Sapphire FUE
Following FUE graft harvesting, sapphire-tipped blades are used to create recipient-site channels before graft placement. The channel plan is designed around the intended angle, direction and distribution of transplanted hair.
Hair Transplant and Hair Restoration in Istanbul
Meva Clinic provides hair transplant and restoration within its clinical care structure in Istanbul. Following donor and hair-loss assessment, the responsible licensed medical professional determines whether Sapphire FUE, DHI or a selected unshaven technique is appropriate, with individualized hairline planning and structured aftercare.
Clinical Overview
Hair restoration at Meva Clinic in Istanbul begins with an assessment of the hair-loss pattern, scalp condition, donor-area capacity and treatment goals. The responsible licensed medical professional uses these findings to determine candidacy, plan graft distribution and design a hairline that reflects facial proportions and the available donor supply. Treatment options may include Sapphire FUE hair transplant, Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), selected unshaven hair transplant techniques and a mixed hair transplant approach when different implantation workflows are appropriate for different areas. No single method is suitable for every patient; the recommended technique and graft plan depend on clinical findings, donor limitations and realistic density goals. The comparison below provides a high-level guide, while each treatment page explains its procedure-specific considerations.
How Hair Transplant Techniques Are Selected
Sapphire FUE, DHI, unshaven and mixed techniques describe different parts or combinations of the extraction, recipient-site preparation and implantation workflow. Selection depends on donor capacity, the area being treated, existing hair, the preferred shaving approach and clinical assessment. No technique is universally superior, and the final method may differ from the option initially requested.
Explore Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant
DHI
DHI uses implanter pens for graft placement rather than defining a separate donor-harvesting method. Depending on the clinical plan, it may be used for controlled placement between existing hairs or in localized areas.
Unshaven Hair Transplant
Selected unshaven approaches use limited shaving or concealed donor-area trimming. Suitability depends on hair length, donor access, graft requirements and the recipient area.
Mixed Hair Transplant Approach
A mixed approach combines more than one recipient-site or implantation workflow within the same treatment plan—for example, one approach for frontal hairline planning and another for density—when assessment supports a combined strategy.
For a detailed explanation of harvesting and implantation differences, review the comparison guide.Compare DHI and FUE Hair Transplant Methods
Available Procedures
Meva Mixed Technique (Sapphire + DHI)
A hybrid hair restoration technique combining Sapphire FUE for hairline planning and DHI for density planning based on donor capacity.
Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant
Recipient-site channel creation using sapphire-tipped blades during Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) procedures in Istanbul, Turkey.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
No-shave option available. High-density implantation using the specialized Choi Pen for faster healing.
DHI vs FUE Hair Transplant
Compare DHI and Sapphire FUE by donor harvesting, graft-placement workflow, hairline planning, recovery and suitability. Meva Clinic selects the technique according to donor capacity, recipient-area needs and long-term treatment priorities.
Unshaven Hair Transplant
Compare full-unshaven, partial-shave and concealed donor-trim hair transplant options in Istanbul. Meva Clinic plans the shaving strategy and placement workflow according to donor access, native hair density and long-term treatment priorities.
Eyebrow Transplant (Meva Secret)
Micro-grafting of multi-follicles into single units. Our specialists design using the Golden Ratio and 10-15 degree natural angles.
Donor Assessment and Individualized Hairline Planning
A clinically appropriate hair transplant plan balances the recipient area with the amount of donor hair that can be used without unnecessarily weakening the donor region. The responsible licensed medical professional evaluates donor density and distribution, hair calibre, scalp condition, previous harvesting and the extent and pattern of thinning before recommending a graft plan.
Donor-Area Capacity
Usable donor supply depends on more than visible density. Distribution, hair characteristics, previous extraction and the need to preserve a natural appearance at the back and sides of the scalp all influence how many grafts may be considered for treatment.
Recipient Area and Coverage Priorities
The size and location of thinning influence how grafts may be allocated between the hairline, frontal area, mid-scalp and crown. Treating every area at the same density may not be feasible when donor capacity is limited.
Individualized Hairline Design
Hairline position, shape and density are planned in relation to facial proportions, existing hair, age, likely progression and the available donor supply rather than a fixed template.
Treatment Scope and Graft Planning
A requested graft number or technique may change after assessment. When donor capacity is limited, the plan may prioritize specific areas, use a staged approach or defer treatment.
