Ice FUE Hair Transplant in Turkey
Ice FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a hair transplant method that has become popular over the years. The method is a variation of the FUE method with an added cold storage element hence the name Ice. It has become a crowd favorite as it has not only enchanted the quality of the transplanted hair but also has been more comfortable for the patients in the recovery stage.
Thousands and thousands of patients come to Turkey every year solely for hair transplants. Amongst patients Ice FUE has made a name for itself as more and more patients want to opt for Ice FUE hair transplant method. But what makes Ice FUE a good option for hair transplant? Are all patients eligible for FUE hair transplant and what are the costs for hair transplants done with the Ice FUE method? Continue reading to find out all the answers and then some about Ice FUE hair transplants in Turkey.
How does Ice FUE hair transplant work?
As far as transplant steps go Ice FUE functions like any other FUE hair transplant but with a twist. Just like a regular FUE hair transplant the donor area is designated and the hair grafts are harvested according to the Norwood Scale of hair loss and the number of hair grafts the patient needs. Unlike a regular FUE where hair follicles are grafted, in Ice FUE the grafting process occurs in extremely cold temperatures as the hair grafts await to be transplanted. The reason why hair grafts are in freezing temperatures is because of the added benefits of follicle vitality and preventing scalp sensitivity post-op.
Step by Step Ice FUE Hair Transplant Process
Even though Ice FUE hair transplant is essentially very similar to a regular FUE hair transplant there is a crucial step that alters it from the regular. Here is a step by step rundown of the Ice FUE hair transplant process.
Consultation and Donor Area Designation
As with any hair transplant process the patient comes into the consultation which is crucial to determine how the transplant is going to go. At this stage the severity of the hair loss is observed and a donor area is designated in order to make sure the patient has enough viable hair follicles to make a full recovery. This is also the stage the doctor decides on the method of operation.
Operation
The day of the operation the patient is given a topical anesthesia and the operation starts with harvesting the hair follicles. The required amount of hair follicles are harvested from a viable donor site that has been designated in the consultation. These follicles are then set aside to be grafted.
Hair Graft Storage
This is the step that sets apart Ice FUE hair transplant. The harvested hair follicles are grafted in an extremely cold environment as they await transplantation. This helps with preserving the durability and viability of the hair follicles and hair grafts that have been harvested with the Ice FUE technique has yielded to less scalp sensitivity and reduced inflammation.
Transplantation
The ice-harvested hair grafts are then planted to allocated zones which the doctor has pre-determined in the consultation according to the Norwood Scale of hair loss. Depending on the volume of hair grafts the operation may take anywhere between 5-7 hours.
Recovery
As the patient moves on to the recovery step they are usually given a list of things to be mindful of in order to have a smooth recovery. The Ice FUE is known to make the recovery process easier for the patient as most of the concerns and discomfort is eased thanks to the Ice technique. The first 2-3 weeks are crucial for the success of the operation and the patient will make a full recovery and complete the hair growth cycle around the 6-9 month mark.
What differentiates it from classical FUE?
What differentiates Ice FUE from classical FUE may simply appear to be the “Ice” part of the operation however the added benefits and the aim of opting for this method fully separates Ice FUE from a regular FUE. Operatively the steps of a FUE operation is also apparent in the Ice FUE with one very important distinction: the hair graft storage. The harvested hair follicles are grafted and kept in a storage where the temperatures are extremely low. This is known to ensure an anti-inflammatory result and reduces discomfort in the recovery period for patients. Additionally as it is a more technical and methodical approach, Ice FUE operations can be slightly more costly than regular FUE transplants.
What are the advantages of Ice Fue hair transplant?
There are some added advantages of Ice FUE hair transplant that are clearly more pronounced than regular FUE transplants:
- Graft survival rate is higher in Ice FUE: As the grafts are kept in the cold storage their optimal state is preserved and thus when transplanted they maintain their conditions.
- Faster recovery period with Ice FUE: Ice FUE is known to reduce swelling and itching that patients experience in the recovery process. Reduced symptoms means the recovery period will be faster and pain-free.
- Reduced discomfort of the patient: Patients experience certain levels of discomfort after a hair transplant. Swelling, itching and even head-aches can hinder the recovery process. The Ice FUE is very effective in fighting these symptoms which is why it is popular amongst patients as the discomfort of the patient is eased with an Ice FUE.
- Lower risk of inflammation: Poor technique or touching or scratching the area due to discomfort post operation end up increasing the risk of inflammation in the area which threatens the viability of the entire operation and can yield disastrous outcomes. With the Ice FUE technique the discomfort that will cause inflammation is eliminated thus the risk of inflammation is significantly lower.
For which patients is Ice FUE the most suitable option?
Patients with sensitive scalps that worry about inflammation are perfectly suitable for Ice FUE. As the Ice storage of the hair grafts help eliminate the risk of inflammation and reduce possible head-aches, swelling and itchiness patients will be much more at ease with Ice FUE as their preferred method of hair transplant.
How long does Ice FUE hair transplant operation take?
The length of a hair transplant operation rests on the method and the viability of the donor area as well as the number of hair grafts required by the patient to make a full recovery. That being said a regular Ice FUE hair transplant has been known to take 5-7 hours however depending on the the number of hair grafts needed in order to complete the operation is also an important factor when coming with an assumption. If that is the case the duration of the operation may increase.
How much does an Ice FUE hair transplant cost in Turkey?
The cost of any hair transplant depends a lot on the technique, the availability of viable donor hair and the number of hair grafts that are needed in order for the patient to make a full recovery. Additionally everyone knows that in Turkey hair transplant operations are aimed to be more budget friendly and much more patient-oriented. A regular FUE hair transplant can cost anywhere between 3000 to 8000 USD depending on the number of hair grafts and the services that the hair clinic provides. An Ice FUE is a costlier method as additional equipment and time is needed in order to perform the operation. Depending on the number of hair grafts and the services the hair clinic includes in their plan an Ice FUE operation can cost anywhere between 4500 to 9000 USD in Turkey. Note that most clinics may or may not include transportation or accommodation for incoming patients in their transplant plans. Contact your hair clinic to learn about what is included in their costs and what plans they offer for the patients.
Ice FUE Hair Transplant Before and After Results
In order to best ascertain whether a hair transplant yields the best or the most satisfactory results it is best to confer to real patient testimonials and before and after photos. These photos are the best resource that provides real information and visuals for patients who would like to get Ice FUE hair transplant. Notice the growth timeline and how different patients have different results. Also look for patients with similar hair and face structure to yours which can give an estimate to how your Ice FUE hair transplant will look. Here are some Ice FUE hair transplant before and after results to look for yourself!
FAQs About Ice FUE Hair Transplant
Not at all, hair transplants are not painful procedures as anesthesia is used in almost all of them. However Ice FUE is designed to be less stressful even after the surgery. It is designed to elevate some of the discomfort patients might feel as they are in the recovery period. The cold storage of the hair grafts allows the patients to experience less welling and even eliminate the risk of inflammation post-op.
All FUE hair transplants have a similar recovery period however Ice FUE is slightly shorter with the added benefits of the cold storage of the hair grafts. This process is known to shorten the initial recovery period as the patient is bound to experience less discomfort. The patient will experience a relatively smoother post-op and notice hair growth around the 2 month mark. Around the 6-9 months is when the hair growth cycle is complete.
Like other FUE hair transplants, Ice FUE hair transplant offers a permanent solution to patients who experience hair loss or thinning. So the results of an Ice FUE are permanent and the results will last a lifetime. In order to make sure the results of Ice FUE last the patients should follow the post-op recovery advice from the clinic and persistently keep up with their post-op routine.