Everything About Hair Transplantation!

Estpital İnternational Clinic
Dec 15, 2022
5 min read

Updated: Dec 16, 2022

These are important factors to consider before hair transplantion. This content is based on scientific articles and clinical research.

See bibliography.

What is Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplantation is the surgical process that moves the hair taken from a donor area to a bald zone. The donor area will be the region at the back and sides of the head, around the neck, since the hair follicles located in this area are normally not affected by alopecia or hair loss, even, for example, in men whose appearance is complete baldness. In the procedure, the hair follicles removed from the patient will be transferred from the donor area to the area to be treated.

Who is suitable for hair transplant?

A hair transplant is suitable for any men suffering from hair loss in the top and front of the head (male pattern baldness or hereditary baldness). Also, women with hair loss can get benefit from hair transplantation.

What is the ideal age for hair transplant?

Any person not younger than 21 years old who wants to have a hair transplant can have a hair surgery.

How long does a hair transplant procedure take?

A hair transplant is a procedure that can be performed in one day. The patient will arrive at the clinic in the morning and can return to his accommodation/house at the end of the day. Hospitalization is not necessary.

When can I return to my daily routine after a hair transplantation?

Performing a hair implant procedure with the DHI method will result in a fast recovery since the amount of bleeding during the process will be minimal. After three days, you will be able to resume your normal activities. Nevertheless, using the FUE method will result in more swelling and a slower recovery. On the fifth day after surgery, the patient can resume their normal routine.

When can I return to my daily routine after a hair transplantation?

Is Hair Transplantation a painfull procedure?

As in all other surgical procedures, the patient can experience some pain during the process of the surgery. However, the pain can be reduced and controlled with local anesthesia. In addition, NFT (needle-free anesthesia) technology will be used, which makes the application of the anesthesia more comfortable.

Will I have pain after the operation?

Is it normal to have pain after a hair transplant surgery? Yes, you can experience a small sensation of pain in the treated area, mostly during the first night after the procedure. The pain can be managed with analgesics. However, many patients didn't need to use medications.

Is one session sufficient for hair transplantation?

This depends entirely on the current state of the person. You can get information by sending us a few photos.

When will the results be visible after a hair transplantation?

The process of recovery and hair growth after the hair transplant operation will be as follows:

The treated area should be washed daily for the first 10 days after the procedure.

Around day 10, the crusts will have fallen off.

By day 21, the implanted grafts will begin to fall out. This shock hair loss will continue until the third month.

The hair will start to grow between days 75 and 120.

Approximately 60% of the hair will have grown by the sixth month, and this will continue progressively until the twelfth month, when the hair will reach its full growth.

Do I have to cut my hair completely before a hair transplantation?

The patient will need to partially or fully shave their head according to the hair transplantation technique to be applied. In the FUE method, the hair must be shaved completely. However, in hair transplantation with the DHI method, only the donor area needs to be shaved to perform the operation.

How much does Hair Transplant cost?

The cost of a hair transplant varies in each country. A capillary transplant surgery, for example, costs around $12,000 to $15,000 in the United States,

7,500 pounds sterling ($10,000) in the United Kingdom,

and 9,000 euros ($8,000) in Europe.

In Turkey, the average cost of this service is $ 3000. Additionally, Estpital Clinic is the FIRST and ONLY clinic in Turkey that offers its patients the option of paying in installments, so that the treatments are accessible to all.

What are the methods used in hair transplantation?

Hair transplant operations have been practiced for more than 20 years. While applying these operations, many methods have been tried from past to present. The 3 most prominent methods are FUT, FUE Channel, Sapphire FUE Channel and DHI Method.

FUT Method

The Fut method It's known as the strip method since the hair follicles are transferred not individually but in clusters. It is considered very primitive today and is hardly used at all.

FUE Canal Method (45-55 Grafts in Cm2)

The FUE Method is actually a way of removing hair follicles, but over time it has become the name of the method that includes both hair follicles removal and canal transplantation stages.

In this method, channels (holes) are opened on the scalp with the help of a sharp and cutting tool for the grafts taken from the donor area. Then the grafts are placed into these hair channels one by one.

Sapphire FUE Canal Method (50-65 Grafts in Cm2)

Since the whole process is the same as the FUE Method, it is the current version of the FUE Method, which has been started to be applied to eliminate the effects of the FUE Method, based on the feedback received from the FUE Method application for many years. The only difference from the traditional FUE method is that the channels opened for the grafts are opened not with a razor, but with the help of a Sapphire Tip razor.

