
What is Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant?
As a scientific breakthrough and medical advancement in the field of hair transplant, Sapphire FUE, by definition, refers to a percutaneous technique where special superfine needles-equipped sapphire blades are used to make the surgical incisions required for the opening up of the channels instead of traditional slits in the micro FUE. While Sapphire FUE shares plenty of commonalities with micro FUE in the sense that each follicular unit is excised with a micro-punch and moved from the donor area to the recipient area during the extraction phase in both micro FUE and Sapphire FUE, eliminating the need for the removal of a strip of tissue in FUT, the key difference between Sapphire FUE and micro FUE lies in the medical tool employed for the creation of the recipient area during the channel opening phase. The diameter of the sapphire blades with superfine needles used in the channel opening phase ranges from 0.3 cm to 0.5 cm, ensuring precision and minimum degree of invasiveness.
As a trailblazing firm operating in the Turkish health tourism sector which has been a vanguard in the introduction of various medical innovations in medical aesthetics, Vera Clinic pioneered the invention of the groundbreaking Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant technique back in 2017 and since then, Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Turkey has enjoyed widespread application on a global scale ever since.

For more detailed information about the Sapphire FUE method at Vera Clinic, find out more here.
Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant vs FUE Hair Transplant
Despite the plenty of commonalities shared by Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant and FUE Hair Transplant, the type and diameter of blade used in Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant makes a huge difference in terms of meeting the criteria such as density, natural frontal hairline, fast recovery and minimizing the post-op complications which could arise from the traumatic experience that the scalp tissue undergoes due to the surgical incisions during the channel opening phase of Hair Transplant Turkey surgery.
Below is a comprehensive juxtaposition between Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant and FUE Hair Transplant:
- High Density and Natural Appearance: The sapphire blade, with a diameter 0.2 units smaller than the slit, allows the surgeon to create channels much closer together. This results in increased density and a more natural appearance in the transplanted hair.
- Reduced Tissue Damage and Faster Recovery: Unlike conventional stainless steel slits that can become blunt, sapphire blades maintain sharpness for an extended period. This reduces the risk of tissue damage during channel creation and minimizes scab formation. Consequently, Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant offers a quicker recovery time of 7-10 days, compared to the 10-15 days required for traditional FUE Hair Transplant.
- Lower Likelihood of Postoperative Complications: The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of sapphire blades contribute to a decreased risk of infection during the surgical procedure, enhancing overall safety and reducing post-operative complications.
What is DHI Hair Transplant?
Similar to Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant, DHI Hair Transplant is a specific type of FUE Hair Transplant method where individual hair grafts are extracted and directly implanted into the recipient area without the need for surgical incisions during channel opening. This technique, facilitated by the Choi Implanter Pen, streamlines the process into two phases. The graft is loaded into the pen, and the skin is pierced, allowing for simultaneous channel opening and graft implantation. DHI Hair Transplant is known for its labor-intensive nature.
Notably, the Choi Implanter Pen plays a crucial role in minimizing the procedure to two phases. The graft is placed in the pen, and as the skin is pierced, the graft is directly inserted into the skin. This allows for the synchronization of channel opening and graft implantation. In specific cases, DHI Hair Transplant permits an unshaven hair transplant, maintaining the natural appearance of areas beyond the donor and recipient regions both during and after surgery. It is particularly suitable for precise hair transplant cases and individuals who fall lower on the Norwood Scale, preferring to keep their hair length intact.
Here are some of the key aspects that the patients ought to take into consideration before they pick up what technique they would like to go with.
1) DHI Hair Transplant is frequently used in densification surgeries.
2) DHI Hair Transplant is not preferable in cases where more than 2500 grafts are extracted from the donor area.
Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant vs DHI Hair Transplant
Properties | Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant | DHI Hair Transplant |
Diameter | 0.5 mm | 0.8 mm |
Number of Grafts Per cm2 | Up to 80 grafts | Up to 70 grafts |
Operation Time | 6-8 hours | 10 hours |
Number of Grafts Per Session | 7000 | up to 4000 |
Recovery | 7-10 days | 10-15 days |
Tissue Damage and Scar Formation | Minimum | Minimum |
Unshaven Hair Transplant | No | Yes |
Figure 1: Sapphire FUE vs DHI
- Diameter: As the diameter of the sapphire blades is 0.3 mm smaller than Choi Implanter Pen, sapphire blades can open up much more channels much closer to each other, thus providing higher density and precision when compared to Choi Implanter Pen used in DHI Hair Transplant.
- Number of Grafts Per cm2: In relation to the diameter, number of grafts per cm2 -which is a quantifiable measure of density- is higher in Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant (up to 80 grafts) in comparison to DHI Hair Transplant (up to 70 grafts).
- Operation Time: As DHI Hair Transplant allows for simultaneous grooving and implantation as a labor-intensive technique; it takes longer by a narrow margin relative to Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant and it potentially reduces the downtime of the extracted grafts which are deprived of proper blood-feeding between the extraction phase and channel opening phase, thus contributing to an incremental increase in the graft preservation rate.
