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:

• Accurate Placement of grafts: DHI allows for precise control over the angle, direction, and depth of hair follicle implantation, resulting in a natural-looking hairline.
• Least Invasive: DHI involves minimal handling of grafts and doesn't require creation of channels on recipient areas beforehand.
• No Scalpel: The DHI technique doesn't involve scalpels, leading to less scarring and a faster recovery time.
• Higher Graft Survival: Because grafts are implanted immediately after extraction, their survival rate can be higher compared to techniques where grafts are stored before implantation.
• Suitable for Various Hair Types: DHI can be used for different hair types, including curly or wavy hair, as the precise implantation allows for natural results.

Disadvantages:

• Unique Technique: The Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) technique is somewhat more intricate than basic hair transplant methods, requiring doctors and a specialized team with specific training and skills.
• Limited Graft Quantity: Due to the time-sensitive nature of the procedure, DHI might not be ideal for very large graft sessions in a single sitting.
• Higher Cost: The advanced technique and the expertise required a higher costs compared to other hair transplantation methods.
• Extended duration of the process.: Doing DHI takes time because each graft needs to be placed very carefully.
• Outcomes Based on Skill: The effectiveness of the DHI method depends a lot on how skilled and experienced the medical team is. This can result in different levels of success when different practitioners use the method.