DHI

DHI

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) should not be considered a new method, but a modified form of FUE hair implantation that entails the same processes and results. In FUE hair transplant, the doctor creates channels over the recipient area using sapphire blades and places the grafts into the opened channels. On the other hand, in the DHI method, the doctor uses a tool resembling a ballpoint pen to insert the grafts into the recipient area without creating any channels. This tool is called the Choi pen.

How is DHI Hair Transplant Done?

DHI hair transplant is performed using a Choi pen during the creation of the channels. This small device, shaped like an interlocking ballpoint pen, has an outer Teflon coating and is designed to be resistant to temperatures of up to 130 degrees Celsius. The needle points at the end of the pen are where grafts are placed. This needle resembles an injector but is vertical, and the endpoints are serrated. The serrated ends are made this way so that the hair grafts can be placed into the needle before the transplant.

For an average DHI hair transplant process, 4 to 6 implanter pens are used. The method consists of two stages. The first stage involves placing the hair follicles into the pen. A specialist and two assistants take part in this stage, and it must be completed quickly. Hair follicles taken from the petri dish are placed inside the pen one by one. These hair follicles are placed into the needle by sliding.

The second stage involves transplanting the grafts placed inside the needle. The needle points with the grafts inside are approached to the hairless area with an appropriate angle, and the skin is pierced with the needle. At this point, the pen is pressed from the top. After the hair follicle at the needle’s end is pushed into the hole in the hairless area, the DHI hair transplant is complete.

It is important to note that, as with any application, a DHI hair transplant should be carried out by a specialist. The size of the holes pierced in the skin is of particular importance during the process, and there is no possibility of success if the holes are too big.

The DHI method consists of the following process:
  • Hairline design.
  • Anesthesia.
  • Extraction of the grafts.
  • Implantation of the grafts using Choi pens.
Advantages:
  • Implantation between existing hair for those who have completed the hair loss period and are over the age of 40
  • DHI is advantageous for implantation between existing hairs without shaving, while FUE is not as advantageous because it can damage existing follicles in this type of hair transplantation.
  • Hair transplantation for women.
  • Unshaven hair transplant.
Disadvantages:
  • ·Limited number of grafts. The maximum number of grafts for DHI hair transplantation is 4000-4300, while FUE allows for 5600 or more grafts to be transplanted.
  • More expensive than other methods
  • The DHI method is not as effective when planting in large bald areas with a high number of grafts, while the FUE method can achieve maximum density and naturalness regardless of the size of the bald area.