What Does ABHRS Certification Mean?
The American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS) certification is recognized as the world’s most prestigious and rigorous international qualification in the field of hair transplantation. To earn this title, physicians must pass comprehensive written and practical examinations, demonstrate extensive surgical case experience, and receive regular approval from independent audit boards. Therefore, an ABHRS certification is concrete proof that a physician’s knowledge base and surgical expertise meet internationally accepted standards. For patients, this guarantees that the treatment process is conducted in full compliance with scientific protocols, providing complete peace of mind. By holding this certification, Dr. Fevzi Kortay delivers international-standard expertise to his patients in the region. Furthermore, he holds the distinction of being the only physician in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with this qualification.
What Is the FUE Technique and How Is It Performed?
In the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method, the procedure begins by harvesting individual follicles from the donor area—typically the back and sides of the scalp—using specialized micro-motor tips. The harvested grafts are stored in a specialized solution to preserve their viability. Micro-channels are then created in the recipient area, where the grafts are individually implanted in alignment with the natural growth direction and angle of the hair. Local anesthesia is administered throughout the procedure, requiring no incisions or sutures. Hair washing is permitted starting from the third day post-operation. Additionally, redness in both the donor and recipient areas subsides significantly within approximately one week. Following the shock loss phase, transplanted roots begin to regrow around the third or fourth month, gradually achieving a natural appearance.
Key Differences Between FUE and the DHI Technique
In the DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) technique, the graft harvesting phase is similar to FUE, but the implantation method differs: no pre-cut channels are created. Instead, grafts are implanted directly into the scalp using a specialized pen-like device (Implanter Pen). Eliminating the need for separate channel incisions allows the surgeon to control the angle, direction, and density of each hair follicle with extreme precision. The absence of traditional channel creation generally results in a shorter and more comfortable recovery process. While DHI is often preferred for sensitive areas requiring high precision—such as the hairline—the FUE technique may be better suited for patients requiring a higher volume of grafts across larger areas.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Hair Transplantation?
Candidacy for hair transplantation is generally evaluated based on the following criteria:
Individuals experiencing male pattern baldness due to genetic predisposition
Hair loss caused by scarring from accidents, burns, or previous surgical procedures
Women experiencing female pattern hair thinning and diffuse hair loss
Patients with sufficient and healthy donor area graft capacity
Final suitability is determined by the physician following a comprehensive evaluation of the hair and scalp structure. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) remains one of the premier global organizations establishing scientific standards in hair restoration.