DHI Hair Transplant

Last updated date: 10-Jun-2023

Originally Written in English

DHI Hair Transplant

 

Hair loss is one of the major cosmetic problems affecting most people across the world. Generally, having nice thick hair and an appropriate hairline also translates to a person's overall appearance. However, approximately 80 percent of men experience thinning hair as they approach the age of 50. Also, more than 55 percent of women undergo an evident hair loss amount during their entire lifetime. 

While some people may find this situation normal, most people tend to have baldness problems which can cause self-consciousness. In such cases, the best alternative is to consider a hair restoration technique called the direct hair implantation (DHI) approach. DHI hair transplant aims to restore the lost hair or cover the baldness, giving you a good look. 

 

What is DHI Hair Transplant? 

DHI hair transplant is a type of follicular unit extraction (FUE). It’s a cosmetic procedure that involves the extraction of the hair grafts from the donor site, particularly the back of the head. This donor site is the best to use since it’s less affected by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone. DHT hormone is usually the leading cause of hair thinning, baldness, and hair loss. 

Unlike FUE, the DHI hair transplant method doesn’t involve making incisions on the scalp during implantation. Instead, the extracted hair is implanted one by one directly into the bald region using a pen-shaped device (Choi pen). 

 

Ideal Candidates for DHI Hair Transplant 

DHI procedure is mostly recommended for individuals with androgenic alopecia. This is a prominent type of hair loss that usually affects most people. This problem is also known as male or female pattern hair loss. 

In addition, you might be an ideal candidate for the procedure if you have the following characteristics; 

  • 25 years of age and above 
  • Thick hair, since they yield better results, unlike individuals with thin hair. Furthermore, thick hair provides more coverage for every hair follicle 
  • Donor hair density of 40 follicles per square centimeter or more
  • Lighter hair or having hair color almost similar to the skin tone 
  • Having realistic expectation from the procedure 

 

What does DHI Hair Transplant involve? 

DHI Hair Transplant

Before the DHI hair transplant procedure begins, the surgeon will first draw the new hairline on your head. This will depend on the predetermined planning and the objective of the hair transplantation process. The next move involves administering durable anesthesia, particularly local, at the donor area. In other cases, general anesthesia is necessary if the procedure is a bit complex. You can as well ask for a sedative to make you feel comfortable because the entire process is time-consuming. 

As soon as the anesthesia effect begins, the surgeon will start extracting the hair follicles process. In most cases, they will use extractor equipment of a diameter ranging from 1mm or less. After removing the hair from the donor site, they will immediately transplant into the recipient area without any delay. 

Since DHI hair transplant doesn’t involve the creation of incisions on the scalp, the surgeon will use a Choi pen instead. They will first pack the Choi pen with the obtained hair follicles and implant them directly into the scalp. This will be done based on the predetermined action plan. 

When placing or implanting the hair follicles, the doctor will do it with maximum diligence. This is because it requires placement in an accurate angle and direction of about 40 to 45 degrees. At this point, the skill and experience of the surgeon are more prominent. Approximately two to six pens and 10 to 15 needles of varying sizes are required during the procedure. The exact size will, however, depend on the hair structure. 

 

What to Expect After the Procedure 

Once the procedure is done, the surgeon will assess the condition before discharging you. You will receive a few guidelines and instructions regarding the aftercare schedule to follow. You will also receive all necessities needed during the post-operation duration, including medication and hair shampoo. 

Although it’s common to want a fast recovery and instant outcome, it’s still crucial to have realistic expectations. Usually, DHI hair transplant results are not immediate. This means that you should expect noticeable growth of hair after five to six months of the procedure. 

In addition, you should expect a loss of the transplanted hairs within the first few weeks following the transplantation procedure. While this part may be daunting, it’s a normal step of the operation and will stabilize after a short period. Therefore, you shouldn’t panic but instead continue with your usual activities. After a few weeks, the hair will gradually grow, both in the donor area and the recipient site. 

