DHI Hair Transplant (Direct Hair Implantation)

What Is DHI Procedure?

DHI is not a completely different technique than FUE. Both share harvesting hair follicles from the donor area using a punch device but differ in the implantation process.

How Is DHI Performed?

  • DHI Implanter Pen Technique, also known as the Choi-Pen method, is the process of transplanting extracted hair grafts into the recipient area of the scalp utilizing a Choi Implanter Pen.
  • In DHI, the follicular units are placed directly into the recipient area in a precise direction, angle, and depth. The implanter is a pen-like device with a hollow needle.

What Are The Benefits of DHI?

  • In DHI, the implanter pen simultaneously provides incisions and graft implantation, decreasing trauma and blood loss.
  • One great perk of the DHI method is that adding more density by placing grafts between existing hairs is simple.
  • DHI is a more attractive option for women seeking to correct their hair loss while maintaining their current hairstyle. That is because, in DHI, the donor area only needs to be shaved.
  • Moreover, DHI causes less swelling after the surgery than other transplantation techniques.
  • If it is performed professionally, the implantation process of DHI is also exact and accurate since there’s direct control over the hair follicles’ angle, depth, and direction.

What Are The Drawbacks of DHI?

  • The reasoning is that with DHI, there’s no need for a surgeon to make incisions during the procedure like FUE, so these low-profile clinics save big bucks by hiring technicians over surgeons. It may sound convenient on the surface, but it is not.

Can Hair Grafts Get Damaged By Choi Implanter Pen?

  • Yes, hair grafts can get damaged by the Choi Implanter Pen. This specialized tool is designed to help surgeons place transplanted hair grafts precisely, though it can be challenging.

  • Due to the complexity of this procedure, in the DHI method, the possibility of damaging hair grafts increases during the pre-implantation phase (loading the grafts into the Choi Pen) and implantation of grafts into the scalp.
  • If too much force is applied when pushing the implanter pen into the scalp, it can cause hair grafts and surrounding tissue trauma. In addition, if proper sterilizing techniques are not followed, there is a risk of infection from bacteria entering through skin micro-tears or direct contact with contaminated equipment.
  • For implantation to be successful and safe, surgeons must have experience and training in handling this device correctly. They should know how much pressure needs to be applied for safe implantation and how to properly sterilize the device before and after use.
  • As part of their training program, surgeons must also understand which depth range and angle are ideal for inserting hairs into different areas of the scalp, depending on their location.
  • Furthermore, they need to be aware that too shallow an angle can reduce growth rate and discomfort during the healing time, while too deep an angle can damage both implanted hairs and existing ones nearby.
  • In other words, it’s essential for a skilled surgeon who understands these nuances to ensure that no damage happens during the implantation process via Choi Implanter Pens.

How Long Does the DHI Procedure Take?

  • The DHI hair transplant procedure typically takes 6 to 10 hours, depending on the number of grafts needed for the desired outcome. The main factor is that with DHI, there is direct control over each hair follicle as it is being implanted, so this can be time-consuming if a high density of grafts is required.
  • Before the hair transplantation process begins, patients must consult with their doctor to discuss the details of their particular case and what will be involved in the procedure. In this consultation, they will be informed about the estimated duration of the entire process.
  • After the initial consultation, several pre-operative tests must occur before the procedure begins. These include blood tests and preparation for the anesthesia.
  • It takes about 4–5 hours to prepare and harvest donor grafts. This involves careful extraction from a healthy donor area on the scalp or body (if necessary). After extraction is completed, it takes 1–2 hours to implant all those extracted hair follicles into designated areas on the scalp where balding has occurred or thinning has become apparent.
  • Every patient’s needs are different, so the exact times may vary from person to person depending on their needs and circumstances.

What Is Recovery Time for DHI?

  • The recovery time following a DHI hair transplant depends mainly on the patient’s healing rate, typically between 12-14 days.
  • After the procedure, patients will experience swelling in the recipient area and tightness, redness, and itchiness. Any discomfort can be managed with medication prescribed by your doctor.
  • Patients must avoid strenuous activities during this period that may cause the grafts to dislodge or impact their healing. Additionally, there may be some residual crusting for up to two weeks after the procedure due to post-operative scabs forming over each implanted hair follicle. Keeping these areas clean and dry during recovery is essential to ensure proper healing and growth of healthy new hair.

What Is The Shock Loss Period for DHI?

