About the procedure
In DHI, grafts are loaded into a special pen (Choi implanter) and implanted directly, without a separate channel-opening step. The time grafts spend outside the body is shorter, and angle and direction are set with full control.
It is particularly suitable for densifying the frontal area, for female patients and for those who want a no-shave procedure.
In DHI, grafts are loaded into an implanter pen and placed shortly after harvesting; because the waiting time is shorter, it is possible to work between existing hairs without damaging the surrounding follicles. In the no-shave option, only a small section of the donor area is trimmed so that it stays hidden under longer hair. The session takes longer than FUE, so the number of grafts that can be placed in a single session is more limited.
- ✓No-shave implantation possible
- ✓Densification between existing hairs
- ✓Full control of angle and direction
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Patients with moderate hair loss who want to add density to the hairline and crown while preserving their existing hair.
- ✓Patients who do not want to shave their hair for work or social reasons and whose recipient area is limited.
- ✓Those seeking a natural, irregular transition along the front edge of the hairline, in areas where the angle of growth is critical.
- ✓Female patients who want to thicken the part line and the frontal area.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —In large, completely bald areas, DHI alone may be insufficient; FUE or a combined approach is preferred for these patients.
- —For patients with diffuse thinning whose donor area is also thinned, suitability is limited regardless of the transplant technique.
- —In patients with active psoriasis, eczema, or scalp infection, the procedure is postponed until healing is achieved.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
The area to be thickened and existing hair density are assessed; whether the no-shave option is suitable is decided together with the donor area evaluation.
- 02
Donor preparation
For the no-shave procedure, a strip of the donor area that will stay hidden under the hair is trimmed; for the fully shaved procedure, the nape and sides are prepared.
- 03
Graft harvesting
Under local anesthesia, grafts are extracted, sorted by follicle structure, and loaded into implanter pens.
- 04
Pen implantation
Without a separate channel-opening step, grafts are placed one by one following the angle of the existing hair; single-follicle grafts are used along the hairline.
- 05
Check and washing
A check is done the next day and the first wash at the clinic on day 2–3; the technique for washing between existing hairs is demonstrated separately.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Small red dots and mild tenderness appear at the implantation points; the existing hair largely conceals this appearance.
Days 3–5
With the no-shave procedure, swelling is less noticeable; some swelling of the forehead may still occur and subsides within a few days.
Day 10
The scabs come off; for scabs caught between existing hairs, gentle fingertip movements are used while washing.
Month 1
The transplanted hairs enter shock loss; the surrounding natural hair may also thin temporarily (shedding), which usually recovers.
Months 3–6
New hair begins to grow and blends with the existing hair; the added density becomes noticeable during this period.
Month 12
Density reaches its final form; if additional thickening is needed, it is evaluated at this stage.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of DHI are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Because work is done between existing hairs, temporary shedding of the surrounding follicles can occur; in most patients it recovers within a few months.
- With the no-shave procedure, the harvesting area is limited, so the targeted number of grafts may not be reached in a single session.
- Because the session is long, the need for pain relief and anesthesia may increase; fatigue is expected on the day of the procedure.
- Folliculitis and small pimple-like inflammations can form in the recipient area; they are contained with early treatment.
- Patients with high density expectations may need a second session; this possibility is discussed in advance during planning.