Techniques
DHI Hair Transplant
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) places grafts harvested by FUE directly into the recipient area with a Choi implanter pen, without a separate channel-opening stage. Channel creation and placement occur in one movement, shortening the time grafts spend outside the body and giving greater control over placement angle.
- Anaesthesia
- Local
- Instrument
- Choi implanter (0.6–1.0 mm)
- Session
- 6–9 hours
- Shaving
- Partial shave possible
Principles
Harvesting is identical to FUE. The difference lies in placement: each graft is loaded into a hollow-needle implanter; the physician inserts the pen at the chosen angle and depth and releases the graft in the same motion. Needle diameter is matched to the graft’s hair count.
This approach protects neighbouring follicles when densifying between existing hairs.
Candidates
- Densification between existing hairs
- Hairline and temples, where angle is critical
- Patients who prefer an unshaven or partially shaven recipient area
- Zonal thinning in female patients
Advantages
- Shorter time outside the body preserves follicle viability.
- Angle, direction and depth are controlled graft by graft.
- Less recipient-site bleeding and trauma without a separate channel stage.
- Allows unshaven procedures.
Limitations
- Longer than FUE; very large sessions may be split over two days.
- In advanced loss with large open areas, combination with classic FUE may be preferred.
- Outcome depends strongly on team experience.
Comparison with FUE
Both techniques share the same harvesting method; they differ at placement. DHI offers control in confined areas and densification; FUE offers time efficiency in covering large areas in one session. The technique or combination is decided by the physician at examination.