Online photographs may support a preliminary review, but they do not replace examination of donor quality, scalp condition and the hair-loss pattern. Final candidacy, technique and graft planning remain with the responsible licensed medical professional.
Hair Transplant Recovery and Growth Timeline
Hair transplant recovery is typically fast during the early healing stage, while visible growth develops progressively over the following months. Meva Clinic provides a structured aftercare pathway, with the wash schedule and follow-up plan tailored to the procedure, treated area and individual scalp response.
Initial Protection and First Wash (Days 1–3)
The donor and recipient areas are protected while early healing begins. The first gentle wash is usually planned within the first few postoperative days and demonstrated by the clinical team, with clear instructions to avoid rubbing, pressure, scratching or pulling.
Crust Care and Early Healing (Days 3–14)
Temporary redness, mild swelling and small surface crusts may be present during early healing. Gentle cleansing according to the aftercare instructions helps the crusts soften and shed gradually without force.
Temporary Shedding Phase (Weeks 2–8)
Some transplanted hair shafts—and occasionally nearby native hairs—may shed as the follicles move through a temporary resting phase. This is a common stage of the post-treatment hair cycle and is followed by gradual regrowth.
Regrowth and Maturation (Months 3–18)
New growth typically begins from the third or fourth month, becomes increasingly visible from around month six and continues to gain calibre, coverage and visual density throughout the maturation period.
Recovery and growth timelines vary according to the technique, treated area, individual hair cycle and healing response. Eyebrow transplantation and selected unshaven procedures follow area-specific or technique-specific aftercare instructions.
Who May Be Suitable for Hair Transplantation?
Hair transplantation is not appropriate for every type or stage of hair loss. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, donor-area capacity, scalp health, medical history, previous procedures and realistic expectations. Photographs can support a preliminary review, but final suitability and treatment scope require clinical assessment by the responsible licensed medical professional.
A diagnosed hair-loss pattern for which transplantation is considered clinically appropriate.
A donor area with enough usable capacity for the intended coverage while preserving a natural appearance in the donor region.
A healthy or appropriately managed scalp; active inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune or scarring conditions may require treatment or specialist evaluation before surgery.
Men and women may be considered when the diagnosis and donor pattern support transplantation; diffuse or rapidly changing thinning requires closer assessment.
Medical history, medication use and previous procedures reviewed for factors that may affect candidacy, healing or timing.
Realistic expectations about density, coverage priorities, ongoing loss in non-transplanted hair and the limits of the available donor supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair transplantation performed under local anesthesia?
Yes. Hair transplantation is performed under local anesthesia so the donor and recipient areas remain numb during graft extraction and placement. A brief stinging or pressure sensation can occur while the anesthesia is administered, but the procedure itself is designed to remain comfortable, with the Meva Clinic clinical team monitoring the patient throughout.
How long can transplanted hair follicles continue to grow?
Follicles selected from clinically appropriate donor areas generally preserve their donor characteristics after transplantation and are intended to continue producing hair over the long term once successfully established. Transplantation does not stop aging or future thinning in untreated native hair, which is why donor planning and long-term follow-up remain important.
Can a hair transplant be performed without shaving the whole scalp?
Yes, selected candidates may be suitable for an unshaven, partial-shave or concealed donor-window approach. Suitability depends on hair length, donor access, the number of grafts required and the recipient area. The final shaving plan and technique are determined after clinical assessment.
What happens during temporary shedding or shock loss after a hair transplant?
Some transplanted hair shafts and, in certain cases, nearby native hairs may shed during the weeks after treatment. This temporary shedding is a recognized part of the post-treatment hair cycle and does not by itself mean that the transplant has failed. New growth develops progressively over the following months.
When does transplanted hair start growing, and when are final results assessed?
Early new growth typically begins from around the third or fourth month. More noticeable coverage and improvement in hair calibre usually develop from around month six, while maturation may continue for 12 to 18 months depending on the treated area, individual hair cycle and treatment scope.
When is the first wash performed after a hair transplant?
The first wash is usually planned within the first few postoperative days. The exact timing and method depend on the procedure and early healing assessment. Patients are shown how to cleanse the donor and recipient areas gently and how to manage surface crusts without rubbing, scratching or pulling.
Free Clinical Consultation
Our board-certified medical coordinators offer confidential evaluations. Receive your cost estimation and clinical protocol promptly.
WhatsApp Consultation