DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is not a new technique. In fact, it’s an improved version of FUE hair implantation, encompassing the same procedural steps and outcomes. In a FUE hair transplant, the doctor creates channels over the recipient area using sapphire blades and places the grafts into the opened channels. In contrast, the DHI method employs 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.Let us examine the process of DHI. A DHI hair transplant is performed using a Choi pen during implantation. This compact device, shaped like an interlocking ballpoint pen, has an outer Teflon coating and is designed to withstand temperatures of up to 130 degrees Celsius. The needle at the end of the pen is used to place the grafts. The needle resembles an injector but is vertical, with serrated endpoints. The serrated ends are designed in this way to facilitate the placement of hair grafts into the needle prior to the transplant.TIn the DHI hair transplant technique, 4 to 6 Choi pens are used, classified by color into red, blue, and white, according to the graft sizes, which are categorized as thick, medium, and thin. This method consists of three main stages:

Stage One: Hair Follicle Extraction

The process begins by identifying the donor area, usually located at the back or sides of the scalp, where hair follicles are more resistant to shedding. A precise device called a micro motor is used to extract individual hair follicles without causing large wounds or visible scars. Each follicle is carefully extracted to preserve its integrity and ensure its effectiveness for transplantation.

Stage Two: Follicle Preparation and Preservation

Immediately after extraction, the follicles are placed in a specialized medical solution designed to maintain their vitality and activity. This solution helps reduce dehydration and increases the chances of a successful transplant. The follicles are then sorted based on the number of hairs per follicle (e.g., single, double, or multiple hairs). This classification aids in meticulous planning of the transplantation, ensuring the most suitable follicles are selected for each scalp area, considering hair density and natural appearance.

Stage Three: Loading Follicles into Choi Pens and Implantation

The follicles are transferred from the solution into the Choi pen, a specialized tool equipped with a very fine needle at its tip. A trained team carefully loads each follicle into the needle, taking great care not to damage the follicles during the process. The specialist then implants the follicles directly into the target areas, inserting the needle at precise angles and depths to guarantee natural hair growth direction. Each follicle is implanted individually, and gentle pressure on the pen helps insert the follicle smoothly into the skin without the need for large incisions or cuts on the scalp. This procedure is repeated until the desired number of follicles are implanted, achieving a natural and uniform coverage of the bald areas. It is crucial to highlight that, as with any procedure, a DHI hair transplant should be performed by a qualified expert to ensure that each follicle is placed at the correct angle, depth, and direction for natural-looking results. Apart of that to minimize the risk of complications like infection or scarring.