What is a DHI hair transplant? Everything you need to know about the Direct Hair Transplant.
If you are considering a hair transplant, chances are that you have come across different methods and are not sure which method is right for you. That's totally normal as each method has its own pros and cons and is not equally suitable for everyone.
In this blog, we inform you about the FUE method, what it means, how it works, what the pros and cons are and for whom it is suitable.
You can also have a look at our FUT VS. FUE VS. DHI blog. Here all three techniques are discussed and compared given their advantages and disadvantages, and for whom it is suitable.
Start your treatment? See our hair transplant page!
What is a hair transplant / hair implant?
In order to better understand the FUE method it is best to first look at what a hair transplant itself entails.
Hair restoration surgery or hair transplant is a type of surgery that extracts (removes) hairs you already have in the form of grafts and implants them in a different place. A graft is a very small piece of living tissue containing healthy hair follicles. The grafts are harvested from the donor area and then implanted in the recipient area (the balding area). This means that you are your own donor. When the transplanted grafts heal up, they are fully incorporated in the recipient area and can from then on produce hair.
What is a DHI hair transplant (Direct Hair Implant)?
The Direct Hair Implantation method is a hair transplantation method in which grafts are individually extracted from the donor area and then implanted directly into the recipient area. Although it is a treatment that requires a lot of expertise, the principle behind it is surprisingly simple.
The DHI method is one of the newest methods in the hair transplant world. Like the FUE treatment, grafts are individually extracted from the donor area and then implanted in the recipient area. The first part of both treatments is done via an FUE method (individual extraction of grafts). However, there are some differences in the way the grafts are implanted. After the extraction, the hairs are directly implanted in the receiving area with a unique and patented implantation pen called a Choi Implanter Pen. The idea behind this is that by using a Choi Implanter Pen the hairs can be implanted without opening any channels beforehand, this makes this method less invasive and aids in the healing process. The angle and depth of the hair can also be better determined via this method and a greater density can be obtained compared to an FUE method. A disadvantage is that this method is less suitable for filling larger surfaces. As a result, this method is used more often in younger patients with less hair loss.
How does a DHI hair transplant work?
The DHI method can be divided in to three steps.
Extraction
First, the scalp is numbed with an anaesthetic cream and then grafts from the donor area (a small piece of tissue with 1-4 hair follicles) are extracted one by one using an instrument with a rounded blade that makes small punctures around the hair follicles (diameter of 0,6-1mm). After the punctures are made, the grafts are collected from the donor area.
Preparation
The collected grafts are preserved with a specific plasma solution that ensures the vitality of the grafts. The grafts are then viewed under a microscope, sorted, and loaded into the Choi Implanter Pen.
Implantation
Using the Choi Implanter Pen, the grafts are placed in the recipient area taking into account the depth and angle of the implant. After all grafts have been implanted, the treatment is finished and the focus is on the aftercare, which is at least just as important!
For whom is the DHI hair transplant suitable?
The DHI method is especially suitable for '' filling up '' and thus increasing the hair density. This makes this method most suitable for people with relatively little hair loss.
Pros
More hair density possible than FUE (45-60 Grafts per cm² vs 80-90 Grafts cm²)
Faster recovery | Least invasive method
More control over the angle and depth of implantation
The possibility for a hair transplant without shaving the hair
Cons
Often the DHI method is the most expensive
Usually less coverage is possible through this method
Do you want to take the right step towards your hair transplant? Your Mediqle healthcare coach will help you on your way. Well-organized and completely free from start to finish!
At Mediqle we work together with only the best clinics/hospitals, both at home and abroad, and offer a lowest price guarantee. Therefore you are assured that you are not paying too much for the proper care. The Mediqle service is completely FREE for you from start to finish for contracted clinics and hospitals.
Would you like more information about hair transplants, the pros and cons of all treatments, how to start your medical journey and how to save money with our handy tips? See our hair transplant page, and perhaps we can help you too! #Mediqle
