DHI Hair Transplant

What is DHI Hair Transplantation?

DHI hair transplantation is a modern transplantation method in which hair follicles are placed directly into the recipient area using special pens. In this technique, after the hair follicles are separated, they are transplanted in a single stage with an implanter pen. This method offers the possibility of more frequent and controlled transplantation. DHI hair transplantation shortens the healing process and provides natural results.

It is applied under local anesthesia, and the procedure is quite comfortable. It is especially preferred by people who pay attention to their appearance due to the advantage of unshaven transplantation.

What Does the Abbreviation DHI Stand For?

DHI stands for “Direct Hair Implantation.” This method allows hair follicles to be taken and implanted directly into the skin with a special medical pen. In the DHI technique, channel opening and follicle placement processes are performed simultaneously. Thanks to special pens called Choi, the waiting time of the roots outside is minimized. Thus, the survival rate of the hair follicles is much higher. In addition, since no incision is made in the scalp during the procedure, the recovery process is quite fast.

DHI Technology

DHI technology is an innovative method in which hair follicles are transplanted directly into the scalp using special pens. In this system, channel opening and follicle placement occur simultaneously. During the procedure, a medical tool with a thin tip called “Choi” is used. Thanks to this technology, the collected hair follicles wait outside for much less time. Thus, the adhesion and survival rate of the transplanted grafts increase significantly. In addition, since no incision is opened in the skin, the post-operative recovery process is quite fast. The minimum level of bleeding provides great comfort to the patient.

What is a Choi Pen?

The Choi Pen is a special medical pen used in the DHI hair transplant method that places hair follicles directly into the skin. This device, which has a thin and cylindrical tip, combines the channel opening and transplantation process. In this way, hair follicles are immediately transplanted to the scalp without waiting outside.

The shortening of the time the roots stay outside greatly increases the survival rate of the grafts. It also provides the hair transplant specialist with full control over the transplant angle and direction. Thanks to its sharp tip, the procedure is completed without the need for an incision in the scalp. The minimum level of bleeding also speeds up the recovery process considerably. Thanks to these pens, more frequent and natural-looking hair transplant results are obtained.

How is the DHI Technique Applied and What are Its Stages?

The DHI procedure is a very comfortable and peaceful surgical process generally applied under local anesthesia. In the first stage, healthy hair follicles in the nape area, determined as the donor region, are collected one by one with special micro-motor devices. These collected grafts are carefully preserved for a short time in a special tissue-friendly solution without being kept outside. Then, these hair follicles are placed one by one into specially designed medical pens called Choi implanters.

These pen-shaped devices leave no need for a prior incision or channel opening in the scalp. As soon as the tip of the pen is inserted into the skin, the hair follicle inside is safely left directly at the targeted depth. Performing the channel opening and placement process in a single move significantly shortens the time the hair follicles stay outside. In this way, the survival rate of the roots increases, strongly supporting the overall success of the treatment. Planting at angles suitable for natural exit directions successfully preserves aesthetic integrity at a very high rate.

Basic Differences Between Classic FUE Method and DHI

Methods used in hair restoration harbor certain differences and medical advantages according to the anatomical needs of the patient. In the FUE technique, thin channels where the grafts will be placed are pre-opened collectively at the beginning of the operation, and the surgical area is prepared. In the DHI method, this channel opening process progresses simultaneously with the follicle transplantation thanks to special Choi pens. The smaller incision area significantly reduces the amount of bleeding, taking the operation comfort much higher.

The DHI technique provides a great medical opportunity to enter between existing long hairs without shaving. It is a very suitable and protective approach for individuals who want to have densification transplantation and do not want to cut their hair. The FUE method may be preferred more frequently to quickly cover very large bald areas in a single session.

Who is Suitable for Direct Hair Transplantation?

Every adult individual experiencing hair loss and having enough healthy follicles in the donor area is suitable for this procedure. It is a very efficient medical method for people experiencing regional thinning and wanting intense densification only in certain areas. It is an aesthetic approach frequently preferred in individuals experiencing female pattern hair loss because the length of the hair is preserved.

It provides a high level of aesthetic benefit to individuals whose front hairline is receding and who want to create a natural frame. In those with uncontrolled severe systemic diseases or active skin infections, the procedure may be postponed due to the risk of infection. Passing individuals with blood clotting disorders through detailed health tests makes the process very reliable.

How Long Does DHI Hair Transplantation Take?

The DHI hair transplant procedure takes an average of six to nine hours depending on the number of grafts to be transplanted. Placing the roots one by one with special pens requires a bit more time compared to standard surgical methods. The width of the sparse area to be treated is the main factor directly determining the total operation time the patient will spend in the chair. The application of local anesthesia and the careful collection of roots from the nape area cover a significant part of the time.

Is the DHI Technique a Painful Procedure?

Since the DHI technique is applied entirely under local anesthesia, it is a comfortable procedure where no pain is felt during the operation. The scalp is completely and safely numbed before the operation by using very thin-tipped needles during the anesthesia application. After numbness is achieved, patients perceive only light pressures and medical touches during the graft collection and placement stages. It is easily possible to make this process much more comfortable and peaceful by using needle-free anesthesia devices.

Are DHI Hair Transplant Results Permanent?

DHI hair transplantation is a procedure that generally gives lifelong permanent results because donor follicles resistant to shedding are used. Healthy hair follicles taken from the nape area harbor a very high resistance to shedding due to their genetic structure. When these follicles are transplanted to their new places, they successfully continue to maintain the same genetic protection properties for many years. Over time, most of the transplanted hair that clings under the skin does not show a tendency to shed throughout the patient’s life. However, it is possible to observe minor thinning or sparseness in the patient’s other natural hair over time due to advancing age.