The hair transplant industry is constantly evolving. It has been a growing industry since its first mention in 1939. New technologies and ideas have opened the door to more effective treatment.
In recent years, sapphireFUE has been one of the most popular examples. This technique, which is an improvement on Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), focuses on channel opening and the use of special sapphire, rather than steel, blades.
This leaves us wondering how it works, how does it compare to FUE and what are its benefits. Below we have detailed this, outlining both FUE and the notable advantages of sapphire FUE.
Let’s take a look at FUE: What is it and how does it work.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), is the most common and widely-used method of hair transplantation. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a technique that involves the transplantation and removal of individual follicular cells, which can contain approximately 1-4 hairs. Most often, this involves extracting hair follicles off the sides or back of the head where there is good density and then transplanting them onto the balding area at the top.
The donor area is the location where follicular units are taken from the side or back of the head. It is believed that this hormone, dihydrotestosterone, (DHT), is resistant to the unit. DHT is thought to cause hair loss. These hair follicles, once transplanted to top of the head (also known as the receiver area), retain their resistance against DHT and prevent them from falling out in future. This is why hair transplantation surgery has been considered a long-lasting procedure. But, depending on the individual, it can be very unpredictable how long they last.
One of the most important stages of the procedure involves the creation of channels. These are tiny incisions that are made to the recipient area, where the extracted hair follicular units will be implanted. These channels allow you to control the direction, angle, and density of your new hair after treatment. Individually, Follicular Units are inserted into these channels to achieve natural-looking results.
What is Sapphire FUE?
Although it has achieved great success, the FUE method continues to evolve around new technologies and innovative ideas. The introduction of sapphire FUE has been a major step forward in recent times. This isn’t a totally new technique; it’s an improvement on the FUE method.
A sapphire transplant is performed in the same way as an average FUE transplant. The difference lies in the blade used during channel creation. The FUE technique uses steel blades. However, the sapphire FUE technique uses sapphire knives. Sapphire blades, which are made from precious gemstone, are known for being sharp, smooth, and durable. These properties enable the surgeon to create microchannels.
This is vital because the creation and maintenance of channels is the most crucial stage of hair transplantation surgery. This is because the channel’s nature will affect the direction, density and angle of the new hair. A sapphire blade’s ability to create precise channels can result in natural-looking results that are more natural than those created with a standard steel blade.
What are the advantages of a Sapphire FUE hair transplant?
FUE hair transplants have seen a significant improvement since the introduction of sapphire knives in 2016. There are many key benefits to sapphire hair transplantation (FUE), and we have listed them below.
1. A lower chance of post-operative complications
Even though postoperative complications are rare following FUE hair transplants, they are less common with the sapphire FUE technique. Traditional FUE blades made of steel can become less efficient and blunt over time. This can cause tissue damage during channel creation. Sapphire blades are sharper than conventional steel and retain their sharpness for a longer time. This minimizes tissue damage during the construction of channels and helps to prevent scab growth. The antimicrobial properties of the sapphire blade help reduce the risk for infection.
2. Natural-Looking Results
FUE is known for its natural-looking results. Sapphire FUE is a step beyond this. A sapphire blade’s versatility allows surgeons to create micro-channels that are more precise and accurate. The surgeon can place the transplanted follicular cells at natural angles and in different directions to create a seamless look. After surgery, the hair will continue growing in the same directions as the micro-channels. This creates a natural look.
3. Increased density
Sapphire FUE allows access to treatment for many individuals who otherwise would not be eligible. The smaller, sharper tip of the sapphire knife allows surgeons to create more microchannels in the area. This allows transplanted follicular unit to be placed closer together and eventually creates more density as hair grows. Individuals with severe hair loss have a greater chance of having a successful transplant.
4. Retaining Hair Follicles
Because a sapphire knife is smaller than a steel one, surgeons can also create precise incisions to match the length of hair follicles. This decreases the likelihood of the transplanted cells moving, changing their angle or becoming dislodged.
5. Useful for metal sensitive people
This may not be applicable to all hair transplant candidates but it’s an important advantage of sapphireFUE. You can use sapphire blades on people allergic to nickel, stainless steel, or other types of metal. This has made hair-transplantation surgery possible for many individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able.
Innovative Alternatives for Diamond FUE
It isn’t just the sapphire-FUE technique that has revolutionized hair transplantation. Diamond FUE is another innovative technique that allows for greater precision and accuracy in the execution of the procedure. As the name suggests this method uses special diamond blades. Diamond blades are more precise because of the nature and solidity of the diamond gemstone. This allows surgeons to make smaller incisions during channel creation. Like sapphire blades and other blades made of steel, diamond blades have antibacterial properties that can produce more natural-looking results.
Popular Clinics and Doctors: Sapphire and Diamond FUE
There are many high-quality clinics that offer Sapphire hair transplants. Turkey is a popular location to have the treatment. Turkey offers a variety of top-notch specialists, state-of the-art facilities, and a lower price than other European countries. This is why Turkey is a hotspot for hair-transplantation surgery.
Dr. Ziya Yuvuz MD, a highly skilled hair transplant surgeon is one of Turkey’s most well-known specialists for sapphire FUE. Dr. Yavuz, a certified hair transplant surgeon, has been providing sapphire FUE services since 2005. She offers international patients special packages that include airport pick-up, accommodation, clinic transfers, and travel arrangements.
You can also travel abroad to find high-quality options for the diamond FUE procedure. First Hair Clinic, Frankfurt am Main, Germany is one of the most respected clinics for the treatment. First Hair is located in Europe’s financial capital. It is well-known for its state-of the-art techniques, highly skilled doctors and technicians, and affordable prices.
How to get started
You are looking for more information on FUE sapphire hair transplantation? Are you ready for the next step? We’re here for you! Reach out to us, and one of the Patient Managers will assist you. We offer a complimentary, no-obligation assessment that is 100% free and non-binding, regardless of whether or not you choose to book. If you decide to proceed with treatment, we will be there for you throughout the process, from initial consultations through to after-operative support.