- Number of Grafts Per Session: As the diameter of Choi Implanter Pen is greater than the sapphire blades, DHI Hair Transplant is frequently applied to spot-on cases where there is partial loss of hair density in the frontal region for the purpose of densification, thus not exceeding 2500 grafts per session. However, the diameter of sapphire blades enable the surgeon/doctor who performs Hair Transplant Turkey surgery to reach up to 7000 grafts per session.
- Recovery/Tissue Damage and Scar Formation: Due to the length of the operation time, the recovery phase lasts longer in DHI Hair Transplant by a narrow margin (10-15 days) whereas the recovery phase is reduced to 7-10 days thanks to the ability of the sapphire blades to retain their sharpness for a relatively long time without becoming blunt over excessive use.
- Unshaven Hair Transplant: As DHI Hair Transplant is aimed at spot-on densification, it allows for unshaven hair transplant except for donor area and recipient area, whereas that is not the case in Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant.
While making a well-informed decision between Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Turkey and DHI Hair Transplant Turkey, it is crucial to take into consideration the expertise of the surgeon/doctor who is going to perform Hair Transplant Turkey surgery, clinic’s reputation, specific needs of the case at hand with respect to the size of bald areas on the scalp, the quality of the donor hair grafts and individual preferences/expectations. So, both Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant and DHI Hair Transplant have their own merits as demonstrated above. In this respect, it is highly recommended for the patients to request a one-on one consultation with an expert surgeon/doctor to determine whether Sapphire FUE or DHI is the most appropriate technique to proceed with by a case-specific approach.
Eligibility For a Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant
Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant which is also known as Diamond Hair Transplant is a hair loss solution that must be carefully considered based on case-specific variables. There are several factors that impact on whether a patient is eligible for Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Turkey or not.
Firstly, individuals with a compromised donor area lacking a sufficient number of hair grafts to cover desired bald spots densely are not suitable candidates for Diamond Hair Transplant Turkey.
Secondly, those with minimal and localized hair loss, where extensive bald spots haven’t developed, may not be appropriate candidates for Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Turkey. Performing the procedure in areas with partial hair loss that doesn’t result in visible bald patches is avoided to prevent potential damage to existing hair grafts due to surgical incisions during channel opening.
Thirdly, individuals with certain medical conditions may be excluded from undergoing Diamond Hair Transplant in some cases. Here are some of the medical conditions that prevents a patient from getting Diamond Hair Transplant Turkey done below;
1) Cardiovascular Diseases: Individuals with a history of cardiovascular diseases, encompassing conditions like heart attack, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and abnormal heart rhythms, are generally not considered suitable candidates for Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant. This exclusion is primarily due to the direct impact of cardiovascular diseases on blood circulation in the recipient site, potentially leading to significant complications during or after the Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant surgery. However, an exception is made for patients with hypertension under specific circumstances. If a patient with hypertension is effectively managing their condition with medications, it is advisable for them to consult their medical doctor and obtain consent to determine their eligibility for Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Turkey surgery.
2) Diabetes: For individuals with diabetes undergoing Diamond Hair Transplant, meticulous monitoring of blood glucose levels is imperative throughout the minimum 6-hour duration of the surgery. If a patient with diabetes exhibits a blood sugar level exceeding %7.5-8, there is a heightened level of risk associated with proceeding with Diamond Hair Transplant surgery. Consequently, it is strongly advised that individuals falling into this category refrain from undergoing Diamond Hair Transplant Turkey surgery without obtaining explicit consent from their medical doctor.
3) Thyroid Dysfunction: Proper thyroid hormone levels are crucial for the development and maintenance of existing hair grafts on the scalp. Individuals with thyroid dysfunction are generally deemed ineligible for Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Turkey unless the thyroid issue has been adequately treated prior to the date of the surgery. The rationale behind this is that thyroid dysfunction can lead to a widespread loss of hair grafts across the entire scalp, resulting in a uniformly sparse appearance. Moreover, thyroid dysfunction hinders the regeneration of hair grafts in the recipient area.
4) Alopecia Areata: Alopecia Areata is characterized by localized bald patches forming in circular patterns on the scalp. This condition has the potential to extend to other areas where hair grafts are present, such as the chest, mustache, beard, in addition to the scalp. Diamond Hair Transplant surgery is not a viable solution for treating Alopecia Areata. The primary treatment options for Alopecia Areata involve steroid injections or medication-based approaches, following the guidance of a dermatologist.
There are some other medical conditions that determine whether or not a patient is eligible for Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Turkey surgery such as but not limited to; pregnancy, certain types of allergies hepatitis and HIV etc.
Why Choose Istanbul/Turkey for Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant?
Turkey has rapidly become a leading destination for medical tourism, attracting international patients seeking a variety of medical services due to its advantageous geographic location bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Here are some of the factors that make Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Istanbul/Turkey worthwhile;
1) Accreditation of Healthcare Facilities and Standardization of Quality: In the early 21st century, Turkey implemented a comprehensive healthcare reform program, focusing on equitable distribution of qualified medical personnel, increased healthcare facilities, and enhanced medical equipment. This resulted in improved living conditions, including reduced infant mortality and heightened satisfaction with the health system. The Ministry of Health initiated the accreditation of healthcare facilities, positioning Turkey among the top three countries globally with the highest number of accredited facilities. The success of these reforms, demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, underscores Turkey’s resilience in delivering public health services.
