EXPERT GUIDE

DHI Hair transplant


Pete Scott, MD

This text was written according to the highest scientific standards and reviewed by medical experts. Find out more about our quality assurance.

Written by Erin D. Updated on 14 Jan 2024

Hair loss is a common problem for many men and women. It is believed that around 85% of men face hair thinning by the age of 50. One of the most effective solutions are hair transplants. Lately the new hair transplant method DHI gained popularity. What is the experience with DHI? Are there any risks? Learn everything on this page.

What is a DHI hair transplant?

DHI, or direct hair implantation, is a modification of the FUE hair transplantation aiming at restoring hair in the balding area. It combines the extraction and implantation process into one without the need for incisions. Hair follicles are extracted from the donor area and implanted into the recipient area. The procedure is performed with the help of a special Choi implanter pen. It is thought that this way allows for greater hair follicles survival rate and lower bleeding rates.

 

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How does DHI work?

Like other hair transplantation methods, it involves graft extraction and implantation into the recipient area. The extraction of the graft is similar to extraction with the FUE method. When performing DHI, the surgeon extracts a graft with a unique tool with a diameter of around 0,8 to 1mm. Then, the graft is loaded into the so-called Choi Implanter Pen to be further transferred to the recipient site. The Choi Implanter Pen allows the surgeon to implant the graft more precisely and lowers the risk of damaging the graft. Channel creation and implantation with this method happen at the same time.

FUE hair transplant punch size

Pros Cons
The DHI hair transplant has a higher graft survival rate because the grafts spend less time outside of the body and thus have a lower risk of getting damaged. One of the biggest cons of DHI hair transplant is that it is usually more expensive than other methods. It is explained by the specialized equipment needed to perform the procedure as well as special additional training for surgeons.
There is a significantly lower risk of bleeding in the recipient area. Moreover, the recovery time is faster than after other methods. Another disadvantage is that the DHI transplant procedure usually takes more time, for example, FUE for the same number of grafts.
The recipient area does not require shaving to perform DHI, so it is suitable for patients with longer hair. The surgeon requires a lot of skill and knowledge as implantation places are not mapped in advance.

DHI hair transplant cost

When discussing prices for hair transplant surgeries, a few factors must be considered. First, it depends on what country you will have it done in. Some countries like Turkey, Greece, Mexico, and others offer lower prices for these procedures. Secondly, the clinics and the doctor involved in it. Thirdly, the cost highly depends on the number of grafts that need to be transplanted and whether more sessions will be required. Below you find a chart of the average cost per country:

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Who is a candidate for DHI?

The best way to determine whether the given procedure suits you is to consult a qualified doctor who can look into the details and provide a comprehensive answer. However, there are a couple of aspects that you can consider when thinking about DHI hair transplantation. This surgery is suitable for people with androgenic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss. The candidate should be over 24. It is said that people having a lighter hair color tend to have better results. People with low hair density in the donor area are generally considered poor transplant candidates. Another important aspect is to have realistic expectations from the surgery. DHI is also one of the best methods for temple hair transplants due to the low angle of the graft required.

Average age of patients at first hair transplant

DHI vs. FUE: Which is better?

When choosing the most suitable method for hair transplant, many questions come to the surface. What is the difference between these methods? Which one works better and possesses fewer side effects? Some of these questions are easy to answer.

  • FUE and DHI procedures involve extracting follicles with a punch from the donor area and transplanting them to the recipient area.
  • The main difference between FUE and DHI methods is the implantation stage. When performing FUE, follicles are extracted, and then special incisions are made before implanting the grafts manually into the recipient area. When performing DHI, grafts can be immediately implanted into the recipient area without opening the canals. A special tool is used to enable such immediate implantation.
  • FUE and DHI take longer than FUT but have advantages too. It is claimed that FUE same DHI has up to 95% success rates. In addition, FUE and DHI take around 12 to 18 months to have the total result. DHI has a faster recovery period allowing to resume.

 

Hai Transplant FUT or FUE

svgAffordable and high quality DHI hair transplant in Austria?

The excellent medical facilities and highly skilled medical staff in Austria and Vienna are well known. Moreover, Vienna is consistently rated as one of the greatest places in the world to live in. Clinics in Austria, like the renowned DHI Vienna clinic, offer cutting-edge methods like DHI to deliver results that are natural at affordable pricing. Why not combine a hair transplant with a visit to the lovely city of Vienna? Discover more

DHI vs. FUT: Which is better?

A FUT hair transplant presupposes cutting a long strip from the donor area, dividing it into grafts, and transplanting it to the recipient area. While it is a relatively fast and cheap method, it may leave a scar visible with short hair but can be well hidden with longer hairstyles. DHI, on the other hand, takes a long time to be fulfilled but also has a better chance of not leaving scars.

svgChoi Pen Implanter

The Choi Pen Implanter was first invented at Kyungpook National University in South Korea in 1992. It has been widely used in the Asian sphere and has recently found its way into the Western sphere.

DHI's potential side effects

As with every surgery, a hair transplant may cause some side effects. One of the most widespread issues is a reaction to anesthesia. It should be noted that primarily local anesthesia is used when performing this surgery.

There is a shallow risk of developing an infection, though it must be considered, and it is worth talking through all the surgery steps with the doctor to ensure correct post-hair-transplant care. Another substantial side effect is shock hair loss. Shock hair loss is a temporary loss of implanted that can happen after the hair transplant surgery. It can occur within two months after the surgery. Shock hair loss can be a part of the recovery process and should go away sometime.

Grafts should be implanted carefully and aligned with the natural hair. Otherwise, poorly aligned transplanted hair can be visible and create an unwanted appearance.
Other potential side effects after the hair transplant surgery include dizziness, bleeding, scarring, infections, pain, inflammation of hair follicles, sparse growth surrounding the donor site, and heartbeat increase.

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Summary

DHI hair transplantation is a modified FUE procedure that uses some special tool and ensures better precision when transplanting grafts into the recipient area.
As with any hair transplant surgery, it has its advantages and disadvantages. It is worth consulting a professional and experienced doctor who could clarify all the details for you before deciding which method would suit the given case best.

When choosing a place and doctor to do the surgery, several aspects should be taken into account. Another aspect worth considering is the price of the procedure. All hair transplant surgeries are relatively expensive, so it is best to investigate all alternatives and see what can be done in the particular situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, DHI or FUE?

Is DHI better than sapphire FUE?

Is DHI hair transplant permanent?

Does DHI leave scars?

How much does DHI cost?

Sources

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What does your hair loss look like?

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