DHI hair transplant is performed with special implanter pens called CHOI pens. DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) method’s main aim is to implant the graft directly into the scalp. In this method, incisions and implantation are done at the same time. This way, the operation is complete in 2 stages only. As the grafts are implanted into the scalp directly with Choi Pen, no incisions are pre-made. For this reason, healing process after a DHI procedure is quicker.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
Although DHI method is called as an alternative method to FUE, in principle both methods involve the same technique as the extraction of the grafts from the donor area one by one and implanting them one by one to the recipient area.
DHI Hair Transplant Procedure
DHI hair transplantation consists of 2 basic stages. In DHI hair transplant, the process of opening channels and transplanting hair follicles into the opened channels is done at the same time with the help of Choi Pen. Therefore, it has fewer stages than other hair methods. DHI hair transplantation stages are as follows:
- Step: Extraction (harvest) of the grafts from donor area
- Step: Implantation of the grafts in the canals
1st Step: Extraction
Grafts taken from the donor area with the help of medical punch are preserved in a special solution. Donor grafts are collected at regular intervals. Grafts are kept ready for hair transplantation after collection.
2nd Step: Implantation
The collected grafts are placed in the Choi Pen. Choi Pens, in which the grafts are placed, open canals at the same time and perform hair transplantation. Many Choi Pens are used at the same time at this stage.
How does DHI hair transplantation work with Choi Pen?
Firstly, anaesthesia is applied. Then, hair grafts are harvested from donor area. The grafts harvested are placed into Choi Pens one by one. These grafts are implanted into the recipient area with an approximate angle of 40-45 degrees. The main specialty of Choi Pen is that the grafts are implanted right into the scalp by pushing into the incision.
During a DHI Hair transplantation, approximately 3-6 of Choi Pens and 12-18 Choi Implanter Needles are used.
What are the advantages of DHI hair transplantation?
DHI hair transplant brings many advantages provided that it is performed by an expert medical team:
- The harvested grafts from the donor area can survive maximum 6 hours outside of the body. As in DHI hair transplant, the incisions and implantation are performed at the same time, the grafts are kept outside of the body for a shorter amount of time.
- Compared to lateral slit incisions, Choi Pen creates smaller incisions which provides less bleeding and smaller chance of infection.
- The recipient area after an FUE hair transplant heals in 10 to 12 days whereas after a DHI hair transplant it takes around 7 to 10 days to heal.
- Increasing the density of a diffuse hair loss patient is much easier and practical with DHI technique.
- With DHI technique it is possible to do unshaven hair transplant with less damage to the existing hair.
- With DHI technique it is easier to give a direction to the hair that is being implanted.
What are the disadvantages of DHI hair transplantation?
DHI technique has its own disadvantages just like all the methods, even though it is the newest one:
- The biggest disadvantage of DHI method is that it is quite costly compared to the other methods. It brings a great cost especially if original highest quality CHOI implanter pens are used.
- It is quite difficult to place the grafts into the implanter pens, so it requires more precision and expertise.
- A DHI hair transplant that is performed to increase the overall density can lead a horrible result if the medical team has low skill and experience. The existing hair can be easily damaged if not applied properly.
- As DHI hair transplant takes more time to perform, it is not quite possible to implant higher amounts of grafts. In one session, it is possible to implant around 2000 to 2500 grafts. If more grafts are needed, it is possible to do the hair transplant on two consecutive days which is not the most comfortable option for the patient.
Common misconceptions about DHI Hair Transplant
DHI Hair Transplant Comparison
DHI hair transplantation technique is the latest method developed. The reason why it is used so widely is that the healing process is faster and it provides a more comfortable operation process. With the DHI hair transplant technique, a maximum 2500 grafts can be transplanted at once. You can examine the comparison of DHI hair transplantation method with other hair transplantation methods below.
DHI Hair Transplant vs FUE Hair Transplant
In the comparison table below, DHI hair transplantation and FUE hair transplantation techniques are compared. Factors affecting the patient's choice of hair transplant method were taken into account.
| Subjects | DHI | FUE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Expensive | Affordable |
| Stitch | Not Required | Not Required |
| Pain after operation | No | No |
| Scar on Donor Area | No | No |
| Scar on Implanted Area | Unnoticeable | Low |
| Recovery time of Donor Area | 1 Week | 1 Week |
| Recovery time of Implanted Area | 2 Days | 5 Days |
| Bleeding | Lowest | Low |
| Transplant Between Existing Hair | Yes (Easier) | Yes |
| Maximum grafts in one session | 2500 grafts | 7000 grafts |
| Shaving/Trimming | No | Yes |
DHI Hair Transplant vs Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant
In the comparison table below, DHI hair transplantation and Sapphire FUE hair transplantation techniques are compared. Factors affecting the patient's choice of hair transplant method were taken into account.
| Subjects | DHI | Sapphire FUE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Expensive | Affordable |
| Stitch | Not Required | Not Required |
| Pain after operation | No | No |
| Scar on Donor Area | No | No |
| Scar on Implanted Area | Unnoticeable | Unnoticeable |
| Recovery time of Donor Area | 1 Week | 1 Week |
| Recovery time of Implanted Area | 2 Days | 5 Days |
| Bleeding | Lowest | Lowest |
| Transplant Between Existing Hair | Yes (Easier) | Yes |
| Maximum grafts in one session | 2500 grafts | 7000 grafts |
| Shaving/Trimming | No | Yes |
