About the procedure
In the FUE method, hair follicles (grafts) are harvested one by one from the back of the head and implanted into the thinning area. In Sapphire FUE, the channels are opened with sapphire rather than steel blades; this allows finer channels, less tissue damage and denser implantation.
The hairline is designed by Dr. Fatoş according to facial proportions and age. The procedure is completed in a single day under local anesthesia.
Planning begins with measuring the capacity of the donor area (the band between the nape and the temples); the number of grafts that can be harvested in one session is limited by the density of this zone, and the donor area is never thinned out. The stage of hair loss is assessed on the Norwood scale, and areas likely to thin in the future are factored into the design. After harvesting, grafts are kept in a cold storage solution and implanted in order: the hairline first, then the crown.
- ✓Hairline designed to facial proportions
- ✓Fast healing with sapphire blades
- ✓First wash and PRP included in the plan
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Patients whose male-pattern hair loss has stabilized to a certain degree and whose donor area at the back of the head has adequate density.
- ✓Those who want to cover large areas such as a receded hairline or an open crown in a single session.
- ✓Patients whose hair loss is under control with medication (minoxidil, finasteride) and who want to restore their hairline.
- ✓Those who want to cover permanent hairless areas caused by scars, burns, or previous surgery.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —In patients under 25 whose hair loss pattern has not yet settled, the procedure is usually postponed; a low hairline placed too early may not look natural in later years.
- —Patients with a sparse donor area or diffuse thinning may not have enough grafts available.
- —Active scalp conditions such as alopecia areata, uncontrolled diabetes, and bleeding disorders must be treated first.
- —Patients taking aspirin or blood thinners need their medication schedule adjusted before the procedure, with their physician's approval.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial assessment
The Norwood stage is determined from scalp photographs, hair loss history, and family history; donor capacity is compared with the number of grafts needed.
- 02
Design and shaving
On the morning of the procedure, the hairline is drawn according to your facial proportions and approved by you; the donor and recipient areas are shaved and blood tests are checked.
- 03
Graft harvesting
Under local anesthesia, grafts are extracted one by one with a micromotor, counted, and stored in a cold solution.
- 04
Channel opening and implantation
Channels are opened with a sapphire blade at the natural angle of hair growth, and grafts are placed from the hairline backward according to their single, double, or multiple-follicle structure.
- 05
First check and washing
The dressing is removed the next day and the recipient area is checked; the first wash is done at the clinic on day 2–3 and you are shown how to continue at home.
- 06
Remote follow-up
After you return home, progress is followed through photographs at months 1, 3, 6, and 12; supportive treatment is recommended if needed.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Mild soreness in the recipient area and some fluid seepage from the donor area are possible; you are asked to sleep in a semi-upright position with a neck pillow.
Days 3–5
Swelling may appear on the forehead and around the eyes and subsides within a few days; a firm headband and cold compresses help limit it.
Days 10–14
The scabs come off with washing and the recipient area may look pink; after the first 10 days of careful washing, normal showering is allowed.
Month 1
Most of the transplanted hairs fall out in what is known as shock loss; this is an expected phase and the follicles remain in place.
Months 3–4
New hairs begin to grow in fine and light in color; it is normal for them to look uneven and curly at first.
Month 12
The hair thickens and takes on its color; final density and the need for a second session, if any, are evaluated at this stage.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Sapphire FUE are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Temporary numbness and reduced sensation around the recipient area are common and usually resolve within months.
- When a large number of grafts is taken, pinpoint scars and thinning in the donor area can be permanent; they may be noticeable with a very short haircut.
- Inflammation of the follicles (folliculitis) and, rarely, infection can develop; the risk increases when hygiene instructions are not followed.
- Some of the transplanted hairs may not take; if density falls short of expectations, a second session may be needed.
- If existing hair continues to thin, a sparse zone may develop over time between the transplanted area and the natural hair; medication is recommended for this reason.