Hair transplant glossary
The terms clinics use, in plain language. Understanding these helps you compare quotes honestly and spot marketing that overpromises.
- Density
- Density is the number of grafts or hairs implanted per square centimeter. Higher density looks fuller but must be balanced against donor supply and blood flow to the recipient area.
- DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
- DHI implants grafts directly into the scalp using a Choi implanter pen, without first creating recipient incisions, allowing precise control of angle, depth, and density.
- Donor area
- The donor area is the part of the scalp — usually the back and sides — where hair is genetically resistant to balding. Its size and density limit how many grafts can be safely harvested.
- Follicular unit
- A follicular unit is the natural grouping of one to four hairs as they grow from the scalp. Modern transplants move these intact units to preserve a natural look.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
- FUE is a technique where individual follicular units are extracted one by one from the donor area using a micro-punch, leaving tiny dot scars instead of a linear scar.
- Graft
- A graft is a small piece of skin containing one to four hair follicles, harvested from the donor area and implanted into the thinning or bald recipient area. Procedures are usually quoted in number of grafts.
- Graft survival rate
- The graft survival rate is the percentage of transplanted follicles that take root and grow long-term. Skilled handling and short out-of-body time improve survival; reputable clinics discuss it honestly.
- Hairline design
- Hairline design is the planning of the new hairline's shape, height, and density. A natural result uses irregular, age-appropriate placement rather than a straight, dense wall of hair.
- ISHRS
- The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the leading global professional body for hair restoration surgeons. Membership signals engagement with recognized standards.
- Ministry of Health (MOH) license
- Turkey's Ministry of Health licenses clinics and physicians. A verified MOH license is a baseline credential; its absence is a serious red flag.
- Norwood scale
- The Norwood scale classifies male pattern baldness from stage 1 (no loss) to stage 7 (extensive loss). It helps estimate how many grafts a patient may need.
- Recipient area
- The recipient area is the thinning or bald region where grafts are implanted, such as the hairline, crown, or temples.
- Sapphire FUE
- Sapphire FUE is an FUE variant that uses sapphire-tipped blades to open the recipient channels, which can create finer incisions and may speed healing.
- Shock loss
- Shock loss is temporary shedding of existing or transplanted hair in the weeks after surgery. It is usually normal, with regrowth beginning a few months later.
- Technician vs surgeon
- In many clinics technicians perform much of the procedure. A trustworthy clinic discloses who does what; a licensed surgeon should plan the operation and perform the critical steps.