Schematic, not to scale. Illustration: AI-assisted.
The procedures at a glance
Three common procedures with typical duration and healing time. Which one may be considered in your case is decided by the clinic's doctor after the examination.
FUE Hair Transplant
The most widely used method
Individual graft extraction
Fine, dot-sized extraction marks
Under local anaesthesia
Outpatient procedure
6-8 hours
Duration
7-10 days
Healing
DHI Hair Transplant
Direct implantation with an implanter pen
Direct implantation without pre-made channels
Precise angle control
Channel and placement in one step
Under local anaesthesia
7-9 hours
Duration
5-7 days
Healing
Sapphire FUE
FUE variant with sapphire blades
Sapphire blades for fine channels
Extraction as with FUE
Under local anaesthesia
Precise work
6-8 hours
Duration
5-7 days
Healing
How the procedures work
Schematic animations: first an orientation on the head, then a cross-section of the skin with the instruments. Each film ends with a comparison of the three procedures.
What is the same, what differs
Extraction is the same in all three procedures. The difference lies in how the channels are opened and the grafts placed.
Extractionthe same for all
Opening channels
Placement
FUE
Hollow needle
Steel blade
Forceps
Sapphire FUE
Hollow needle
Sapphire blade
Forceps
DHI
Hollow needle
Implanter pen: channel and placement in one step
FUE
1A fine hollow needle loosens individual follicular units in the donor area.
2The units (grafts) are removed and stored until they are placed.
3In the recipient area, a fine blade opens small channels.
4The grafts are placed into the channels with forceps.
DHI
1Extraction works as in FUE: a hollow needle loosens the follicular units.
2The grafts are removed and stored.
3A graft is loaded into the hollow needle of an implanter pen.
4The pen opens the channel and places the graft in a single step.
Sapphire FUE
1Extraction works as in FUE: a hollow needle loosens the follicular units.
2The grafts are removed and stored.
3The channels in the recipient area are opened with a sapphire blade instead of a steel one.
4The grafts are placed into the channels with forceps.
Schematic animation — not a depiction of a real treatment and not a result. The clinic determines the procedure and technique. Illustration: AI-assisted.
A look inside the partner clinic
Two short recordings from the partner clinic in Istanbul. They show grafts being placed with the implanter pen (DHI).
Recordings from the partner clinic, published with the consent of the people shown. No sound.
Dr. Mehmet Çiğdem. Published with his consent.
Who performs the treatment
The treatment is carried out solely by the partner clinic. The treating doctor is not employed by MC-ESTE; you conclude your treatment contract with the clinic.
Dr. Mehmet Çiğdem
Specialist in anaesthesiology and reanimation
Treating doctor at the partner clinic in Istanbul
Areas of work at the clinic
FUE hair transplantation
DHI hair transplantation
Hairline planning
Beard and eyebrow transplantation
Career
2017Graduated in medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University
2017–2019General practitioner in Istanbul; training in hair transplantation and aesthetic medicine under the Turkish Ministry of Health
2019–2021Training in family medicine
2021–2023Master's degree in health management, Istanbul Medeniyet University
2021–2026Specialist training in anaesthesiology and reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University
since 2026Specialist in anaesthesiology and reanimation, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa
Details according to Dr. Çiğdem's CV, as of October 2026. We will provide the diploma registration number and the clinic on request before a contract is concluded.
Why MC-ESTE?
What you can expect from our support
German Support
Personal contact person in German language
Support that stays
One dedicated contact — before, during and after treatment
Vetted partner clinic
We only refer to a clinic we inspect in person
Honest information
We name risks and limits before your decision — not after
The process at a glance
From the first consultation to aftercare - we accompany you
1
Free Consultation
Hair analysis and non-binding initial estimate
2
Arrival & Check-In
Airport and hotel transfers are arranged by the clinic directly with you
3
Surgery Day
6-8 hours treatment with local anesthesia
4
Aftercare
Check-up, hair care set, return trip
5
Follow-Up
12 months support from Germany
Ready for your hair transplant?
Start with a free hair analysis. You will receive a non-binding initial estimate within 24 hours on working days; the treatment plan is drawn up by the clinic's doctor after the examination.