after clinical judgment — not routine for all

4) Technique Selection — Matching Method to Indication

At a Glance

Key point: Instruments are tools. Outcomes rely more on surgeon-led design, donor strategy, and indication matching. See Algorithmic FUE™.

5) Planning Principles — Density, Distribution, Design

Hairline: micro-irregularities; age-appropriate height; singles in front, doubles/triples behind

Density targets: e.g., 30–40 FU/cm² for hairline in thin hair (individualized); crown focuses on vector-respecting flow, not a uniform carpet

Optical coverage: diameter, curl, directionality, cuticle integrity often matter more than raw graft count

Donor protection: homogeneous harvesting across the safe zone; reserve planning for future progression

6) The Surgery Day — Step by Step

Plan confirmation — drawings, density targets, graft map, photos

Local anesthesia — comfort protocols; sedation only if suitable

Donor harvesting — punch matched to calibre/curl; homogeneous pattern

Graft handling — hydration, temperature control, minimal out-of-body time

Recipient work — sapphire channels or DHI placement; angle/direction/depth individualized

Closure & education — meds, first-wash plan, sleeping posture, hat/helmet timing, activity restrictions, emergency contacts

Safety Standards

Single-use consumables; sterilized instruments

Comfort & hemodynamic monitoring

Antibiotics by indication only

7) Recovery Timeline & Aftercare

At a Glance

Activity & Lifestyle

8) Safety, Risks & Complication Management

Risk Overview

Risk Reduction — What Helps

Call the Clinic Immediately If…

9) Medical & Adjuvant Therapies

Finasteride/dutasteride/minoxidil: individualized risk–benefit; not universally required

PRP/mesotherapy: selected cases; evidence mixed; set expectations clearly

Low-level light/LED: optional adjunct

Nutrition/labs: treat proven deficiencies (e.g., ferritin) rather than random supplements

Important: medication and adjuncts are personalized. Your surgeon will advise if and when appropriate.

10) Women — Special Considerations

Pattern: usually diffuse; goal = optical fullness, not full replacement

Method: DHI commonly used to place among existing hair with minimal shaving

Workup: targeted labs (iron/ferritin, thyroid) and dermatology input when indicated

11) Special Case Groups & Repair Work

Afro-textured hair: punch choice & angle management adapted to curvature; excellent optical density possible

Scar camouflage: assess vascularity; staged approaches may be safer

Beard/eyebrow: single hairs and directionality dominate; artistry matters

Repairs: soften low/straight or pluggy lines via removal/redistribution + singles

12) Pricing & What Packages Include

Cost Drivers