Our Treatments

Hair Transplant

Hair transplantation involves transferring hair follicles from the donor area, which has genetically resistant hair, to the area experiencing hair loss. Using specialized micro-motor devices, follicles are extracted and transplanted to restore lost or thinning hair. In other words, hair transplantation is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to replace lost or thinning hair.

Turkey has become a global leader in hair transplantation, known for its high success rates, the ability to harvest a large number of grafts in a single session, and competitive pricing. However, since hair transplantation is a surgical procedure, it requires strict adherence to all surgical standards and protocols.

  • Follicular Unit: A group of 2–3 hair strands clustered closely together. In a typical scalp, there are 70–100 follicular units per square centimeter.
  • Micrograft: A small tissue piece containing 1 or 2–3 hair strands, which forms a single follicular unit.
  • Donor Area: The area on the scalp between the ears, where hair is typically resistant to shedding. If necessary, other body areas, such as the beard, chest, or back, may also serve as donor areas.

Hair transplantation is categorized into two methods based on how follicles are extracted from the donor area:

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Method

In the FUE method, hair follicles are extracted individually from the donor area in an evenly distributed pattern using a micro-motor device and micro punches (0.5–0.9 mm in diameter). This method is the most preferred technique in our clinic due to its numerous advantages over the FUT method.

Advantages:

  • The FUE technique does not involve incisions or stitches.
  • It leaves no visible scarring in the donor area.
  • Patients can return to normal activities quickly, often resuming daily life the day after the procedure.
  • FUE allows for the extraction of hair from other areas (such as the beard, chest, back, shoulders, and underarms) if needed.
  • The technique enables the extraction of fine, single follicles, resulting in a denser and more natural appearance.
  • One minor drawback of the FUE technique is the requirement to shave the entire donor area short (number 1 or shorter).
  • FUE allows for more grafts to be harvested and produces more natural-looking results.
  • In the FUT method, some follicles may be damaged during the process of preparing grafts from scalp tissue, reducing the number of viable grafts. In contrast, the FUE method minimizes this type of damage and ensures a higher graft survival rate.
  • Recovery time with FUE is significantly shorter than with FUT. The small incisions in FUE heal within days, while the larger incisions in FUT take longer to heal. Additionally, the tension in the donor area after FUT can restrict head movement, a discomfort not associated with the FUE method.

Male Hair Loss Patterns (Norwood Classification)
The Norwood Classification plays a vital role in hair transplant planning. This classification helps specialists determine the number of grafts, the transplant areas, and the most suitable technique based on the patient’s hair loss stage.

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) Method

In the FUT method, a narrow strip of skin is removed from the donor area (between the ears). This strip is then meticulously dissected under a microscope into individual hair follicles. The donor area is sutured to close the wound.

Drawbacks of the FUT method include visible scarring in the donor area, the need for stitches, potential numbness in the incision area (lasting for months), and more post-operative discomfort. Additionally, the method yields fewer grafts. Due to these disadvantages, the FUT method has largely been replaced by the FUE method.

Male Hair Loss Patterns (Norwood Classification)

The Norwood Classification plays a vital role in hair transplant planning. This classification helps specialists determine the number of grafts, the transplant areas, and the most suitable technique based on the patient’s hair loss stage.

  • Stage 1 (Minimal Hair Loss): There is no significant hair loss or noticeable recession of the hairline. Minimal hair loss is present, and no surgical intervention is needed.
  • Stage 2 (Receding Hairline): The hairline around the temples recedes by approximately 1–2 cm. This stage is also called mild hair loss. Surgery is not required unless desired by the individual.
  • Stage 3 (Deep Receding Hairline): The hairline recedes deeply at both temples, forming an M, U, or V shape. These areas may be sparse or completely bald. This is the first stage in the Norwood classification where hair transplantation may be considered.
  • Stage 3 Vertex (Receding Hairline with Crown Thinning): The hairline remains at Stage 2, but significant thinning or hair loss is present at the crown (top of the head).
  • Stage 4 (Frontal and Crown Hair Loss): The receding hairline is more advanced than Stage 2, with sparse or no hair at the crown. The two areas of hair loss are separated by a hair band that connects the hair on the sides.
  • Stage 5 (Widened Frontal and Crown Hair Loss): The two balding areas are larger than in Stage 4 but are still separated by a narrower, sparse band of hair.
  • Stage 6 (Advanced Hair Loss): The balding areas at the temples merge with the crown, and the hair band on top of the head is mostly gone or significantly thinned.
  • Stage 7 (Severe Hair Loss): This is the most severe stage, with near-total baldness on the scalp and only a thin strip of hair remaining at the back of the head.

Hair Loss Stages for Women (Ludwig Classification)

  • Type 1 (Mild Thinning): This is an early stage of hair loss with the front hairline preserved. Hair loss can be easily concealed with good styling. No surgical intervention is required.
  • Type 2 (Moderate Thinning): Significant thinning is visible in the middle part of the scalp, and hair volume is reduced. The front hairline remains intact. Hair transplantation may be considered if hair at the sides and back is healthy.
  • Type 3 (Advanced Thinning): The scalp is visible on the crown, and the front hairline is affected by hair loss. Hair thinning is widespread and pronounced. Hair transplantation is generally recommended.

COLD CUSTODIOL GRAFT PRESERVATION METHOD

Custodiol solution is a preservation solution used for the protection of organs like the heart, liver, pancreas, and kidneys immediately after removal from the body for transplantation. With a carefully balanced composition of electrolytes and amino acids, it provides excellent cellular nutrition and protection by maintaining a stable pH and osmolarity at 2–8 degrees Celsius.

Custodiol solution is relatively expensive and challenging to obtain in Turkey, so its use in hair transplantation procedures is not yet widespread.

 0-6 Hours6-12 Hours
 Viability RateViability Rate
Custodiol%98%95
Saline%85%25

Since we harvest a large number of grafts using the FUE technique at our clinic, the collected grafts are successfully preserved in Cold Custodiol solution, significantly minimizing graft loss.