Lastly, you should note that the overall DHI hair transplant results vary from one person to another. In most cases, the results will highly depend on the natural hairline of the patient. Furthermore, the recovery process will gradually continue based on the momentum of the hair. Also, several factors such as the medical history, environmental aspects, and physical or health condition can impact the results. 

 

Overall Advantages of DHI Hair Transplant 

Overall Advantages of DHI Hair Transplant 

DHI hair transplant is generally a safe and effective way of eliminating baldness. It also comes with a number of benefits such as; 

  • No scarring 

The DHI hair transplant procedure doesn’t involve creating an incision on the head. This thus means that it doesn’t result in linear scarring like other techniques. Moreover, DHI hair transplant doesn’t cause any minute scars in the sections where the hair is removed. This is because the DHI procedure involves the extraction of hair from various distributed points; hence, scarring chances are minimal. 

When performing the procedures, doctors use a DHI implanter with a length that ranges from 0.6 to 1mm. Therefore, the wounds are usually small and minor and heal within a short period. In most cases, the patient can resume normal day-to-day activities on the same day. 

  • Good graft quality 

Apart from being a safer procedure and associated with fewer risks of complications, DHI hair transplant has an increased hair survival rate, approximately 90 percent. Overall, it helps restores the hair permanently, and this eventually boosts a person’s confidence. 

  • Consistent outcome 

DHI hair transplantation procedure involves the use of specialized equipment, DHI implanter. This tool removes the hair and implants them in the scalp one at a time. It also controls the direction, angle, and depth of the hair follicles during implantation. This enables the implanted hair to grow naturally, just like the other hairs. In general, this transplantation method offers an accurate and thick outcome of hair, unlike other techniques. 

  • Accurate procedure

As compared to other transplantations, the DHI hair transplant procedure generally takes an extended period. In most cases, the medical provider divides the treatment into several short sessions, hence the accuracy. Alternatively, the entire process can take approximately 8 to 10 hours to complete in a single day. 

 

DHI Hair Transplant Risks and Side Effects 

DHI hair transplant procedure is relatively safe and is rarely associated with any risk and complication. Furthermore, it’s a non-invasive method since it doesn’t involve the creation of incisions or cuts on the skin. 

Nonetheless, there are a few DHI hair transplant side effects and risks that might arise. They include; 

Infection: With a DHI hair transplant, it’s almost impossible to have an infection. This is especially in the bald site where the hair follicles have been implanted or the donor section. However, it’s still essential to take precautions as infections can sometimes occur, and this could affect the entire transplantation process. 

Anesthesia reactions: Doctors often perform DHI hair transplants under local anesthesia to help numb the scalp. While anesthesia is mostly safe, it can sometimes result in adverse reactions in some individuals. However, this can be avoided by making sure that you inform your doctor if you are sensitive. 

Shock hair loss: Sometimes, shock hair loss can arise within two months following the transplantation procedure. This is a condition associated with temporary hair loss, especially at the hair transplant site. However, a complete recovery from this can take at least three to four months. 

Undesired look: After grafting the hair follicles, the medical provider will align them to resemble natural hair growth. However, in a situation where the follicles are not well implanted, the results and appearance could be less satisfying. An additional transplantation procedure might be necessary to adjust the hair to give you a better look. 

 

Other rare but possible complications associated with the DHI hair transplant process include; 

  • Pain 
  • Bleeding 
  • Dizziness 
  • Inflammation of the hair follicles 
  • Scarring 
  • Rapid heart rhythm 
  • The scanty appearance of the donor area

 

Conclusion 

DHI hair transplant is a relatively modified type of FUE implantation procedure. While there is no specific evidence and research, DHI can effectively address hair loss that occurs due to male or female pattern baldness. Therefore, you can always opt for the procedure if you feel that the baldness affects your overall appearance and confidence. 

CloudHospital specializes in DHI hair transplant procedure. For the best treatment and good results, you can always consider this medical platform. Here, you will receive comprehensive transplantation treatment from renowned medical experts whose aim is to help you achieve your desired goals.