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A technique that puts precision first

ICE FUE Sapphire is one of the advanced hair transplant methods we offer at Ideal of MeD. It’s especially effective for covering larger bald areas, such as the crown or mid-scalp, where a high number of grafts are needed and natural-looking coverage is key.

We use ICE FUE Sapphire either on its own or as part of our unique combination surgery, pairing it with ICE DHI hair transplant for patients who also need high-density implantation along the hairline or other refined areas. 

In the sections below, our medical team walks you through how a ICE FUE Sapphire hair transplant works, why we use it, and whether it’s the right choice for your hair restoration goals.

What Is FUE — and How Does ICE FUE Sapphire Make It Better?

FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction, is a hair transplant technique that involves harvesting individual hair follicles from the donor area — usually the back of your scalp — and transplanting them into areas of hair loss.

At Ideal of MeD, we use this method not just to treat thinning hair, but to restore completely bald patches, including difficult areas like the crown and mid-scalp.

Our Ideal ICE FUE Sapphire Method is specially developed for individuals with significant baldness, and it’s one of the most refined transplant techniques available today. It combines three critical innovations:

  1. Micro-Extraction of Hair Follicles (FUE) Each follicle is carefully removed one by one to preserve its integrity.
  2. Cold Graft Preservation (ICE) Immediately after extraction, grafts are preserved in an ICE-controlled, low-temperature environment, which helps reduce inflammation and maximize survival.

Sapphire Blade Incision Technique Tiny, V-shaped incisions are made in the recipient area using ultra-sharp sapphire blades, allowing for greater precision, denser placement, and faster healing.

Compared to traditional steel tools, sapphire blades are:

  • Sharper and finer, allowing us to create extremely narrow, clean channels
  • Capable of densely packed placement — up to 120 grafts per square centimeter
  • More precise, enabling natural angling and direction for each hair

This results in:

  • Reduced bleeding and tissue trauma
  • Higher density and improved visual coverage
  • Quicker healing times and less scarring
  • Natural, undetectable results

While some clinics use a single blade for an entire procedure (to save time or reduce cost), we do not compromise on precision or hygiene.

At Ideal of MeD:

  • This ensures minimal trauma, consistent depth and angle, and a higher graft survival rate
  • We assess your skin type and graft requirements to determine how many blades are needed
  • In large procedures — for example, a 5,000-graft case — we may use four different sapphire blades to maintain sharpness throughout

Boost your results with supportive therapies

These recovery tools work alongside your transplant to speed healing, improve graft survival, and support long-term growth.

Want to see all add-on options and what they do?

The Science Behind ICE

At Ideal of MeD, we’ve invested in one of the most critical parts of hair transplant surgery: what happens to your grafts after extraction and before implantation. This is the phase where follicles are most vulnerable — exposed to air, fluctuating temperatures, and oxidative stress that can reduce their ability to survive and grow once implanted.

That’s where ICE comes in.

What Is ICE?

ICE (Micro Ice-Controlled Environment) is a cold preservation system designed specifically for hair follicles. It provides a stable, chilled environment (4–8°C) from the moment each graft is extracted, helping to extend cellular viability and prevent biological degradation.

  • Slows down cellular metabolism
  • Preserves ATP (cellular energy)
  • Maintains membrane integrity
  • Reduces inflammation once implanted

At Ideal of MeD, we’re one of the few operators able to provide a full surgical team of 4 to 8 specialists for every ICE FUE procedure — thanks to our location, and medical infrastructure. This allows us to implant grafts faster, which directly improves graft survival and overall results. Our team has over 10 years of experience and has performed thousands of successful transplants, with deep expertise in ICE FUE Sapphire.

Why Cold Preservation Matters

Hair follicles are living tissue. Once outside the body, they begin to degrade — even within minutes. At room temperature (~20–22°C), metabolic activity continues, consuming energy and increasing oxidative stress.

Storing grafts at 4–8°C slows these processes dramatically, helping to:

  • Extend graft viability for hours without quality loss
  • Minimize apoptosis (cell death)
  • Enhance blood vessel reconnection after implantation
  • Improve long-term growth consistency

This approach is adapted from best practices in regenerative medicine, where cold ischemia is a standard for protecting delicate tissue.

ICE FUE Sapphire Hair Transplant.
Before & After Images.