The purpose of Sapphire tip, which is sharp and thin here, is to transplant hair with a more intense frequency and to make recovery faster. In the FUE method, the density is low because the channels can make wider angles. With the help of the sapphire tip, the number of grafts per cm2 expands.

DHI Method (65-85 Grafts in Cm2)

It is the most popular hair transplant method of the last 10 years, developed to eliminate the negative aspects of existing methods as a result of the feedback received from all methods that have been applied from the past to the present.

The biggest difference between the FUE method and hair transplantation is that during hair transplantation, the channels of the grafts are opened and the grafts are placed at the same time. In addition, it means as the best option in terms of scarring and healing speed, since the graft density in cm2 is the highest and no knife or razor is used.

DHI vs FUE

What are the Differences Between DHI and FUE Method?

Density

In traditional methods; Before the procedure, micro channels are opened on the scalp. In order for the grafts will be placed into the larger channels than the graft size must be opened. However, in the DHI method, the pen tips open only graft-sized channels and implant takes place. This enables more intensive implanting in an area of the same size.

A certain distance must be left between the two channels in FUE channel implanting. Otherwise, two or more channels may merge to form a wound line. If this distance is not observed in the FUE canal method, necrosis may occur. In the DHI method, this risk is much less.

Differences in Bleeding Risk

Bleeding is quite small as no cuts are made to the scalp. The scalp becomes less destructive. Accordingly, recovery is much faster.

Examination of Preserva tion of Existing Hair

FUE Canal channels are opened to the scalp before the procedure in transplantation (incision). Meanwhile, existing hair follicles are at risk of being cut and damaged. However, in DHİ Method, transplantation occurs in non-hair areas by visible the existing channels. This makes DHI the only option for patients with hair but complaints of sparseness.

Contact with Hair follicles - Risk of Damage to Grafts

In the FUE method, after the canal is opened, the grafts are held by the follicles with the help of forceps and pushed into the canals. If this process is not applied sensitively, there is a risk of breaking the hair follicles and dying.

In the DHI method, the grafts are securely placed in the DHI pen by holding them from the tip without touching their follicles. The pen first opens the channel where it will place the graft, then pushes the graft from its tip and places it into the space in the channel. In this way, the graft is not damaged during transplantation, and the transplantation process is completed safely.

Postoperation Scar

Since no cuts are made to the scalp, there are no scars after the operation.

Operation Cost DHI vs FUE

The DHI method is a more expensive method because it requires more expertise and experience than FUE canal transplantation. The only disadvantage is its economic aspect compared to the FUE method.

Hair Transplant with DHI Method

Thanks to this method, which is also called "unshaven" and "direct hair transplantation", it is a method in which channel opening and transplantation are performed at the same time. It consists of two stages as extracting the hair from the donor area and Hair Transplantation.

Treatment Time : 6-8 hours
Accommodation : 2 nights hotel
Can unshaven transplantation be done? : Yes
Maximum Density : 65-85 grafts to 1 cm2
Natural Appearance : Proximity to original appearance 80-85%
First Wash : Day 2
Back to Work : Day 3
Recovery Time : Full recovery 10 days

Hair Transplantation Operation Stages with DHI Method

Pre-Preparation (60 Minutes)

Before starting the procedure, the patient is examined and the needs are determined, hair transplantation planning is made and the person is informed about the operation, the procedure is started after blood tests are done.

Anesthesia is applied to the donor area. At this stage, the needle is not used and it is painless. After the donor skin is anesthetized, it is completely numbed with local anesthesia.

Extraction of Grafts from Donor Area (60 Minutes)

Micro motor adı verilen cihaz yardımı ile greftlerin etrafında doku bütünlüğü korunarak boşluklar açılır ve saç derisi ile arasındaki bağı kaldırılır. Aynı anda saç derisinden bağımsızlaştırılan greft penset yardımı ile hassas bir şekilde toplanır. Tüm greftler toplandıktan sonra bir personel greftleri tekli-ikili-üçlü şekilde ayırır ve ayrım işlemi bittiğinde greftler tek tek sayılır.

Hairline Design and Planning - Pause meal during the surgery (45 Minutes)

After the graft extraction and counting process, the doctor plans how many grafts will be transferred to which area over the existing graft amount, and the hairline design is made according to this planning. During the design, the expectations of the patient are also applied. The design should be compatible with patient expectations as well as with medical procedure requirements. After the planning, a break is given for the break menu and other needs.

