What is Hair Transplant, Which Techniques Are Used and Who Is It For?

Hair transplant is the surgical solution for permanent hair loss. Differences between FUE, DHI and Sapphire techniques, correct candidate criteria and expectations are covered with scientific data in this comprehensive guide.

## What is Hair Transplant? Hair transplantation is the procedure of transplanting hair follicles taken from a donor area resistant to shedding to areas where hair loss is permanent. Performed under local anesthesia, no hospitalization required. The foundation of hair transplantation is based on the principle of "donor dominance" discovered by Dr. Norman Orentreich in 1952. According to this principle, hair follicles in the occipital region are genetically resistant to shedding and maintain this resistance in their new location after transplantation. ## Who Is Suitable for Hair Transplant? ISHRS 2022 guidelines: - 25 years and older (hair loss pattern should be stabilized) - Sufficient hair density in donor area (40+ FU/cm2) - Realistic expectations - General health suitable for surgery - Active hair loss controlled with medical treatment ## Which Techniques Are Used? ## FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Gold standard. 0.8-1.0mm punch device extracts follicles individually. Advantages: - No linear scar - Short recovery (3-5 days) - 2,000-5,000 grafts per session Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2022: 90-95% patient satisfaction, 85-95% graft survival. ## DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) Advanced FUE modification with Choi implanter pen. Channel opening and implantation simultaneous. Advantages: - Ideal for transplanting between existing hair - 5-8% higher graft survival (Journal of Plastic Surgery 2022) - Denser results ## Sapphire FUE Sapphire (Al2O3)-tipped blades instead of steel. Plastic Surgery 2021: - 40% less tissue damage - 35% less postoperative edema - 28% less scarring ## Recovery Process - Day 1-3: Mild swelling and crusting - Day 10-14: Shock loss begins, completely normal - Month 1: New fine hairs appear - Month 3-6: Significant growth - Month 12-18: Final permanent result ## Long-term Success Factors - Finasteride 1mg/day: Prevents existing hair loss - Minoxidil 5%: Extends growth cycle - PRP: Every 3 months ## Prices in Turkey - Germany: 8,000-20,000 EUR - Turkey: 1,500-4,000 EUR (FUE/DHI with original equipment)

What is Hair Transplant?

Hair transplantation is the procedure of transplanting hair follicles taken from a donor area resistant to shedding to areas where hair loss is permanent. Performed under local anesthesia, no hospitalization required.

The foundation of hair transplantation is based on the principle of "donor dominance" discovered by Dr. Norman Orentreich in 1952. According to this principle, hair follicles in the occipital region are genetically resistant to shedding and maintain this resistance in their new location after transplantation.

Who Is Suitable for Hair Transplant?

ISHRS 2022 guidelines:

25 years and older (hair loss pattern should be stabilized)

Sufficient hair density in donor area (40+ FU/cm2)

Realistic expectations

General health suitable for surgery

Active hair loss controlled with medical treatment

Which Techniques Are Used?

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)

Gold standard. 0.8-1.0mm punch device extracts follicles individually.

Advantages:

No linear scar

Short recovery (3-5 days)

2,000-5,000 grafts per session

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2022: 90-95% patient satisfaction, 85-95% graft survival.

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)

Advanced FUE modification with Choi implanter pen. Channel opening and implantation simultaneous.

Advantages:

Ideal for transplanting between existing hair

5-8% higher graft survival (Journal of Plastic Surgery 2022)

Denser results

Sapphire FUE

Sapphire (Al2O3)-tipped blades instead of steel.

Plastic Surgery 2021:

40% less tissue damage

35% less postoperative edema

28% less scarring

Recovery Process

Day 1-3: Mild swelling and crusting

Day 10-14: Shock loss begins, completely normal

Month 1: New fine hairs appear

Month 3-6: Significant growth

Month 12-18: Final permanent result

Long-term Success Factors

Finasteride 1mg/day: Prevents existing hair loss

Minoxidil 5%: Extends growth cycle

PRP: Every 3 months

Prices in Turkey

Germany: 8,000-20,000 EUR

Turkey: 1,500-4,000 EUR (FUE/DHI with original equipment)

What is Hair Transplant, Which Techniques Are Used and Who Is It For?

What is Hair Transplant, Which Techniques Are Used and Who Is It For?