How is a hair transplant planned?
Planning a hair transplant is not only a matter of deciding how many grafts will be placed. The position of the hairline, the capacity of the donor area, hair shaft calibre, the distribution of hair loss and the likely future course of the existing hair are assessed together.
The number of grafts required depends as much on donor capacity as on the size of the bald area. In the frontal region the aim is to create a natural transition, while in the mid-scalp and crown the aim is to distribute the available donor capacity correctly and achieve balanced density. Two patients with the same degree of balding may therefore need different plans and a different graft distribution.
The main factors assessed during planning
| Factor assessed | Effect on planning |
| Distribution of hair loss | Sets the priority across the frontal, mid-scalp and crown regions. |
| Donor capacity | Limits the graft reserve that can be used safely. |
| Hair shaft calibre | Affects the visible density achievable with the same number of grafts. |
| Hair – skin contrast | Affects how density is perceived and how transitions are designed. |
| Age and facial proportions | Affects the position of the hairline and its long-term harmony. |
| Future of the existing hair | Prevents grafts being spent on today’s appearance alone. |
The hairline and a natural appearance
When a natural hairline is planned, age, facial proportions, existing hair structure and future hair loss are assessed together. Hairline design is one of the main planning stages that determine a natural appearance; direction, the softness of the transitions and the distribution of density are also decided at this stage, and the plan is confirmed with the patient before the procedure.
The aim is for the transplanted hair to look like a natural continuation of the patient’s existing hair. The transition at the frontal line and the density further back are therefore not planned in the same way; different regions carry different visual roles.
Why does the donor area matter?
The grafts used in a hair transplant come from the donor region, and that capacity is limited. A sound plan therefore takes into account not only the area to be transplanted, but also how the donor region will look after the procedure and what graft reserve may be needed later.
At Hair of Istanbul, graft harvesting is planned so that density is not reduced excessively at any point and the overall appearance of the donor area remains balanced.
Hair transplant techniques
Technique names should not be presented as separate quality packages. FUE describes the graft harvesting stage, while DHI, Sapphire and Slit describe the approach to placing the grafts.
| Term | Which stage? | Short explanation |
| FUE | Graft harvesting | An extraction method in which follicular units are removed from the donor region one by one. |
| DHI | Implantation | An implantation approach in which grafts are placed into the recipient area with an implanter pen. |
| Sapphire | Channel creation | An approach in which the recipient channels for the grafts are created with sapphire-tipped blades. |
| Slit | Channel creation | An approach in which recipient channels are created with the slit method and the grafts are then placed into those channels. |
Which method is used is determined by hair structure, the condition of the existing hair, the area to be transplanted and the density aimed for. The choice of technique is not a separate quality level but part of an individual treatment plan.
Who can be assessed for a hair transplant?
A hair transplant may be considered for people with male/female pattern hair loss, a receding hairline, permanent hair loss in specific areas or a naturally high forehead.
Suitability is not determined by the size of the bald area alone. Donor density, hair shaft characteristics, whether hair loss is still progressing, age, the distribution of the existing hair and general health are assessed together.
Because no two cases follow the same plan, the initial assessment is the first step of an individual hair transplant plan.
What determines the result of a hair transplant?
The result of a hair transplant does not depend on graft numbers alone. Donor quality, hair shaft calibre, the colour contrast between hair and skin, the design of the hairline, the direction and angle of the grafts, the size of the area transplanted and the patient’s existing hair structure all affect the outcome.
Two patients treated with the same number of grafts may therefore see different visible density and a different result. Assessment focuses on understanding the case as a whole before graft numbers.
How does the degree of hair loss change planning?
Limited recession at the frontal hairline and advanced hair loss covering the frontal, mid-scalp and crown regions are not planned in the same way. As the degree of hair loss increases, deciding which regions receive grafts first and how the donor reserve is protected becomes more important.
In extensive balding the aim is not to fill every region to the same density; it is to give correct priority, according to the case plan, to the regions that frame the face and carry the greatest visual weight.
Pricing
At Hair of Istanbul, hair transplant packages fall within the ranges below under the current pricing model. The final plan and fee are confirmed once the case has been assessed.
1,500 – 2,500 grafts
€4,000
2,500 – 3,500 grafts
€4,500
For package contents, additional services and current prices, see Hair Transplant Prices.
Supporting hair treatments
Non-surgical treatments such as PRP and Regenera Activa may be considered as supporting treatment in selected cases, based on hair and scalp assessment.
Hair transplant information centre
Your hair transplant plan starts with an individual assessment
You can receive an initial assessment by sharing photographs of the donor and recipient areas.
Get a Personal Assessment