Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that involves extracting hair follicles from the safe donor area individually and implanting said hair follicles into the recipient area one at a time. Although the FUE hair transplant method is more time-intensive, it results in minimal, non-visible scarring and shorter recovery periods. Patients who choose the FUE method can expect more natural looking results. It is the preferred method of hair transplantation of qualified dermatologists across the world.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant is a cutting-edge medical procedure employed for treating hair loss. Since its initial development in 2004, the FUE technique has undergone significant advancements. Notably, the introduction of motor-based FUE in 2010 revolutionized the field of hair transplants. Today, it stands as the most popular and favored technique among doctors worldwide, including renowned Turkish doctors like Dr. Civas and Dr. Akpınar.
One of the primary reasons behind the global preference for the FUE hair transplant technique is its minimally invasive nature, resulting in minimal scarring. Patients also benefit from reduced pain and shorter recovery times. Additionally, the FUE hair transplant technique allows for the utilization of hair from alternative donor areas like the chest or beard, benefiting those with weaker donor areas.
Dr. Civas has been using the FUE hair transplant technique in Turkey since 2006. Back in 2006, hair transplant procedures allowed for the extraction of approximately 1500-2000 grafts per session. However, with the advent of motor-based FUE hair transplant in 2010, Dr. Civas can now extract 2700-4000 grafts per session, depending on the patient's safe donor area.
During FUE hair transplantation, skilled surgeons meticulously harvest individual follicular units (FUs) from the designated safe donor area. Using 0.6mm-1.0mm punches, these surgeons create small, circular incisions around the upper portion of the graft, enabling the direct and intact extraction of hair follicles.
The primary advantage of FUE hair transplant, when compared to the traditional FUT method, lies in its lack of a linear scar in the donor region. This feature makes it an ideal choice for patients who prefer short haircuts, as there is no visible scarring. Additionally, individuals with a very tight scalp, which may not be suitable for FUT hair transplant, can benefit from FUE hair transplant. Furthermore, those who have previously undergone a FUT hair transplant can opt for FUE hair transplant to conceal the existing scar effectively.
The FUE hair transplant technique stands as the most popular and effective solution for treating hair loss and baldness. Here's how FUE hair transplant works:
In 2004, Dr. Jim Harris introduced the 3-Step FUE technique during his presentation at the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). This innovative technique marked a significant advancement in the field of hair restoration, thanks to the addition of a crucial step known as "Blunt Dissection."
Here's an overview of the new 3-Step FUE hair transplant procedure:
Step I: The skilled surgeon initiates the procedure by using a sharp tool, also referred to as a punch to score epidermis, specifically targeting the uppermost layer of the skin.
Step II: Subsequently, in the second step, the surgeon employs a blunt punch. This instrument plays a crucial role in separating the follicular units from the deeper dermal layers.
Step III: Finally, in the third step, the doctor delicately removes the follicular grafts from the scalp, utilizing fine forceps.
The 3-Step FUE hair transplant technique represents a substantial improvement over the older methods due to its ability to minimize trauma to the hair follicles. This is achieved through the use of a blunt-tipped punch, which gently pushes the follicles together, significantly reducing the risk of accidental severing them.
This is a crucial part of the hair transplant surgery for achieving the desired result. A skilled hair transplant surgeon should possess the expertise to meticulously design the hairline and determine the precise angulation of incisions to ensure that the outcomes are virtually undetectable. Please keep in mind that hair transplant surgery requires both medical expertise and artistic skills. That’s why finding a highly skilled hair transplant surgeon is essential.
Experts in the field of FUE hair transplant surgery, Dr. Civas and Dr. Akpınar have each made a substantial impact on the industry. Their extensive experience includes interactions with a multitude of hair loss patients and the successful performance of numerous hair transplant procedures in Turkey.
Dr. Civas, with over two decades of invaluable experience, has honed his skills to perfection. Throughout the years, he has developed his own modified FUE hair transplant technique, which he applies with exceptional success at his clinic in Turkey. Dr. Akpınar also employs the same modified FUE technique, consistently delivering outstanding results to his patients.
Dr. Civas' modified FUE hair transplant technique is simple yet highly effective. In this technique, hair follicles are meticulously harvested one by one from the donor area. This is achieved by creating tiny incisions around the hair and extracting them with specialized punches.
We recommend the modified FUE hair transplant technique for the following reasons:
Key features of the modified FUE hair transplant technique:
A Sapphire FUE hair transplant is a variation of the traditional FUE hair transplant technique. Instead of conventional steel blades, this innovative approach utilizes sapphire blades to create incisions on the scalp. During a Sapphire FUE hair transplant, microchannels are opened in the recipient area, and the grafts are then inserted in these micro channels.
The Sapphire FUE hair transplant method offers several notable advantages:
Sapphire FUE hair transplants stand out due to their utilization of specially crafted sapphire blades in place of traditional steel blades for creating scalp incisions during the implantation process. These sapphire blades feature a unique V-shaped tip, distinct from the U-shaped tip of steel blades. This distinctive shape plays an essential role in achieving exceptional precision during incisions, resulting in smaller channels. Notably, this precision eliminates the risk of disturbing neighboring hair follicles and significantly reduces scarring during hair transplant procedures.