2) Active Participation and Follow-up in R&D Studies: Public and private healthcare facilities, along with leading medical faculties, actively participate in research and development studies with government support. Collaborations with renowned healthcare organizations such as John Hopkins Medicine and Harvard Medical School have led to significant medical advancements. Turkey’s contributions include pioneering achievements like the world’s first successful face transplant surgery in 2012 and innovations in hair transplant techniques like Oxycure Therapy and Sapphire FUE introduced by Vera Clinic in 2017.
3) Advanced Human Capital: Turkey’s emergence as a medical tourism hub is attributed to its well-educated medical professionals. With over 70 medical faculties, the country educates medical undergraduates through a rigorous six-year program. The Turkish Ministry of Health ensures the quality of medical personnel through regular inspections of private healthcare facilities. Additionally, Turkey benefits from medical professionals who have graduated from reputable international medicine colleges.
4) First-Class Quality at Economy-Class Price: Turkey’s popularity is not only due to the quality of medical services and advanced equipment but also its competitive pricing. Medical aesthetic procedures like hair transplants, dental, and plastic surgeries are more affordable compared to developed countries. Reduced waiting times and inclusive services like hotel accommodation and transportation make Turkey an attractive choice for international patients.
5) Diversity of Natural and Historical Beauties: Turkey’s rich history and cultural heritage contribute to its appeal as a medical tourism destination. Historical sites, including the ancient Gobekli Tepe, offer a unique touristic experience. Istanbul, with landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, stands out. The country’s thermal resources further enhance the medical experience, ranking Turkey 1st in Europe and 7th globally.
In conclusion, Turkey’s ascent as a significant medical tourism hub is the result of comprehensive healthcare reforms, commitment to research and development, advanced human capital, affordable high-quality medical services, and a blend of natural and historical wonders. These factors collectively position Turkey as a preferred destination for international patients seeking exceptional medical care in a culturally diverse environment.
Why Choose Vera Clinic for Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant?
- Vera Clinic provides counseling services such as airport transfer, 5-star hotel accommodation, translators to the international patients throughout the process
- Vera Clinic received 2021 European Award in Medicine in the category of Hair Transplant Surgery
- Vera Clinic’s medical team comprises highly qualified doctors and surgeons who synthesize scientific professionalism and aesthetics with 15 years of expertise and experience.
- As a reputable brand, Vera Clinic has operated on over 40,000 patients from all around the world since 2013.
- Vera Clinic provides superior-quality patient care and customer satisfaction services from the beginning of the first contact with the patient up until the end of the post-op process (18 months).
- Vera Clinic has state of the art facilities with the most cutting-edge medical equipment.
- Vera Clinic functions as the pioneer of breakthroughs in the field of medical aesthetics as is seen in the invention of Sapphire FUE and Oxycure Therapy.
FAQs
How Does Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant 5000 Grafts Results Look Like?
To get a clear understanding of how Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant 5000 grafts results look like, one ought to formulate an idea as to the coverage ratio that could possibly be obtained with the implantation of 5000 grafts using Sapphire FUE method. A general estimate suggests that the implantation of 5000 hair grafts is typically sufficient to cover the frontal hairline, mid-scalp, and crown area. It is crucial to note, however, that the effectiveness of covering bald areas with 5000 hair grafts is contingent upon factors such as the quality of the grafts, the condition of the donor area, and ultimately, the patient’s expectations regarding the density of the recipient area.
It’s of great importance to acknowledge that the specific coverage ratio achieved with 5000 Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant 5000 grafts results Turkey varies from individual to individual, and each case is unique. To determine the precise number of grafts needed for the desired coverage on the scalp, individuals planning a hair transplant surgery in Turkey are advised to seek a personalized one-on-one consultation with the doctor or surgeon. During this consultation, the doctor or surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment of the quality of hair grafts and scalp tissue, providing a more accurate account of what can be achieved with the implantation of 5000 hair grafts in terms of coverage.
How Much Does 5000 Grafts Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Cost?
5000 Grafts Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Cost Turkey is intricately tied to a set of factors such as the clinic’s reputation and track records, surgeon/doctor’s qualifications, bald areas to be operated on and the number of hair grafts that are going to be implanted etc.
When contemplating a 5000 Grafts Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Cost Turkey, it’s crucial to recognize that the cost of a 3000 graft procedure can range from $X to $Y, as indicated by prior research. However, it’s important to be aware of the fact that these prices are subject to fluctuations over time. For the most current and accurate pricing details, it is recommended to directly reach out to specific clinics and surgeons.
Furthermore, it is imperative not to focus solely on the cost of Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant Turkey when deciding on the surgery. Giving priority to the quality and reputation of the facility and surgeon is paramount. Thorough research, reading reviews, and consulting with medical professionals can aid in identifying reputable clinics. By taking these aspects into account, individuals can make well-informed decisions regarding the most suitable choice for their needs.
Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant 5000 Grafts Results Before After


