Step 01
Consultation
The doctor examines your scalp and donor area with a dermatoscope; hair calibre and follicular unit structure also influence the blade size to be used. Whether sapphire FUE is suitable is determined at this examination.
Hair transplant technique
Sapphire FUE
An FUE procedure in which channels are opened with sapphire-tipped blades; graft extraction and implantation are the same as in FUE.
Sapphire FUE is an application of FUE in which fine tips made from sapphire are used instead of steel ones during the channel-opening step. Extracting grafts from the donor area and placing them into the channels is the same as in classic FUE. The smooth, sharp surface of sapphire blades may help channels to be opened small and clean; the blade size is chosen according to graft size.
From consultation to month 12
The process, step by step
Step 02
Planning
The hairline is drawn and the recipient areas are defined. The direction, angle and spacing of the channels are planned to follow the natural direction of growth; blade size is chosen based on graft samples.
Step 03
Procedure day
Grafts are extracted using FUE. Channels are then opened with sapphire blades at the planned angle and direction, and the grafts are implanted one by one with forceps.
Step 04
The first 10 days
The first wash is done at the clinic the following day. The scabs come away within about 7–10 days. During this period it is important to follow the instructions on hats, sleeping position and washing.
Step 05
12 months
The scabs come away in the first weeks; between months 1 and 3 some of the transplanted hairs may shed temporarily. New growth generally begins after month 3–4 and becomes noticeable around month 6; for most people the final appearance is assessed at around 12 months. Timings vary from person to person.
Explore the recovery timelineSapphire FUE
Procedure day
- Transfer from the hotel and welcome
- Blood tests, consent and a talk with the doctor
- Drawing the hairline and photographic records
- Local anaesthesia and FUE graft extraction
- Lunch break
- Channel opening with sapphire blades and implantation
- Dressing and transfer to the hotel
Technical summary
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia
- Channel opening
- Sapphire-tipped blades, chosen according to graft size
- Procedure time
- Approximately 6–8 hours, depending on graft count
- Shaving
- Usually required
- Time at the clinic
- Return to the hotel the same day
What you should know
- The sapphire blade is a choice of instrument for the channel-opening step; on its own it does not determine the outcome.
- Swelling and redness may appear in the first few days.
- The recipient area should not be touched and should be protected from friction for the first 10 days.
- Tell your doctor about any medication you take and any chronic conditions.
Comparison
FUE, sapphire FUE and DHI: where do they differ?
In all three techniques, grafts are extracted individually from the donor area. The difference lies in how the channels are opened in the recipient area and how the grafts are implanted.
| — | FUE | Sapphire FUE | DHI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graft extraction | One by one, with a micromotor and fine punch | Same as FUE | Same as FUE |
| Channel opening | In advance, with a steel blade or needle | In advance, with a sapphire blade | No separate channels; opened and implanted with an implanter pen |
| Implantation | With forceps into pre-opened channels | With forceps into pre-opened channels | Directly with the pen, with angle and depth adjusted |
| Often preferred for | Larger areas, a high graft requirement in one session | Larger areas, closely spaced channel planning | Hairline, thinning areas, unshaven options |
| Shaving | Usually required | Usually required | Partial or unshaven where suitable |
| Procedure time | 6–8 hours, depending on graft count | 6–8 hours, depending on graft count | 7–9 hours, depending on graft count |
This table is for general information. The doctor decides which technique to use after the examination; some plans combine techniques.
FAQ
Questions about this procedure
Is sapphire FUE a different method from FUE?
No. Graft extraction and implantation are the same; the difference is the material of the blade used to open the channels.
Does a sapphire blade shorten recovery?
Small, clean channels may support healing; however, recovery time depends on skin type, graft count and aftercare. It is not possible to give a personal timeframe without an examination.
Is shaving required for sapphire FUE?
In most plans the donor and recipient areas are shaved. For small areas, partial shaving options can be discussed with your doctor.
