Istanbul's Best Hair Surgeon

The Fundamental Stages of Hair Transplantation: Architect™ Doctrine in Practice

At Dr.Caymaz, hair transplantation is handled as a personalized cranial architecture project rather than a standard, off-the-shelf procedure. The following stages represent the scientific and operational manifestations of the Architect™ Doctrine.

1. Trichological Analysis and Architect Planning

Every operation begins with a personalized blueprint. Dr. Erkam Caymaz personally evaluates the patient’s hair loss stage (Norwood-Hamilton or Ludwig scale), donor zone follicular density (FU/cm²), hair shaft diameter, curl pattern, and future alopecia progression. The boundaries of the “Safe Donor Zone” are meticulously determined; thus, today’s needs are met while reserves are preserved for possible future sessions.

At this stage, grafts are not merely counted; a graft strategy is developed. Recipient site planning is personalized by Dr. Caymaz based on cranial analysis and aesthetic proportions.

2. Donor Zone Preparation and Graft Extraction (Sapphire FUE)

The donor zone (typically the occipital region) is sterilized under local anesthesia. At Dr.Caymaz, the Sapphire FUE technique is employed; follicular units are extracted one by one using micro-punches (0.8–0.9 mm). The advantage of this technique lies in creating less trauma to the skin, faster epithelialization (healing), and minimal donor zone scarring.

Grafts are triaged under a stereomicroscope by Surgical Technicians in chilled Ringer’s Lactate or specialized holding solutions, ensuring out-of-body time is minimized.

3. Recipient Site Creation: The Architect Touch™

This is the most critical and brand-defining stage of hair transplantation. The creation of recipient sites (channels) permanently determines the future hair’s exit angle, direction, density, and depth. Per The Architect Touch™ protocol, this stage is performed personally by Dr. Erkam Caymaz.

Micro-channels created with sapphire blades are designed for single follicular units along the frontal hairline; density is increased with double and triple units in the mid-scalp regions. Through the Dual-Hand Harmony Protocol™, consistent angle and depth are maintained across both hemispheres according to the skull’s natural curvature. Every incision is the zero-deviation execution of the blueprint drafted in the preceding planning phase.

4. Graft Implantation

Triaged grafts are placed into the opened channels by expert Surgical Technicians, in accordance with trauma-free transfer principles (minimal mechanical manipulation per follicular unit). The objective at this stage is to prevent deep or shallow placement errors that would compromise the grafts’ vascular nutrition; thereby ensuring a maximum graft survival rate (target ≥95%).

5. Post-Operative Healing and Result Monitoring

The first 72 hours post-procedure are critical for the vascularization of the follicular units. The patient is discharged with a specialized post-operative kit and a detailed care protocol. The “shock loss” observed within the first 3–4 weeks — the transition of transplanted hairs into the telogen phase — is a completely normal and expected physiological process.

Growth becomes noticeable as new hairs enter the anagen phase, beginning between months 3–6. The final aesthetic result and full maturation are completed within 12–18 months. Dr.Caymaz manages this process through regular follow-up consultations.

Who Should Have a Hair Transplant? Ideal Candidate Criteria

Hair transplantation is not an automatic solution for every individual experiencing hair loss. For a successful outcome, patient selection is as critical as the surgical technique itself. At Dr.Caymaz, candidate evaluation is conducted according to the following scientific and clinical criteria:

Ideal Candidate Profile

Relative and Absolute Contraindications

Hair transplantation cannot be performed or must be postponed in the following conditions:

• Active diffuse hair loss (telogen effluvium, active alopecia areata): Stabilization is required.
• Insufficient donor reserve: Full coverage cannot be achieved in individuals with inadequate graft sources.
• Chronic systemic diseases: Uncontrolled diabetes, coagulopathies, active Hepatitis B/C, HIV (immunosuppression risk), serious cardiovascular pathologies.
• Dermatological activity: Active seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, scalp infections.
• Psychogenic alopecia (trichotillomania) and body dysmorphic disorder history.

At Dr.Caymaz, every patient is evaluated through an individual trichological consultation based on the criteria above. Our goal is not merely to add grafts; it is to create a natural cranial aesthetic that lasts a lifetime.