DHI hair transplant is an advanced technique applied for individuals experiencing hair loss to regain their hair, meaning direct hair follicle implantation. In this method, hair follicles are taken directly from the donor area using a special pen (Choi Implanter Pen) and implanted into the recipient area simultaneously. DHI hair transplant can be an effective solution for people who have experienced hair loss due to genetic factors, aging, hormonal changes, or some medical conditions and want to achieve denser, natural-looking hair.
What is DHI Hair Transplant?
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) hair transplant is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique in which hair follicles are individually extracted from the donor area with a special tool called Choi Implanter Pen and implanted directly into the recipient area without the need for incisions or channel opening. This method allows for faster and less traumatic placement of hair follicles, thereby increasing the survival rate of the hair and achieving a more natural, dense appearance.Before undergoing DHI hair transplant, patients should understand the cause of their hair loss, their expectations, and the possible outcomes. During consultations with a specialist doctor, a hair analysis is performed, the donor area is evaluated, the hairline is planned, and detailed information is provided about the advantages and process of the DHI technique.
Why is DHI Hair Transplant Preferred?
DHI hair transplant is generally preferred for the following reasons:- Dense and Natural Appearance: Denser and more natural-looking hair is achieved thanks to the direct and precise placement of hair follicles.
- High Hair Follicle Survival Rate: Hair follicles are less damaged because their waiting time is shortened, and their chances of attaching to the implanted area increase.
- Minimally Invasive Method: Less trauma occurs, and the healing process is accelerated because direct implantation is performed without the need for incisions or channel opening in the recipient area.
- Rapid Healing Process: Patients can return to their daily lives more quickly thanks to a faster healing process compared to traditional methods.
- Creation of a Natural Hairline: The direction and angle of the hair follicles can be better controlled thanks to the special pen, which allows for the creation of a natural hairline.
- Suitability for Dense Hair Transplantation: The DHI technique allows for a denser and more concentrated transplant to bald areas.
- Possibility of Unshaven Hair Transplant: In some cases, especially in small areas or for people with long hair, the DHI method can be applied without completely shaving the donor area.
How Does the Pre-DHI Hair Transplant Selection Process Work?
DHI hair transplant operation should be performed by an experienced hair transplant specialist. The general process consists of the following steps:- Consultation and Evaluation: Before DHI hair transplant, a detailed consultation is held with the specialist doctor. At this stage, the cause and degree of the patient's hair loss, expectations, condition of the donor area, and general health history are evaluated.
- Hair Analysis and Planning: The structure, density, and shedding pattern of the hair are analyzed. The hairline is determined, and the number of grafts to be transplanted is planned.
- Preparation of the Donor Area: Generally, the nape area is determined as the donor area, and this area is numbed with local anesthesia. Shaving may be required in some cases.
- Graft Collection: Hair follicles (grafts) are gently collected one by one from the donor area using special DHI pens.
- Graft Implantation: The collected grafts are implanted directly into the bald or sparse areas of the recipient area, again using special DHI pens, without the need for prior channel opening. At this stage, the direction and angle of the hair are carefully adjusted.
- Healing Process: The patient's healing process after the operation can take from a few days to a few weeks. Mild swelling, redness, and tenderness are normal in the first few days. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations to speed up the healing process and achieve the best results.
What are the Types of DHI Hair Transplant?
Although the basic principle of DHI hair transplant is the same, there may be differences in application details and equipment used.- Standard DHI Hair Transplant: This is the most commonly applied DHI technique.
- Unshaven DHI Hair Transplant: This is an option applied without completely shaving the donor area, especially for people with long hair or those who want transplantation in small areas.
How long should I grow my hair before DHI hair transplant?
The length of your hair before DHI hair transplant may vary depending on the chosen method (shaved or unshaven) and your doctor's preference. If unshaven DHI is planned, the hair in the donor area may need to be a certain length. Your doctor will provide you with detailed information on this.
How many hours does DHI hair transplant take?
The duration of DHI hair transplant varies depending on the number of grafts to be transplanted and the size of the bald area. It can usually take 6 to 8 hours.
Will I feel pain during DHI hair transplant?
You will not feel any pain during the procedure as DHI hair transplant is performed under local anesthesia. You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the anesthesia is applied. After the procedure, there may be mild pain or tenderness, which can be controlled with painkillers.
What is the suitable age range for DHI hair transplant?
DHI hair transplant is generally suitable for individuals aged 22 and over whose hair loss has stabilized. However, since every patient is different, the doctor's assessment is important.
Am I a suitable candidate for DHI hair transplant?
If you are healthy, have a sufficient donor area, are bothered by your hair loss, and have realistic expectations about DHI hair transplant, you may be a suitable candidate for this procedure. However, the final decision will be made by your specialist doctor.
In which cases is DHI hair transplant not recommended?