While it's important to acknowledge that all incisions made during a hair transplant procedure will inevitably result in some degree of scarring, the good news is that Sapphire FUE hair transplants tend to leave scarring that is nearly unnoticable. However, the overall success of a hair transplant relies on various factors, including the surgeon's expertise, the quality of donor hair, skin structure, and more. As such, it is advisable to have a thorough discussion about the procedure's details with your surgeon.
The duration of a Sapphire FUE hair transplant procedure is influenced by the number of grafts requiring extraction and transplantation. On average, the procedure typically takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. However, if a larger number of grafts need to be harvested and transplanted, the surgery may extend beyond this timeframe to ensure precision and meticulous care.
There are several parameters that help determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a Sapphire FUE hair transplant procedure:
U-FUE, or Unshaven FUE hair transplant, is an innovative modification of the traditional FUE hair transplant technique. During this procedure, hair follicles are skillfully implanted in the recipient area without the need to shave the patient's existing hair. In contrast, the classic FUE hair transplant method typically requires shaving all hair to facilitate graft extraction and implantation, as most hair transplant equipment is designed to work on shaved hair.
Several variations of U-FUE hair transplants are currently practiced:
These variations of Unshaven FUE hair transplants require more time and precision and are therefore, limited in terms of the number of grafts that can be harvested in one session.
The primary advantage of U-FUE hair transplantation is its significant reduction in downtime and detectability. However, there is still a slim chance of traces of the hair transplant being noticeable in the recipient area. Patients with long hair may be able to conceal scabs and redness with their existing hair. It's important to note that this method requires more time and is generally less graft-intensive. Due to its complexity and the level of skill required, U-FUE hair transplant procedures tend to be more expensive. To achieve the best possible results, we strongly recommend consulting an experienced surgeon who specializes in U-FUE hair transplant procedures.
At Civas Hair Transplant Clinic in Turkey, the cost of a U-FUE hair transplant is €1.5 per graft. It's important to note that the average number of grafts that can be transplanted using this method typically ranges from 2000 to 2500 grafts.
Dr. Civas and Dr. Akpınar advise that for patients requiring a higher number of grafts, more traditional methods of FUE hair transplants may be a more suitable option. U-FUE hair transplant procedures are limited in terms of the number of grafts that can be harvested compared to other hair transplant methods.
Patients often choose the Unshaven FUE hair transplant technique for the following reasons:
These compelling reasons make Unshaven FUE hair transplant a popular choice for patients seeking hair restoration while addressing their specific needs and preferences.
Robotic FUE hair transplant is an advanced modification of the traditional FUE hair transplant technique, harnessing technology for improved efficiency and precision. In this method, a micromotor is attached to the punch device, facilitating the extraction of grafts from the donor area. This technological innovation significantly accelerates the harvesting process, with the capability to extract approximately 1000 grafts in just one hour.
It's important to note that the robotic FUE hair transplant technique is continually evolving. For instance, computer-assisted robotic FUE hair transplant systems utilize image processing capabilities to meticulously select the healthiest grafts for transplantation.
However, it's crucial to highlight that the success of robotic FUE hair transplants depends significantly on the experience and expertise of the surgeon and the team. Inexperienced physicians or nurse technicians may cause issues such as low graft survival rates and visible scarring. Additionally, improper handling of the device may lead to graft damage due to heat emission.
One of the most renowned and advanced robotic systems used in robotic FUE hair transplant procedures is the ARTAS System. This device's specifications can be customized by the surgeon to align with the patient's unique hair characteristics and requirements. The robot then extracts grafts swiftly and accurately, and it can even be utilized to create recipient incisions where the grafts will ultimately be placed. The key advantage of robotic FUE hair transplant lies in its increased precision, reducing the risk of human error.
It's essential for patients to choose experienced and skilled surgeons and clinics to ensure the best possible outcomes when opting for robotic FUE hair transplant procedures.
Robotic FUE hair transplants offer numerous advantages, making them an attractive choice for many patients seeking hair restoration:
Consistent Graft Extraction: The robotic system consistently extracts and preserves grafts with the utmost care, guaranteeing the availability of high-quality grafts for transplantation.
Reduced Fatigue: Surgeons and their teams experience less physical fatigue during the hair transplant procedure, which significantly reduces the likelihood of human error.
Post-operative care is essential for the success of a FUE hair transplant. Proper care must be taken to ensure that the transplanted follicles grow, and the patient achieves the best possible results.
Post-FUE Hair Transplant Care on the First Night
After undergoing an FUE hair transplant procedure, it's essential for patients to follow these important guidelines on the first night for a comfortable and smooth recovery:
Following these guidelines on the first night post-FUE hair transplant can contribute to a smoother and more comfortable recovery process.
Post-FUE Hair Transplant Care at Two Weeks
Two weeks following an FUE hair transplant surgery, patients are advised to follow these essential guidelines for a successful and comfortable recovery:
Following these guidelines at the two-week mark post-FUE hair transplant helps ensure proper healing and optimal results.
I visited Dr Civas’ Hair Transplangt Center twice; first time in 2021 and recently in February 2023. I was referred to the clinic by a friend who had a great experience a{...}
12.08.2023I have just had a hair transplant and am amazed by the professionalism and super service, from the first contact to the operation and following checkups. Everyone has bee{...}
07.09.2023The trip to Ankara and the clinic was great. The clinic staff was friendly and took good care of me throughout the trip. A little over a year has passed since the operati{...}
07.09.2023