Hair Transplantation (3-5 Hours)

The grafts taken in accordance with the design and planning are placed one by one in the pens called Choi Implanter Pen and hair transplantation is performed without opening the canal. At the end of the procedure, the donor area is closed by dressing.

Hair Transplantation with Sapphire FUE Method

In Sapphire FUE Transplantation, grafts are collected from the donor area, then channels are opened on the scalp one by one, and the grafts collected from the donor area are placed in these channels. It consists of three stages as Extraction-Micro Channel-Transfer.

Treatment Time : 6-8 hours
Accommodation : 2 nights hotel
Can unshaven transplantation be done? : No
Maximum Density : 50-65 grafts to 1 cm2
Natural Appearance : Proximity to original appearance 70-85%
First Wash : Day 2
Back to Work : Day 5
Recovery Time : Full recovery 15 days

Hair Transplantation Stages with Sapphire FUE Method

Pre-Preparation - Anesthesia (60 Minutes)

Anesthesia is applied to the donor area. At this stage, the needle is not used and it is painless. After the donor skin is anesthetized, it is completely numbed with local anesthesia.

Extraction of Grafts from Donor Area (60 Minutes)

With the help of a device called a micro motor, the grafts are removed from the donor area. At the same time, the graft extracted from the scalp is collected sensitively with the help of forceps. After all the grafts are collected, one of the personnel separates the grafts as single-double-triple and when the separation process is finished, the grafts are counted one by one.

Hairline Design and Planning - Pause meal during the surgery (45 Minutes)

Opening a Channel for Grafts to Be Planted

With the easy and perfect working opportunity offered by the sapphire technique, micro channels are opened to the area to be transferred through the tip of the sapphire pen.

Hair Transplantation (3-5 Hours)

Grafts taken in accordance with the design and planning are placed one by one into the opened channels with the help of forceps.

The questions concerning the operation

How many days do I need for Hair Transplantation?

The DHİ hair transplantation process takes a total of 2 days. After the first day of control and blood tests, the patient is informed about the procedure and the operation is started. Before the procedure, the donor area is shaved, and according to preference, implanting can be done without shaving the implant area.

Can I have breakfast before the Hair Transplant Operation?

You can start the day with a light breakfast before the operation.

How should I dress on the day of the operation?

We recommend that you come to the operation with a button-down shirt or a wide-collared outfit. After this process, it will help you to dress without damaging the scalp. Although the operation varies according to the amount of grafts to be processed, it takes about 6-8 hours. Therefore, we recommend that you wear a comfortable outfit during the operation.

What are our rules regarding the operation?

Accompanying persons are not accepted for the operation, except in obligatory cases. Please be careful not to use the phone or chew gum during the operation.

Pre-operation - About Health Problems

Before the hair transplantation operation, you should inform us about the medications you are taking and your health problems.

How is the washing performed after the operation?

The first wash after the procedure takes place in the clinic. From the 2nd day, washing should be continued one time per day during the first 14 days.

Step 1 - Lotion Application

The emollient lotion moisturizes the skin and softens the crusts.

The lotion is applied to both the transplant area and the donor area. 20 minutes wait.

Step 2 - Shampoo Application

After the procedure, the shampoo given to you is applied to the transplant and donor area with the push-pull method by creating foam between your hands. Friction should be avoided due to the risk of damaging the grafts in the transplant area.

Step 3 - Rinse

Rinsing should not be done with pressurized, hot or cold water. Warm water should be preferred. Water can be poured with the help of a bowl.

Step 4 - Drying

The use of towels should be avoided during drying. When the hair dryer is in cold air mode, the drying process should be completed by using it from a certain distance.

Will I have pain after the operation?

Will I have pain after the operation? The question can often occupy the minds. According to the results of the survey conducted in accordance with the feedback we received from our patients, it was determined that very few headaches were felt only at night when the operation was performed. While these pains can be stopped with simple painkillers, it is known that many patients do not even feel the need to use painkiller tablets.

When will my hair grow after hair transplantation?

The process after hair transplantation is as follows;

Hair is washed every day for the first 10 days after the procedure.

On the 10th day, all the crusts fall off.
On the 21st day, the transplanted hair starts to fall out. This shock hair loss continues until the 3rd month.
Hair growth begins between 75-120 days.
Approximately 60% of all hair in the 6th month,
At the end of the 12th month, it will be completely out.

