Every person is born with millions of hair follicles and can experience hair loss over time due to various reasons. About 85% of men experience thinning and significant baldness by their 50s. While hair loss in women is lower compared to men, they can still lose more than 50% of their hair throughout their lives. Hair transplantation is one of the most effective methods to regain lost hair. In hair transplantation, different techniques are used to transfer healthy hair follicles from areas with healthy hair to areas with thinning or balding. DHI Sapphire is one of the most effective hair transplantation methods.
What is DHI Sapphire?
Hair transplantation primarily involves two methods: FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). In the FUT method, a strip of skin containing healthy hair from the patient’s scalp is cut, and individual hair follicles are extracted from this strip. In the FUE method, the surgeon directly extracts hair follicles from areas with healthy hair. Hair follicles harvested using both methods are then transplanted to areas where there is no hair or thinning. DHI Sapphire is an advanced version of the FUE method. In the FUE method, the surgeon manually creates channels in the bald area before placing the hair follicles. In the DHI Sapphire method, both the extraction and implantation are done using specially designed pen-shaped devices. This method saves time and ensures a shorter recovery period because channels are not manually created in the scalp.
How is DHI Sapphire performed?
DHI stands for Direct Hair Implantation, which means hair is transplanted directly. In the DHI Sapphire procedure, performed using special devices called implanter pens with small tips for extracting hair follicles, the scalp is not damaged in any way. The surgeon uses these devices to extract individual hair follicles from the area with healthy hair and immediately implants them into the bald area without waiting. The procedure, performed under local anesthesia, takes an average of 10-12 hours. Because denser implantation is possible, the success rate is higher compared to other methods. Additionally, since the hair follicles are implanted directly into the bald scalp without delay, the retention rate is higher.
Who can get DHI Sapphire?
The DHI Sapphire method is particularly suitable for individuals with male pattern baldness starting from the temples and the crown of the head. It can be applied to almost anyone experiencing hair loss, regardless of gender, after being evaluated by a surgeon. The DHI Sapphire method may be more efficient in the following cases:
- Individuals over 25 years old are suitable candidates for the procedure in terms of success rate.
- Thick hair may have better retention compared to thin hair.
- Patients with fewer than 40 hair follicles per square centimeter in the area with hair loss may be considered poor candidates for hair transplantation.
- Candidates with light hair color may achieve better results from the hair transplantation procedure.
- It is important that the patient’s overall health does not pose a risk for the operation. Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure who do not receive doctor’s approval are not suitable candidates for hair transplantation.
What to Pay Attention to After DHI Sapphire?
Since the DHI Sapphire hair transplantation procedure does not involve cutting the skin to create channels, the recovery period is shorter compared to other methods. Generally, complete recovery is observed within 7-10 days. The transplanted hair falls out after 2 weeks, and it may take up to three months for new hair to grow.