What is DHI hair transplant?
DHI, or Direct Hair Implantation, is a hair transplantation technique that is similar to the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method but with some key differences in how the hair follicles are harvested and implanted. DHI is a more advanced and refined version of FUE, offering certain advantages in terms of precision and control during the transplant process. Here’s an overview of how DHI hair transplant works and its distinguishing features:
Hair Follicle Extraction:
- In DHI hair transplant, individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area of the scalp using a specialized tool called a micropunch or Choi implanter pen. The Choi implanter pen has a hollow needle with a sharp tip that allows for precise extraction of follicles without damaging the surrounding tissue.
- Unlike traditional FUE, where the extracted follicles are stored in a solution until they are implanted, DHI allows for immediate implantation of the follicles after extraction, minimizing the time they are outside the body.
Hair Follicle Implantation:
- After the follicles are extracted, they are loaded into the Choi implanter pen, which has a hollow chamber that holds the graft. The surgeon then creates small incisions or channels in the recipient area of the scalp using the implanter pen.
- The surgeon manually implants each follicle directly into the scalp through these channels, ensuring precise control over the depth, angle, and orientation of the transplanted hairs. This technique allows for a more natural-looking and densely packed result.
Precision and Control:
- One of the main advantages of DHI hair transplant is its ability to provide greater precision and control over the placement of hair follicles compared to traditional FUE techniques. The Choi implanter pen allows for accurate positioning of the follicles, resulting in a more uniform distribution and better integration with existing hair.
- Additionally, DHI minimizes the handling of follicles outside the body, reducing the risk of damage and improving the survival rate of transplanted hairs.
Minimization of Trauma and Scarring:
- Because DHI hair transplant involves direct implantation of follicles without the need for creating recipient incisions beforehand, it can result in less trauma to the scalp tissue and reduced risk of scarring compared to other hair transplant methods.
- The small size of the Choi implanter pen also allows for precise control over the size of the recipient incisions, further minimizing trauma and promoting faster healing.
Overall, DHI hair transplant offers several advantages over traditional hair transplant methods, including greater precision, reduced trauma to the scalp, and improved survival of transplanted follicles. However, it’s important to note that the success of any hair transplant procedure depends on various factors, including the expertise of the surgeon, the quality of the donor hair, and the patient’s individual characteristics and expectations.
Is FUE or DHI better?
Determining whether FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is better depends on various factors, including the patient’s individual needs and preferences, the expertise of the surgeon, and the specific goals of the hair transplant procedure. Both FUE and DHI are advanced hair transplantation techniques that offer certain advantages and considerations:
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction):
- In FUE, individual hair follicles are harvested from the donor area of the scalp using a specialized tool, typically a micropunch. The harvested follicles are then implanted into the recipient area of the scalp using small incisions created beforehand.
- Advantages of FUE include minimal scarring, faster healing, and the ability to harvest follicles from a larger donor area, allowing for a higher total number of grafts in some cases.
- FUE is a versatile technique suitable for a wide range of patients, including those with different hair types, hair loss patterns, and scalp conditions.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation):
- DHI is a more refined version of FUE that involves immediate implantation of harvested hair follicles into the recipient area without creating recipient incisions beforehand.
- DHI utilizes a specialized tool called a Choi implanter pen, which allows for precise control over the depth, angle, and orientation of the transplanted hairs. This results in a more natural-looking and densely packed hairline.
- Advantages of DHI include greater precision and control over follicle placement, reduced trauma to the scalp, and potentially faster recovery compared to traditional FUE techniques.
- DHI may be preferred by patients seeking a more advanced and sophisticated hair transplant procedure with optimal aesthetic outcomes.
Ultimately, the choice between FUE and DHI depends on various factors, including the patient’s specific goals, the expertise of the surgeon, and individual considerations such as hair characteristics, scalp condition, and desired hairline design. It’s essential for patients to consult with a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon who can assess their needs and recommend the most suitable technique based on their individual circumstances. Additionally, patients should carefully weigh the potential benefits and limitations of each technique before making a decision.
How many grafts does a DHI have?
The number of grafts involved in a DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the patient’s hair loss, the desired density and coverage of the transplant area, the availability of donor hair, and the specific goals of the procedure. In general, the number of grafts in a DHI procedure is similar to that of other hair transplant techniques, such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction).
The number of grafts is typically determined during the preoperative consultation with the hair transplant surgeon, who evaluates the patient’s scalp, donor area, and aesthetic goals. The surgeon will assess the density and quality of the donor hair and recommend the appropriate number of grafts needed to achieve the desired outcome.
A typical DHI procedure may involve anywhere from several hundred to several thousand grafts, depending on the individual patient’s needs and the extent of hair loss. For example, a patient with mild to moderate hair loss may require fewer grafts to fill in thinning areas or restore a receding hairline, while a patient with more advanced hair loss may require a larger number of grafts to achieve satisfactory coverage and density.
Ultimately, the number of grafts in a DHI procedure is tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances and aesthetic goals. It’s essential for patients to have realistic expectations about the potential results of the procedure and to discuss any concerns or questions with their hair transplant surgeon during the consultation process.
