DHI hair transplant technique stands for “Direct Hair Implantation”. As its name indicates, this technique consists of implanting the follicles directly without passing by the channel’s opening step. This alternative technique causes less damage to the hair follicles, as the grafts spend less time outside the scalp. Additionally, the hair follicles are introduced individually in the receiving area at a specific angle. Which gives a completely natural look. The procedure differs from FUE technique in the use of an instrument called Choi pen or DHI implanter. Choi Pen has a kind of hollow round scalpel with a groove at the bottom to put the graft. And at the top a button to release the hair follicles.
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Steps of Hair Transplant Using DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) Technique
- Designing the Hairline (Design Hairline)
– The surgeon will design a natural and customized hairline based on the patient’s facial features and personal preferences. - Local Anesthesia (Local Anesthesia)
– The scalp is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. - Extracting and Harvesting Hair Grafts (Using micro-motor punch with 0.5-0.8 mm)
– A specialized micro-motor punch is used to extract hair follicles from the donor area (usually the back of the head) with minimal tissue damage. - Loading Grafts into Implanter Pen (Implanter loading Implanter pen)
– The harvested grafts are placed into a DHI implanter pen, which is a tool designed to hold the hair follicles securely for precise implantation. - Hair Transplantation (Inserting each follicle into an incision)
– The surgeon uses the implanter pen to directly implant each hair follicle into tiny incisions on the recipient area, ensuring the hair grows in the correct direction and angle for a natural result.
How Long Does It Take?
The DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) procedure typically takes 6-8 hours, depending on the number of grafts required.
Is DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) Dangerous?
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is a safe and minimally painful procedure compared to other hair transplant techniques. The incision size is only 0.5mm – 0.8mm, which results in faster recovery and lower risk of infection. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and do not require a long recovery period.
However, DHI takes longer than using forceps, and the doctor’s expertise is crucial. If the medical team lacks experience, it may lead to trauma to the hair follicles during implantation, especially when placing the grafts into the implantation pen. This highlights the importance of choosing a skilled and experienced medical team for optimal results.
Advantage of DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) :
- Increases follicle survival rate compared to other methods.
- Natural & Dense Results – Allows for a more compact and realistic hairline.
- Minimized Pain – Virtually painless during and after the procedure.
- Precise Control – Ensures accurate depth and direction for each hair follicle, enhancing the final look.
- Short downtime, with no visible scars or noticeable signs of surgery.
Who Is A Good Candidate DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
- Suitable for individuals with hair loss or a receding hairline but requiring a smaller number of grafts.
- Ideal for those who have undergone a hair transplant before but still have issues and need corrective transplantation.
- Suitable for transplanting over scars.
Hair Transplant Recovery Timeline :
- Days 2-5: Scabs begin to form and dry out. The scalp may appear red, and swelling may occur around the forehead and transplanted area.
- 1 Week: Swelling and redness subside, and scabs start to fall off.
- 2 Weeks: The grafts take root, and new hair starts growing (approximately 2-3 mm).
- 1-2 Months: Transplanted hair may shed due to shock loss, which is a normal part of the process.
- 3-4 Months: New hair begins to regrow from the previously shed grafts.
- 6-7 Months: Transplanted hair grows longer and becomes stronger.
- 1 Year and Beyond: Over 90% of the transplanted hair has grown, achieving fuller and more natural results.
What You Need to Know About Shedding After a Hair Transplant
Shedding after a hair transplant is a normal and temporary part of the process. Here’s what you need to understand:
Why Shedding Happens:
- Shock loss: This occurs when the newly transplanted hair follicles enter a resting phase after being moved. The hair may shed within the first few weeks or months, but this is temporary. The follicles are still alive and will eventually start producing new hair.
- Natural hair shedding: The transplanted hair might initially shed, but this is not a sign of failure. It’s the hair follicles adjusting to their new location.
When It Happens:
- Typically, shedding begins between 2 to 3 weeks after the transplant, and it may last for a few weeks. However, it can continue up to 3 months before new growth begins.
How Long It Lasts:
- Shedding can last a few weeks to months. Most patients start seeing new hair growth within 3 to 4 months, as the follicles start to grow new hair. Full results may take up to 12 months.
What To Expect:
- It’s common for the transplanted hair to fall out completely, but the hair follicles remain intact. The follicles then produce new, stronger hair over time.
- Not all transplanted hairs will shed. Some might remain and continue to grow.
How to Manage It:
- Avoid any stress or worry during this period, as it can affect healing.
- Follow aftercare instructions carefully to help optimize hair growth and healing.
- Be patient and avoid comparing results too early.
When to Worry:
- If you notice excessive shedding, pain, or infection signs, it’s best to consult with your surgeon to rule out complications.
- However, mild shedding and slower hair growth in the first few months are completely normal.
Remember, shedding is a temporary phase, and after the initial shock loss, you’ll see new, healthy hair growing in its place over time. Patience is key when it comes to hair transplants!