What is Hair Transplant?
Everything you need to know about modern hair transplantation — techniques, candidacy, process, recovery, and results. Your complete, honest guide from the team at Trabzon Hair Center.
What is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which healthy hair follicles are removed from a 'donor zone' (usually the back and sides of the scalp, where hair is genetically resistant to balding) and transplanted to a 'recipient zone' (the area affected by hair loss).
The transplanted follicles retain their genetic programming — they continue to grow hair in their new location, permanently. This is the fundamental reason hair transplant delivers lasting results while topical treatments do not: you are physically relocating genetically robust follicles to replace those that have been lost.
Modern techniques — particularly MicroFUE — have made hair transplantation a highly refined, minimally invasive outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort, fast healing, and results so natural that even hair professionals cannot distinguish transplanted from original hair.
Hair Transplant in Numbers
Hair Transplant vs. Other Treatments
Minoxidil/Finasteride: Slow hair loss, may improve density. Not permanent. Requires lifelong use.
PRP: Stimulates existing follicles. Effective for thinning, not for bald areas. Maintenance needed.
Hair Transplant: Physically replaces lost follicles. Permanent. No ongoing medication required.
Hair Transplant Methods Explained
There are several hair transplant methods. Understanding the differences helps you make an informed decision about which technique is right for you.
MicroFUE
Most AdvancedThe most refined form of FUE, using 0.6–0.8mm micro punch tools for zero visible scarring, 95%+ graft survival, and natural density. The gold standard at Trabzon Hair Center.
- No visible scarring
- 95%+ graft survival
- Fastest healing
- Maximum density
- Slightly longer procedure
- Higher precision required
FUE (Standard)
Widely UsedFollicular Unit Extraction using 1.0–1.2mm punches. Effective but leaves slightly larger extraction marks and carries lower graft survival rates than MicroFUE.
- No linear scar
- Outpatient procedure
- Shorter than FUT
- Larger punch marks
- Lower graft survival than MicroFUE
FUT (Strip Method)
Older TechniqueFollicular Unit Transplantation involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area. Produces a linear scar and longer recovery. Rarely used at modern clinics.
- Large graft count possible
- Lower cost historically
- Permanent linear scar
- Longer recovery
- Cannot wear very short hair
DHI / Choi Pen
Implanter PenDHI uses a Choi implanter pen to simultaneously create a channel and implant the graft. Good for certain cases but has a smaller punch size limitation and higher cost.
- Simultaneous extraction & implant
- Good for dense packing
- Smaller graft size limitation
- Higher cost
- Similar to MicroFUE results
The Norwood Scale — Which Stage Are You?
The Norwood-Hamilton scale classifies male pattern baldness from Stage 1 (minimal) to Stage 7 (extensive). Hair transplant candidacy depends largely on your Norwood stage and donor area density.
Stage 1–2
Minimal recession at temples. Not always requiring surgery — PRP or medication may suffice.
Stage 3
Noticeable recession at hairline or early crown thinning. Excellent transplant candidate.
Stage 4
Significant frontal recession and crown thinning. Clear, high-impact candidate for transplant.
Stage 5
Large bald area on top of head. 3,000–4,000 grafts typically needed for full coverage.
Stage 6
Frontal and crown areas merged. Good results possible with large session or two sessions.
Stage 7
Minimal donor area remaining. Limited grafts available; consultation essential for realistic expectations.
Not sure of your Norwood stage? Send photos on WhatsApp for a free assessment from our medical team.
Explore Our Hair Restoration Treatments
MicroFUE Hair Transplant
The most advanced FUE technique — no scarring, 95%+ graft survival.
Needle-Free Anesthesia
Pain-free anesthesia delivery included in every procedure.
Unshaved Transplant
Full transplant with no shaving — ideal for women and professionals.
Beard Transplant
Permanent full beard restoration using MicroFUE.
Eyebrow Transplant
Single-hair precision for naturally full, shaped eyebrows.
PRP Treatment
Stimulate dormant follicles and accelerate post-transplant growth.
Common Questions About Hair Transplant
QAm I a good candidate for hair transplant?
The best candidates are adults (over 22) with stable hair loss, adequate donor area density at the back and sides of the scalp, and realistic expectations. Hair transplant works for most types of androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) in both men and women. A free consultation with our surgeon is the first step.
QHow permanent is hair transplant?
The transplanted follicles are taken from DHT-resistant zones at the back of the scalp. These follicles carry their genetic resistance with them to their new location and are not susceptible to the hair loss process that caused the original thinning. Results are considered permanent.
QWhat is the difference between hair transplant and hair loss treatment?
Hair transplant physically moves follicles from a donor area to a recipient area — it is a surgical solution providing permanent results. Hair loss treatments (minoxidil, finasteride, PRP) slow down thinning and may improve density in existing follicles but do not permanently replace lost hair.
QHow long before I see results?
Transplanted hair sheds at 2–4 weeks post-op (called 'shock loss' — the follicle remains). New growth begins at month 3–4 and becomes clearly visible by month 6. Full, final density is achieved by month 12–18.
QWill I need more than one transplant?
Most patients achieve their desired result in one session. However, patients with advanced hair loss (Norwood 6–7) seeking very high density, or those who experience continued native hair loss in subsequent years, may choose a second session. Our surgeon will discuss this honestly during consultation.
QWhat is the minimum age for hair transplant?
We recommend waiting until at least age 22–25, as hair loss patterns are still developing in younger men. Operating too early risks transplanting into an area that will continue to lose hair around the transplant, creating an unnatural result. Our surgeon will advise on timing during consultation.
QCan women get hair transplants?
Yes — female hair transplant is one of our specialties. Women with localised hair loss, hairline recession, or thinning in specific zones (not diffuse all-over thinning) are excellent candidates. We offer unshaved transplant options specifically tailored for female patients.
QHow do I choose the right clinic?
Key factors: surgeon's credentials (ISHRS membership, board certification), before & after portfolio, clinic accreditation (JCI, ISO), transparency on pricing and what's included, and post-operative follow-up policy. Avoid clinics that use technicians (non-doctors) to perform surgical steps.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Get an honest, no-pressure assessment from our ISHRS-certified surgical team. Free consultation — online or in person at our Trabzon clinic.