DHI hair transplantation (Direct Hair transplantation) is a method of direct hair transplantation. This transplant technique extracts the graft using a medical “pen.”
Hair Transplantation DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) are the most popular hair restoration techniques.
Before getting acquainted with the DHI technique, it is necessary to know how the FUT and FUE methods work:
The FUT method is where the surgeon takes strips of skin from the back of the head, extracts the hair follicles, and then applies them to the affected part of the head.
The FUE method consists of extracting follicles directly from the occipital or temporal region of the scalp.
These hair transplant techniques require the surgeon to implant follicles from the donor area into bald or sparse areas to restore hair growth.
After this operation, the surgeon must create channels (openings) in the scalp to insert the harvested grafts.
The DHI method is an advanced version of FUE: the surgeon uses a DHI hair injector to implant hair follicles and advanced tools for the entire process.
How hair transplantation works with the DHI method
The surgeon removes healthy hair follicles from the scalp area(s) and then reimplants them into the bald spot, resulting in thicker hair.
The procedure includes the following steps:
- The surgeon shaves the patient’s head.
- Administers a local anesthetic to numb the area and keep the patient comfortable.
- Uses special tools to remove follicles from the occipital area of the scalp.
- The surgeon fills the follicles into the DHI hair injector.
- All follicles from the donor area (occipital or temporal) are implanted into the target areas of the scalp (usually the top of the head).
- The surgeon applies an antibiotic cream to the treated areas and places bandages on them.
Around 8 hours is generally required to perform direct hair implantation, as in the case of FUE. However, the duration may vary depending on how many follicles are re-implanted. It goes without saying that if the patient suffers from advanced baldness, this will require additional and, therefore, longer treatment.
What is the DHI method intended for?
The most common candidates for transplantation are people over 50 because more than 50% of men of this age are bald.
In their case, the surgeon removes the follicles from the dense area of hair and reimplants them in the affected thinning or balding area.
Suppose the baldness has spread over the entire scalp. In that case, this does not change the effectiveness of this technique, as the reimplanted follicles throughout this area will provide hair that will attach very well to the scalp.
Other people suitable for this method have the following characteristics in common:
- people with thick hair: transplantation generally works better for thicker hair because each follicle has more coverage due to its thickness.
- Density of 40 follicles per square centimeter: patients with a lower density tend to be less suitable
Before any hair transplant procedure, be it the DHI method or other methods, it is necessary to consult with a specialist so that the patient knows the personal situation better.
Is the DHI method comparable to the FUT and FUE methods?
These three techniques are designed to promote hair regrowth after the transplantation of healthy hair follicles. However, they differ in process and outcome.
FUT (hair implant method) is the cheapest. However, it leaves a visible scar on the scalp under the hair. The only solution available with this technique is to grow your hair to the required length to cover it.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), the process of removing follicles directly from the scalp, leaves subtle and only small scars. For this reason, this procedure takes longer and costs more than the FUT method. On the other hand, with this technique, a shortcut can be chosen without problems.
DHI (an advanced and non-invasive method of FUE hair implants) has a more developed action process than FUE. Moreover, it does not leave any scars, which is a definite advantage.
The fact that the entire hair transplant implantation process is done manually using a high-precision hair injector makes this technique unique and effective, according to hair clinics.
In any case, if the patient has a problem with hair loss, these three surgical techniques generally ensure a high-quality result in hair regrowth and durability over time.
Possible side effects
DHI hair transplantation is mostly safe, but complications can still occur, although they are scarce.
Infections
After the implantation of follicles into the scalp, infections may occur.
Bad reaction to anesthesia
In most cases, local anesthesia occurs without problems, but sometimes adverse effects appear. However, in most cases, the adverse effects are caused by an unconditional fear of injections.
Reactive hair loss
This side effect is common and usually occurs within eight weeks of the procedure. The return to normal will take little time because it will happen for any reason 3-4 months later. This reaction is a healthy process that is part of the hair growth process in some people.
Unsatisfactory result
To achieve a satisfactory result, the surgeon must implant the follicular units in a pattern that matches the patient’s natural hair growth. Otherwise, it may appear inauthentic.
In some sporadic cases, it can also lead to the following complications:
- Pain
- Dizziness
- Inflamed hair follicles
- Increased heart rate
- Scars
- Sparse vegetation around the donor areas
DHI is a long-term process of hair implantation with natural results. Its efficient technique allows for quick execution between extraction and graft insertion.
Hair transplantation using the DHI method is done outpatient, under local anesthesia, and is painless. Depending on the patient’s hair implant needs, it takes no more than a few hours. In all cases, the patient is discharged on the same day after the procedure.
If you are interested and have an offer in the field of hair transplantation, please send us photos according to this template to the email address info@aladiva.sk. Our specialists will assess your situation, propose a method of transplantation, the procedure’s price, and everything related to it.