  • Patients should also be aware that they may experience some shock loss of existing hairs during this process due to trauma caused by the implantation, typically lasting up to four weeks post-operatively.
  • Patients will also notice slight shedding of transplanted hairs during this time and some thinning due to shock loss. However, this should return to normal once recovery is complete.
  • Once recovery has finished, patients may start noticing new hair growth within 3-4 months, depending on their biology and health.

How Long Does It Take To See %100 Result from DHI?

Full results from a DHI Hair Transplant are usually visible after 18 months post-treatment when all implanted grafts have grown completely, and any shock loss has been replenished with new healthy strands.

Are There Any Side Effects of DHI?

  • The most common risks or side effects include infection, scarring, and shock loss. Infection can occur when the incision sites are not properly cared for, leading to a larger degree of scarring.
  • Fortunately, these rare side effects can be minimized by following your doctor’s aftercare instructions.

How Many Sessions Are Required for the DHI?

  • Through DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), the maximum number of grafts implanted in one session is 2500-3000. However, with FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), up to 4500-5000 grafts can be transplanted safely in a single procedure.
  • If more than 3000 graft implantations are needed, then at least two surgery sessions are required with DHI.
  • Lastly, it is advised by medical professionals to wait at least 10-12 months between surgical sessions.

Can I Dye My Hair After DHI Hair Transplant?

Yes, you can dye your hair after DHI. However, waiting at least three months post-surgery is strongly advised before attempting to dye your hair. It will allow enough time for the transplanted follicles to take hold and for the scalp to heal completely.

What Are Important Points To Consider When Dying Hair After DHI?

  • When deciding to color your hair, it is crucial to consider both the type of dye used and the skill level of the hairdresser performing the procedure. Always use professional-grade dyes that are free from harsh chemicals.
  • Also, make sure you choose a hairdresser with experience coloring post-transplant hair. It is best if they are familiar with correctly handling delicate hair strands around incision sites inserted during a DHI procedure.
  • When it comes time for your first appointment, communicate clearly with your hairdresser regarding any concerns or issues you may have so that they can work together to reach optimal results. Additionally, always perform a strand test before applying color all over your head to ensure it looks exactly how you want it.
  • It is also important to note that after having a DHI transplant surgery, new growth of healthy hairs should not be exposed directly to heat or chemical treatments during this critical period of healing and adjusting. Such exposure could cause considerable damage and potentially even increase the risk of infection at the incision sites where hair grafts were inserted into the scalp.
  • Generally speaking, waiting six months before straightening or curling new growth from transplanted follicles should be considered a safe and secure time frame when considering any heat styling for post-DHI treatment hairs.

Is DHI Hair Transplant Appropriate for Every Patient?

  • The DHI procedure is not suggested for every person. The method, created at Kyungpook National University in Korea, has yielded excellent results among Asian patients with hair loss and has become a popular choice throughout Asia. However, while Choi pens are effective for Asians, other races have not experienced the same success in terms of results.
  • After extensive research, experts have uncovered the following results:
  1. Asian people’s hair, in general, is distinguished with thick, straight hair, unlike the curly hair with a thinner diameter of other races, which can’t be appropriately loaded into the needle of the Choi pen and implanted in the scalp.
  2. That may lead to inappropriate bend in the follicle, incorrect implant placement, and excessive trauma for the hair follicles. Therefore, the Choi pen method is not suitable for all patients who want to undergo hair transplants.

What Is The Difference Between DHI and FUE?

  • FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) are the world’s most widely used hair surgery techniques.
  • Both involve taking hair follicles from the donor region and transplanting them to areas with thinning or balding patches.
  • Even though they might look alike, there are some clear distinctions between the DHI and FUE.

For Detailed Information, Please Read The Article DHI vs. FUE: Which Method Is Better?

Are There Other Options If I Don’t Want DHI?

There are several other options for hair loss patients if they don’t go with DHI, including FUE, FUT, and Sapphire FUE. Of these three methods, Sapphire FUE is advised as the best option for natural results and quicker healing. This is due to the use of cutting-edge sapphire blades to make incisions on the recipient area, which offer superior results.

Contact Diamond Hair Clinic!

  • Diamond Hair Clinic is a prominent and patient-oriented hair transplant clinic in Turkey. It is located in Istanbul and was founded by hair restoration surgeon Dr. Mehmet Demircioglu in 2012.
  • Dr. Mehmet Demircioglu is a skilled and competent surgeon who has performed many successful hair restıration procedures. Dr. Demircioglu is also a World Fue Institute (WFI) member.