These results speak for themselves. Each transformation was performed by our highly experienced team, with thousands of hair transplants and many thousands of hours dedicated specifically to ICE FUE Sapphire procedures.

Who Is Best Suited for ICE FUE Sapphire?

ICE FUE Sapphire is an advanced hair transplant method that’s especially well-suited for patients with larger bald areas, those who need high graft counts, and individuals who value faster healing and maximum graft survival.

This technique isn’t just about extracting and placing hair — it’s about creating a stable biological environment around your follicles, from extraction to implantation. That’s why the Ideal ICE FUE Sapphire Method is particularly effective for the following groups:

ProfileWhy They’re a Good Fit
Men with Norwood 3–6 hair lossIdeal for restoring large bald areas like the crown, mid-scalp, and frontal zones.
Patients with completely bald patchesICE FUE Sapphire’s high graft capacity and density make it excellent for full coverage.
Patients needing 3000+ graftsCold preservation (ICE) allows longer procedures with high graft survival.
Patients seeking maximum densitySapphire blade incisions allow dense packing (up to 120 grafts/cm²).
Previous transplant patients needing correctionsEffective for improving density, fixing unnatural hairlines, or refining previous work.
Women with female-pattern hair loss (frontal/part line)Can be adapted with limited shaving; effective in select female cases.
Patients looking for a hybrid (FUE + DHI) treatmentICE FUE Sapphire forms the base for combination surgery with DHI precision.

ICE FUE Sapphire May Not Be Ideal For:

At Ideal of MeD, we believe in offering the right treatment for the right patient — not just selling procedures. While ICE FUE Sapphire is an advanced, highly effective method, it’s not suitable for everyone. In some cases, we’ll recommend an alternative approach, combination treatment, or advise against surgery entirely if it’s not in your best interest.

ProfileWhy ICE FUE Sapphire May Not Be IdealOur Ethical Recommendation
Individuals with very poor donor area densityExtracting grafts could leave visible thinning or simply won’t yield enough for meaningful coverage.We may recommend non-surgical options — or explain why a transplant isn’t advisable.
Patients needing extremely fine implantation in small areas (e.g., temples, widow’s peak)ICE FUE Sapphire is excellent for broad coverage, but not always ideal for delicate precision zones.We often recommend ICE DHI for hairline detailing, temple points, or eyebrow work.
People expecting full results without shaving any part of the scalpICE FUE Sapphire typically requires full or partial shaving for clean access to donor areas and optimal results.We do offer limited shave and long-hair FUE options in select cases, or suggest DHI where possible.
Patients with active scalp disorders (e.g., psoriasis, dermatitis, infections)Ongoing inflammation or skin instability can interfere with healing and graft anchoring.Hair transplant must be postponed until the condition is under control. We’ll help coordinate dermatological care first.
Young patients with rapidly evolving hair loss (typically under 22)Hair loss may continue aggressively post-surgery, affecting the long-term balance between donor and recipient areas.We advise medical therapy first, and reassess for surgery once the hair loss stabilizes.
People who are not committed to long-term maintenance or follow-upEven after a successful transplant, native hair may continue to thin.We only treat patients with realistic expectations and a willingness to follow aftercare protocols. We’ll never promise a “quick fix.”
Individuals with certain uncontrolled medical conditions or contraindicated medicationsRisk of poor healing or complications.We perform full medical clearance before proceeding. If unsafe, we will not recommend surgery.

We believe great results come from clarity, consistency, and care — not cutting corners. That’s why every Ideal of MeD package includes everything you need for a safe, successful, and smooth hair transplant.

  • Which package is right for you? Our specialists are happy to evaluate your case and guide you to the best option for your hair goals and budget.

€2500

with campaigns

5-Star Hotel

2 Nights

VIP Transfers

 Post-Care Pack (1 Month)

Hyperbaric Session

MSC Exosomes

€3500

with campaigns

5-Star Hotel

2 Nights

VIP Transfers

 Post-Care Pack (2 Months)

Hyperbaric Session

MSC Exosomes

€6500

with campaigns

5-Star Hotel

5 Nights

VIP Transfers

 Post-Care Pack (6 Months)

Hyperbaric Session

MSC Exosomes

Questions? We’ve heard them all.

From pricing to pain levels and healing time — here are the answers our patients ask most before starting their journey.

Proven techniques, tailored to you

Whether you want full coverage or just density correction, we’ll match the right method to your needs.