Asking the right questions before a Sapphire FUE procedure separates informed patients from those who discover problems only after surgery. The V-shaped sapphire blades used in this technique create smaller, more precise channels than steel, but the surgeon's experience with these specific blades matters as much as the technology itself.
Questions About the Surgeon's Experience
1. How many Sapphire FUE procedures have you personally performed?
Sapphire blades handle differently than standard steel blades. The V-shaped tip requires adjusted pressure and angle technique. Look for a surgeon with at least 200 Sapphire FUE cases. Ask for this number specifically, not their total FUE count.
2. Can I see before-and-after photos from Sapphire FUE patients?
Request photos from at least 10 patients with a similar hair loss pattern to yours. Verify the photos show results at 12-18 months post-op, which is when final density is visible. Be wary of clinics that only show 6-month results or photos with heavy styling.
3. What is your graft survival rate with sapphire blades?
Sapphire FUE should deliver 90-95% graft survival. If the surgeon cannot provide specific data on their outcomes, that signals insufficient tracking. Quality clinics audit their results systematically.
4. Do you make the recipient channels yourself, or does a technician?
The channel-making step is where Sapphire FUE delivers its advantage. The surgeon, not a technician, should create the channels. Channel depth, angle, and spacing determine your final hairline appearance and density.
Questions About the Procedure
5. Are the sapphire blades genuine synthetic sapphire crystal?
Some clinics market "Sapphire FUE" while using standard steel or lower-quality blades. Genuine sapphire blades are V-shaped, made from aluminum oxide crystal, and come in sterile individual packaging. Ask to see the blades or their packaging before surgery.
6. What blade sizes do you use, and how do you select them?
Sapphire blades come in sizes from 1.0mm to 1.5mm. The surgeon should select blade size based on your follicular unit size and the zone being treated. Hairline work typically uses smaller blades (1.0-1.1mm) while crown coverage may use 1.3-1.5mm.
| Blade Size | Best Use Case | Grafts Per cm2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0mm | Hairline edge | 45-50 |
| 1.1mm | Frontal zone | 40-45 |
| 1.3mm | Mid-scalp | 35-40 |
| 1.5mm | Crown | 30-35 |
7. How many grafts can you place in one session?
Sapphire FUE supports up to 5,000 grafts per session. If your surgeon suggests splitting into multiple sessions for fewer than 3,500 grafts, ask why. Multiple sessions increase total cost and recovery time without a clear clinical benefit for moderate graft counts.
8. What graft storage solution do you use during the procedure?
The time grafts spend outside the body affects survival. Ask what solution is used (saline, Ringer's lactate, HypoThermosol, or ATP-supplemented solutions) and at what temperature. Grafts stored in cooled holding solutions at 4-8 degrees Celsius survive better than those at room temperature.
Questions About Recovery and Results
9. What is your post-op medication protocol?
Standard post-op care for Sapphire FUE matches general FUE recovery. The surgeon should prescribe antibiotics (3-5 days), anti-inflammatory medication, and a pain management plan. Ask specifically whether they recommend finasteride or minoxidil post-procedure.
10. When can I return to work and exercise?
Most patients return to desk work within 5-7 days. Physical exercise should wait 2-3 weeks. Ask for a written recovery timeline so expectations are clear.
11. What follow-up schedule do you maintain?
Quality clinics schedule follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Ask whether follow-ups are in-person or virtual, and whether they are included in the quoted price.
Questions About Cost and Guarantees
12. What does the total cost include?
Sapphire FUE costs 10-20% more than standard FUE because of the blade cost. Get an itemized breakdown that specifies what is and is not included.
| Cost Component | Typically Included | Sometimes Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery fee | Yes | - |
| Sapphire blades | Yes | - |
| Anesthesia | Yes | - |
| Post-op medications | Varies | $50-200 |
| PRP treatment | No | $500-1,500 |
| Follow-up visits | Varies | $100-300 per visit |
| Touch-up session | No | 50-100% of original cost |
13. Do you offer a touch-up policy?
Some clinics include a free or discounted touch-up session if graft survival falls below expected rates. Get this policy in writing before your procedure.
14. What happens if I am not satisfied with the results?
Ask about their revision policy and at what point they evaluate outcomes. Results should be assessed at 12-18 months, not earlier.
15. Can I speak with previous patients?
Reputable surgeons will connect you with former patients who are willing to share their experience. Patient testimonials on a website are not a substitute for a direct conversation.
Red Flags to Watch For
Decline to proceed if any of the following apply:
- The clinic cannot show you genuine sapphire blades
- The surgeon quotes a graft count without examining your donor area
- The price is significantly below market rate for your region
- The surgeon recommends more than 5,000 grafts in a single session
- No before-and-after portfolio is available
- Follow-up visits are not part of the treatment plan
Knowing your Norwood stage before your consultation helps you evaluate whether the surgeon's graft recommendation is reasonable. Understanding the differences between FUE and FUT also ensures you can discuss all options.
Want to know your graft estimate before your consultation? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for a free AI assessment of your hair loss stage and recommended graft count.
FAQ
What is the most important question to ask a Sapphire FUE surgeon?
Ask for their specific graft survival rate data. Experienced Sapphire FUE surgeons should report 90-95% graft survival across their patient base. Surgeons who cannot provide survival rate data or before-and-after photos from at least 50 prior patients may lack sufficient experience with the technique.
Should I ask to see the actual sapphire blades before surgery?
Yes. Genuine sapphire blades are made from synthetic sapphire crystal and have a distinct V-shaped tip. Some clinics advertise Sapphire FUE but use standard steel blades. Ask to see the blade packaging or the blades themselves before your procedure begins.
How many Sapphire FUE procedures should my surgeon have completed?
Look for a surgeon who has completed at least 200 Sapphire FUE procedures. The technique requires different channel-making skills than standard FUE because sapphire blades handle differently than steel. Surgeons transitioning from steel blades typically need 50-100 cases to become fully proficient.