Every day, innovation is occurring in the hair transplant industry. New ideas and technologies have made it possible to offer more effective treatments since its inception back in 1939.
The development of sapphire FUE is one of the most notable examples of recent years. The sapphire FUE technique is a variation on the popular follicular units extraction (FUE). It focuses on the channel opening stage and uses specialist sapphire blades rather than steel.
How does it work? How does it compare with classic FUE? What are the benefits? We’ve explored this further, outlining both the methods and highlighting some of the outstanding advantages of sapphire-fused ethanol.
Here’s a quick recap: What is FUE? How does it work?
Follicular unit extraction is the most widely-used method for hair transplantation. The technique involves the removal and transplantation from one area of the body of individual hair follicular units (each unit contains around 1-4 hairs). This involves removing hair follicles from either the back or sides, where there is still good density, and then transplanting them to the area above the balding.
Hair loss can be caused by follicular units taken from the sides or back of the head. This hormone is called dihydrotestosterone. These hair follicles are resistant to DHT once they have been transplanted to the top, also known to as the recipient area. They will not fall out in the future. Hair transplantation surgery is considered a long-lasting procedure. However, individual circumstances can affect the longevity of the procedure.
The creation of channels is a key part of the procedure. These are incisions made in the area where the extracted follicular unit will be placed. These channels are used to determine the direction and amount of new hair growth after treatment. To achieve the best natural-looking results, follicular units can be inserted individually into each channel.
What is Sapphire FUE?
The classic FUE method has had great success but it is still constantly evolving to incorporate new ideas and technologies. It has made a significant step forward in recent years with the introduction and popularity of sapphire FUE. It’s not a new technique, but rather a refinement of an existing FUE method.
The procedure for a sapphire hair transplant works in the same manner as an FUE transplant. The only difference is the type of blade used in the channel creation stage. The classic FUE method uses stainless steel blades, but the sapphire FUE process uses sapphire blades. Sapphire blades, made from precious gemstones, are well-known for their sharpness and smoothness. These properties allow surgeons to create micro-channels, which are smaller and more precise incisions in the recipient.
This is crucial because the creation of channels in hair transplantation surgery is the most important step. The nature of these channels will determine the direction, density, angle and orientation of the new hair after the procedure. A sapphire blade is able to create more natural-looking channels than a traditional steel blade.
What are the Benefits of a Sapphire FUE Transplant?
In 2016, sapphire blades were added to FUE hair transplant techniques. This revolutionised the treatment’s potential. We’ve listed a few key benefits of sapphire FUE below.
1. There is a lower risk of complications after surgery
The likelihood of complications following standard FUE hair transplants is low, but the sapphire FUE technique reduces that risk. The bluntness of conventional steel blades in FUE surgery can lead to tissue damage. Sapphire blades, on the other side, are sharper from the beginning and can retain their sharpness longer. This helps to reduce the chance of tissue being damaged during channel creation and also minimizes scab formation. The sapphire blade has antimicrobial and antibiotic properties that help to minimize the chance of infection.
2. Natural-Looking Results
FUE is well-known for its natural-looking results. But sapphire FUE takes this one step further. The versatility of the sapphire blade allows the surgeon to create precise and more precise micro-channels. Transplanted follicular unit can then be placed at natural angles, resulting in a seamless appearance. The new hair will grow naturally in the directions and angles that were set by the microchannels.
3. Increased Density
Sapphire FUE is a new treatment that allows for the treatment of many people who might otherwise be ineligible. Because the sapphire blade is smaller and has a sharper tip, surgeons can create more micro-channels within the recipient area. This allows the transplanted hair follicular units (or follicular units) to be more closely spaced, resulting in greater density. For those with advanced hair loss, this has greatly increased the chances of a successful hair-transplantation.
4. Retaining Hair Follicles
A surgeon can create incisions that match the length of the hair follicles by using a sapphire blade. This minimizes the chance of transplanted hair follicles shifting around, changing angles, or becoming dislodged after surgery.
5. For metal sensitivities
Although this is only a benefit for a small percentage of hair transplant candidates it is an important benefit to sapphire FUE. The sapphire FUE blades can be used by people who are allergic or sensitive to nickel, steel, and any other metal. This has made hair transplantation possible for many people who otherwise would not be able to have it.
Innovative Alternatives to Diamond FUE
The sapphire FUE technique is not the only one that has revolutionized the hair transplant industry. The second method, diamond FUE, is more precise and accurate in executing the procedure. This method uses specialist diamond blades, as the name implies. Because of the solid nature of diamonds, surgeons can make precise incisions at the channel creation stage. Similar to sapphire blades but with antibacterial properties, diamond blades can also produce natural-looking results.
Popular Clinics and Doctors for Sapphire and Diamond FUE
A variety of high-quality clinics offer sapphire hair transplants. Turkey is one of the most sought-after locations for the procedure. Turkey has a number of highly-respected specialists, modern facilities and lower prices than other European countries. It’s easy to see why Turkey is so popular for hair transplantation surgery.
Dr. Ziya Yavuz MD is a highly-experienced surgeon who performs sapphire FUE. Since 2005, Dr. Yavuz has been practicing sapphire FUE. Her packages include international pick-ups, accommodation and transfers to the clinic.
If you are interested in the diamond FUE treatment, there are many high-quality and affordable options available. The First Hair Clinic in Frankfurt am Main is one of the most trusted clinics that offers the treatment. First Hair, located in Europe’s financial center, is known for offering the best combination of state of the art techniques, highly experienced doctors and technicians, as well as competitive prices.
How do I get started?
Are you looking for information about sapphire FUE hair-transplantation? Are you ready to make the next step to find the right clinic or doctor? We are here to help. Contact us to speak with one of our Patient Managers. No matter if you book, we offer a free, 100% non-binding assessment. We’ll support you from the initial consultations to your post-operative support.
