Direct Hair Implantation (DHI): Cost, Procedure & Recovery Guide

DHI, which stands for Direct Hair Implantation, is one of the latest hair transplantation methods where follicular units are individually extracted and implanted. DHI can be considered an improved form of FUE method that requires very precise and delicate tools for its implementation. This hair transplantation method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and after evaluating your specific conditions, doctors can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure or not? Also, one of the main concerns of people before planting is related costs. Various factors and parameters can increase or decrease the cost of DHI hair transplant, which we will discuss in full in the following article; So follow us till the end.

Introduction to DHI Hair Transplantation Method

Hair transplantation techniques are continuously improving. Among the older methods, we can mention FUE. This method had many weaknesses, which is why Applicant (a fictional clinic) couldn’t achieve their desired and ideal results with it. To compensate for these weaknesses, a method called DHI was developed. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, DHI is an improved and more modern version of FUE And it is one of the newest hair transplant methods.

In this method, the presence of fine pens is necessary to individually extract the follicular units from the donor area and implant them in specific areas. These pens, known as Choi pens, allow the doctor to perform the extraction and transplantation simultaneously. Since there is no need for incisions in this method, the recovery period can be faster, which is a unique advantage.

Stages of DHI Hair Transplantation

DHI hair transplantation requires the doctor to go through various stages, and precision should be maintained throughout all of them. Like other methods, anesthesia is necessary to ensure that the patient doesn’t feel any pain. The specialist also needs to prepare all the transplantation tools before starting the procedure. You can read about the stages of transplantation in more detail below.

1. Trimming the donor area and Administering Anesthesia

In the DHI method, trimming the donor area is necessary for follicle extraction. This makes the grafts easier to extract. Then, the area is administered with anesthesia to ensure that the patient doesn’t experience any pain. This way, the patient at Applicant will not experience any pain throughout the entire transplantation process, and there won’t be any stress or anxiety.

2. Extraction of Follicles from the donor area

Now, in this stage of DHI transplantation, it’s time to extract the grafts. For this purpose, a tool called Choi pen is needed, which has a high level of precision. It’s important to note that the extraction of follicles will be done individually and separately. If the specialist has a high level of accuracy, no harm will be done to the follicles, and one can expect an ideal result.

3. Implantation of Follicles

Next comes the crucial stage of DHI hair transplant method. In this stage, the extracted grafts need to be placed in the desired areas. The implantation of follicles starts by dividing the recipient area into different zones. The specialist uses a marker to divide the head into several different sections. This helps the specialist determine which areas the grafts should be implanted in. Additionally, this technique can create a very natural hairline. The extracted grafts are placed in a specialized tool and then inserted into the created incisions.

4. Disinfection and Bandaging of the Area

After the extraction and implantation process is complete, the doctor needs to disinfect the area to prevent infections and subsequent problems. Additionally, the doctor will bandage the area using specialized techniques to prevent environmental factors from causing infections. The doctor will determine when to remove the bandage.

Who can undergo DHI hair transplantation?

The main question that arises regarding this topic is who are suitable candidates for DHI hair transplantation? Each individual has their own specific conditions. By examining the person’s situation, the doctor determines whether they are a suitable candidate or not.

In general, the best age for hair transplant is for applicants over 25 years old, as their balding pattern is well-established. However, other individuals can also benefit from this technique, but the main condition is that they must be at least 18 years old and have clearly defined hair loss. It is worth mentioning that eligible candidates should have a strong and thick donor area.

Strengths and Weaknesses of DHI Hair Transplantation

Every transplantation method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and DHI hair transplantation is no exception to this rule. The main advantage that DHI seeks is that no scars or marks will remain in the end. Additionally, the least amount of damage is inflicted on the grafts during extraction, which can have a significant impact on the final result and promote better graft growth.

Furthermore, since there is no need for incisions in this method, the recovery period can be shorter. After a maximum of 15 days, no residual effects will remain, and you can quickly return to your normal activities. It should be noted that DHI Hair Transplant Technique is performed in a single session. Alongside all the advantages, there are also some disadvantages, which are as follows:

• This procedure should only be performed by experienced individuals; otherwise, the person will experience severe complications. Side effects such as severe bleeding, headaches, increased heart rate, etc., can occur.
• Compared to some other methods, the number of extracted grafts is limited and ranges from 1500 to 3000 grafts.
• This method is only suitable for individuals who do not have extensive baldness.
• The final density achieved with this method is lower compared to many other techniques.

Important Care Tips for DHI Hair Transplantation

A significant part of the success of DHI hair transplantation depends on post-hair transplant care. Individuals aiming for their desired results should pay attention to all of these care tips. Following these tips can minimize the risk of side effects. The care tips include:

• Do not touch the transplanted hair or scalp under any circumstances.
• Avoid engaging in heavy activities for up to one month as pressure can displace the hair follicles.
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages for up to two weeks.
• Quit smoking for one month as it can slow down the healing process.
• Do not wash your hair for the first three days after the procedure, and afterward, use the shampoo prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid taking blood thinning medications for up to two weeks after the transplantation as they increase the risk of bleeding.

Cost of DHI Hair Transplantation in UAE

One of the crucial topics is the cost of hair transplantation. In general, it is not possible to determine a specific price for DHI hair transplantation because various factors and parameters can lead to an increase or decrease in costs. In general, these parameters include:

• The extent of baldness in the individual.
• The number of grafts extracted.
• The fees of the doctor and staff.
• The tools used during the transplantation.
• The cost of medications and shampoos.

Success Rate of DHI Hair Transplantation

The tool used in the Direct Hair Implantation Technique is a very thin and delicate pen. This increases precision and finesse in the procedure, which can have a significant impact on the success of hair transplantation. Additionally, since the follicles are extracted individually and one by one, there is less damage to the grafts.

It should be noted that the success of hair transplantation also depends on the skill of the doctor. The more precise, specialized, and skilled the doctor is, the higher the chances of success. Furthermore, individuals should pay attention to all care tips to achieve the best results of hair transplant. Overall, the success rate of DHI hair transplantation is over 90%.

Introduction of Choi Pen: A New Tool for DHI Hair Transplantation

The Choi pen, used in DHI hair transplantation, is a type of needle designed in a hollow form. This pen is attached to a reservoir, essentially creating a communication tube between the pen and the reservoir. These needles can be found in various sizes, but they all have a specific delicacy that makes the hair transplantation process easier.

With these pens, fine incisions can be made in the recipient area of the scalp. They can also be used to transfer grafts to the created openings in the corresponding area. Overall, the Choi pen is one of the latest tools for hair transplantation and can be used in the direct hair implantation method.

FUE and DHI: Which Hair Transplantation Method is Better?

As mentioned, DHI is a newer version of the FUE method, so it is natural to say that its performance is significantly better. These two methods have differences that can help determine which option is better. The following list shows these differences:

1. Although both methods are not recommended for extensive baldness, individuals with lesser hair loss are better off with DHI.
2. The FUE method requires tools such as a punch needle and forceps for graft extraction and implantation. On the other hand, the DHI method utilizes specialized pens.

Furthermore, there is a possibility of follicle loss in FUE, but there is no such risk of damaging the grafts in the DHI method.

Conclusion

Hair transplantation is possible through various methods, one of which is the DHI method. DHI hair transplant is performed using a specialized pen that increases the chances of success. This method is not recommended for individuals with extensive baldness since the maximum number of grafts that can be extracted in one session is 3000. If the physician lacks sufficient skill in this technique, there may be significant complications. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the expertise of the best specialists at Helia Hair and Skin Clinic.