How is the 1-year process after the Hair Transplant operation?

1.Day

On the 1st day after the operation, the bandage is removed from the donor area in the clinic. The first wash is done. In the meantime, the person is given a very simple washing training.

2-10.Day

Depending the information given in the training, the washing process continues. Itching may occur during this period. Applications that will damage the transplanted grafts should be avoided. Itching is a sign of healing.

10 days

An instructional video is sent to you for shedding the crusts that have formed. Crusts are poured by following the information in this video.

15-20 Days.

During this time, your appearance will completely return to normal. Your hair will achieve its most natural look without leaving any traces of the hair transplant.

30-100. Day

Also known as shock hair loss, it is the stage in which the transplanted hair falls out. During this period, hairloss varies from person to person. With the end of the hairloss process, the growth phase of the hair begins.

120-160 Days

From the 4th month, the growth phase of the hair accelerates. Especially in the 6th month, 60-70% of the expected result is achieved.

160-320 Days

During this period, new hair growth continues to be seen, and the growing hair also becomes stronger and thicker.

What kind of process awaits me after hair transplantation?

After the procedure, the donor area is covered by dressing against the risk of possible infection.

Post-operative process:

Pain ; Pain in the form of pain, which can stopped with simple painkillers, is observed only on the first day.

Swelling : Swelling may continue to decrease for the first 3-5 days after the procedure. After the 5th day, the feeling of swelling and swelling will completely disappear. Since the implanted area is not inflated in the DHI method, it is the method where less swelling is seen the least compared to all other methods.

Itching : It is the most common complaint of our patients, especially after the first 5 days. Itching is a sign of improvement. After the first 5 days, our itching complaint increases as the grafts become unable to move from their places. At this stage, it is very important not to interfere with the implanting area manually and to avoid nail contact.

What are the Risks of Hair Transplantation?

Does Hair Transplantation Have Any Side Effects? It is quite a curious question. Like other medical procedures, hair transplant surgery may have some side effects. Most of these are temporary reactions and should be considered a natural part of the process. What are the most common side effects?

Swelling or bruising
Temporary scarring
Bleeding
Pain
itching
Infection
Scalp laxity

If you experience these side effects, please do not panic and know that they are part of the process. If you experience an infection, you can contact your consultant to convey the issue to your doctor and create a treatment plan for you.

What kind of process awaits me when I come for Hair Transplant?

Let's say you decide to have a hair transplant and make an appointment. You got on the plane and set off to come to Istanbul. What kind of process awaits you from the landing of your plane to the stage of returning to your country and what will you encounter? Here in this article, we answer all these questions.

Arrival! (1. day)

When your flight lands in Istanbul, move to the meeting point indicated by your consultant. The meeting point will usually be at exit 13. In variable situations you will be informed in advance. Tell your name to our teammate waiting with a Q7 banner at exit gate 13. He will accompany you to the VIP shuttle service and help you meet with our driver. (You can watch a summary of the process in the video here) All your local transfers from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the clinic and back to the airport will be carried out by us.

Operation Day (2.day)

Donor Area Control - Graft analysis by dermoscopy - Laboratory Tests - Hairline Design

Before the operation, the donor area will be analyzed in detail by dermoscopy, a hair transplant will be planned in accordance with the donor area and the operation will be started. At the end of the hair transplant operation, which takes about 6 hours, you will be transferred to the hotel to rest comfortably after bandage / dressing.

First Hair Wash and Post Operation Care Training (3. Day)

You will be transferred back to the clinic the day after the operation, usually in the morning, and your first washing and bandage/dressing will be done in our clinic. You will also receive a training that will cover the entire post-transplantation process. We know this training may not be enough for you. Therefore, you will be followed by your consultant for 12 months. You will also continue to receive instructions about your process through our mobile app. Be sure to download our mobile app and don't forget to keep notifications on.

And Finally

Harika! Saç ekimi operasyon süreciniz tamamlandı. Estpital Clinic Transfer Ekibi tarafından uçuş saatinize uygun olarak havalimanına bırakılacaksınız. İyi uçuşlar!

Post-Surgery Support Team!

Our multilingual support team at Estpital Clinic will follow your development and provide you with the necessary support during your healing time. During the healing process, there can sometimes be stressful times. In these cases, you will always have a consultant who can give you the right instructions. You can also share your experience in the Estpital Forum and ask questions to other patients who have had the same experience as you.

What are the methods used in hair transplantation?

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