DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), also known as unshaven hair transplant, is a modification of FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method that has become very popular due to the advantages it provides and as one of the first clinics in the world who started to utilize this technique we will try to shed light on every aspect of this novel method and try to understand if it really makes any difference.
DHI technique is considered as a giant leap in hair transplant operations to achieve the most optimal density and natural-looking results. In addition to those merits the trauma on the recipient area would be minimal since there are no cuts open on the scalp with slits as it is done with standard FUE method.
How is it performed?
DHI method is actually a variation of FUE hair transplantation technique. The extraction process of the hair grafts are exactly the same but the difference starts to kick in when the implantation process begins. In regular FUE hair transplant procedure the hair grafts are extracted from the donor area(back of the head) either with the help of a micro-motor or manually. Afterwards cuts are open with slits on the recipient area and extracted grafts are manually placed inside those cuts with help of specially designed tweezers. In DHI hair transplant procedure, extraction is carried out the same but during the implantation phase special equipment called Choi pen comes to the scene.
Designed especially for hair transplant operations, Choi pens give many advantages to the hands of the experts but one needs to go through extensive training to be able to master this method since it requires solo work of the expert throughout the majority of the operation.
Yes, that is correct. During FUE hair transplant operations extraction and slit cuts are carried out by the expert but the implantation of the grafts are done by assistant nurses since it lowers the duration of the operation (solo implantation of the grafts may take the duration of the procedure up to 18-20 hours, thus assistant nurses carry out the implantation process during FUE hair transplant operations). In DHI operations both the extraction and implantation is done directly by the expert but as we mentioned above a competent expert that performed DHI hair transplant procedures is a must!
What advantages does it have?
DHI comes with many perks;
No need to shave your whole head!
This is a question we get frequently asked and for some patients it is a must. Yes, when hair transplantation is done with DHI method there is no need to shave the whole head. If the patient desires only the donor area goes 0 for the extraction. Since pinpoint accuracy is possible with Choi pens, original hairs of the patient on the recipient area can remain long and solid to take care of the newly implanted baby hairs!
Density at its best
The distance between each graft can be minimized with the help of Choi implanter pens. For patients who need regional hair transplant we always prefer to go with DHI method to get the maximum density we can achieve.
Natural Appearance
Compared to FUE method, the angle of the implanted follicles can be adjusted rather easily. Since it is easy to do maneuvers with Choi pens, experts can implant the grafts in accordance with the rest of the original follicles on the area.
Fast Recovery
In basic anatomy, the more damage you inflict on an area the bigger trauma you get. Since incisions done with Choi pens are minimal, recovery phase is even quicker compared to the FUE or FUT method. You can get back to your routine immediately!