- In areas with active infection or skin disease,
- In individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or serious heart disease,
- In individuals with blood clotting problems,
- In individuals who do not have enough healthy hair follicles in the donor area,
- In cases where hair loss is actively and rapidly progressing.
When will my hair start to grow after the surgery?
Transplanted hair follicles may experience shock loss usually within the first 1-3 weeks. This is a normal process. New hair usually starts to grow after 3-4 months, and full results can be seen within 12-18 months.
What should I pay attention to after the surgery?
It is very important to follow the care instructions recommended by your doctor after the surgery. You should keep your head elevated for the first few days, use the recommended medications, protect the transplanted area from trauma, and not wear a hat for a certain period. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for the period specified by your doctor.
Is DHI hair transplant permanent?
Yes, DHI hair transplant generally offers permanent results. Since the hair follicles taken from the donor area are genetically resistant to shedding, they continue to grow healthily in the place where they are transplanted for many years.
Will my hair look natural after DHI hair transplant?
Yes, thanks to the DHI technique, the results look quite natural because the hair follicles are precisely placed in accordance with the natural hair growth direction and angle. When performed by an expert team, the transplanted hair cannot be distinguished from your own hair.
What are the Advantages of DHI Hair Transplant?
DHI hair transplant offers many significant advantages over traditional methods:- Direct Implantation: Hair follicles are implanted directly into the recipient area without waiting, which increases the chances of the follicles surviving.
- High Density: Denser and more concentrated transplantation can be done in bald areas, which provides a fuller appearance.
- Natural Hairline: The special pen makes it easier to create a natural and personalized hairline.
- Rapid Healing: Since no incisions are made in the recipient area, the healing process is faster and more comfortable.
- Minimal Bleeding and Scarring: The risk of bleeding is low due to the absence of incisions, and minimal scarring remains.
- Unshaven Option: In some cases, it may not be necessary to completely shave the donor area.
What does DHI hair transplant aim for?
DHI hair transplant aims to provide individuals experiencing hair loss with natural-looking, dense, and permanent hair in bald or sparse areas. In this way, it is aimed to increase the self-confidence of patients and improve their quality of life.- ✔ Natural-Looking Hair: A natural result is achieved by transplanting hair follicles at the correct angle and direction.
- ✔ High Density: A fuller appearance is provided by transplanting densely in bald areas.
- ✔ Permanent Results: Since the transplanted hair follicles are genetically resistant to shedding, they grow healthily for many years.
- ✔ Minimal Healing Process: Thanks to the absence of incisions, the healing process is faster and more comfortable.
How long should I not wear a hat after DHI hair transplant?
Your doctor will usually recommend not wearing a hat for the first few days or weeks to protect the transplanted area from external factors. This period may vary depending on your healing process, so it is important to follow your doctor's instructions.
When can I do the first wash after DHI hair transplant?
The first wash after DHI hair transplant can usually be done 24-48 hours after the operation, as recommended by your doctor. It is important to be gentle during washing and use the products recommended by your doctor.
Is DHI hair transplant different from other methods (FUE)? What are the differences?
Yes, there are fundamental differences between DHI and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant methods.FUE Method: Hair follicles are taken one by one from the donor area and placed in pre-opened channels in the recipient area. This is a two-stage process.
DHI Method: Hair follicles are both taken and directly implanted into the recipient area simultaneously with a special pen (Choi Implanter Pen). This is a single-stage process. DHI can offer advantages such as denser transplantation, a more natural hairline, and a higher follicle survival rate. Also, since there is no need to open channels in the recipient area, less trauma occurs.
Will I feel pain during and after the surgery?
You will not feel any pain during the surgery as local anesthesia will be applied. You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the anesthesia is applied. After the surgery, you may feel mild pain or tenderness for the first few days. This condition can usually be controlled with painkillers and will decrease over time.
Will there be swelling after the surgery? How long will it last?
Mild swelling may be seen in the recipient and donor areas after DHI hair transplant. This swelling usually reaches its most intense level within the first 2-3 days and then subsides on its own within the next few days. Your doctor may give you some recommendations to reduce swelling.
When will the transplanted hair fully grow out?
Transplanted hair follicles are permanent after DHI hair transplant. Shock loss, which can be seen in the first 1-3 weeks, is a normal process. This shedding makes way for new and permanent hair to grow. After the transplanted hair falls out, it starts to grow again and continues to grow like your own natural hair over time. Full results usually become apparent within 12-18 months.
Do I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
DHI hair transplant is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients do not need to stay in the hospital after the operation. After the procedure is completed, you can return home with your doctor's instructions.
How soon can I get up?
DHI hair transplant is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. You can get up immediately after the procedure and return to your daily activities. However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities for the first few days.
When can I return to work after DHI hair transplant?
Most people can return to their light-paced jobs within 1-2 days after DHI hair transplant. However, if you work in physically strenuous jobs, it may be recommended to rest for a few more days. Your doctor will provide you with a specific timeline.