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Case Study 12: FUE Hair Transplant for a Receding Hairline and Crown Baldness
Updated: Sep 18
Case summary
Patient: 38-year-old man from Turkey
Procedure: FUE (follicular unit extraction) hair transplant to the hairline and crown
Clinic: Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic, Istanbul, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas
Goal: a natural, age-appropriate hairline and improved coverage of the crown
The patient's concerns
This patient had a receding hairline, thinning at the crown and extensive baldness overall, the typical pattern of male androgenetic alopecia. He wanted a natural-looking frontal hairline and better density at the crown, and preferred a technique that would let him wear his hair short.
What is FUE?
In follicular unit extraction, individual follicular units (natural groups of one to four hairs) are removed one by one from the donor area with a micro-punch, usually from the back and sides of the scalp where hair is genetically resistant to balding. They are then implanted into tiny incisions in the thinning areas. Because there is no linear strip incision, FUE leaves no linear scar, only tiny dots that are invisible in short hair.
How the transplant was planned
Hairline design. The new hairline was drawn to suit the patient's age, face shape and future hair loss, with an irregular, feathered front edge using single-hair grafts for a natural look.
Graft distribution. Dense packing at the front, where it matters most for appearance, and careful coverage of the crown whorl, following the natural direction and angle of growth.
Donor management. Extraction was spread evenly across the safe donor zone so that the back of the head keeps a natural density.
Results timeline
Days 1–10: tiny scabs form and fall off; the transplanted hairs are often shed in weeks 2–6, which is normal.
Months 3–4: new hairs begin to grow.
Months 6–8: clear improvement in density.
Months 12–18: final result, with hair that continues to grow for life.
Result
The patient obtained a natural hairline and improved density at the front and crown, with no linear donor scar and a quick return to normal life. See more results in the hair transplant before and after gallery.
Why FUE is popular
Minimal invasiveness, no linear scar, faster recovery, minimal discomfort and a natural result when grafts are placed with the correct angle and distribution. The success of the procedure depends on the team's skill, the quality of the donor hair and the patient's individual characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
Is an FUE hair transplant permanent?
Transplanted follicles come from a balding-resistant area and keep growing, but native hair may continue to thin, so medical treatment may be recommended.
Does FUE hurt?
It is performed under local anaesthesia; most patients feel only mild soreness afterwards.
When can I return to work?
Usually after three to five days, once redness and scabs have settled.
Next step
Learn more on the hair transplant in Turkey page or contact Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic to arrange an assessment.
When does the transplanted hair grow?
The transplanted shafts shed within the first two to three weeks, new growth begins at three to four months, and the final density is judged at twelve months.
Is the result permanent?
Transplanted follicles keep the genetic resistance of the donor area. Hair that was not transplanted can keep thinning, so medical treatment is often advised alongside surgery.
How many grafts are needed?
It depends on the size of the thinning area and on donor density. The number is decided after examining the donor area under magnification, not from a photograph.
About the author
Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas is a European Board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon based in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience, author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press) and founder of the Closed Atraumatic Rhinoplasty Course. Read verified patient reviews or book a consultation.
This article is for general information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.
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