DHI
Direct Hair Implantation with a Choi pen — grafts placed one by one for close control of angle and hairline.
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) places each graft directly with a Choi implanter pen, without pre-opening channels. It gives the team close control over the angle and direction of each graft, which can suit hairline work; comparative evidence against classic FUE is limited.
Quick answer
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is a hair transplant in which follicles are extracted as in FUE, then implanted with a pen-like implanter that creates the channel and places the graft in one step. It is often chosen for hairline work and dense packing in smaller areas. Suitability is confirmed by a specialist after assessing your donor area.
Suitability is always confirmed by a specialist after assessing your scalp and donor area.
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Who is it for?
- People with stable male- or female-pattern hair loss who mainly want to rebuild or refine the hairline.
- Patients who want to add density among existing hair, where placing grafts between native hairs needs precise control.
- People with a healthy donor area at the back and sides of the scalp.
- Some patients who prefer not to shave the recipient area — where a specialist confirms this is practical.
- Anyone who understands that DHI changes the implantation step, not how much donor hair is available.
Who it isn't for
- Large areas of baldness that need a high graft number in a single day, where FUE with pre-made channels may be more practical.
- Diffuse thinning that also affects the donor area.
- Active scalp conditions such as alopecia areata, scarring alopecia or infection, until they are assessed and treated.
- Very young patients whose pattern of hair loss is not yet clear.
- People with uncontrolled medical conditions or blood-thinning medication that cannot be safely paused.
How it works
- 1
Remote pre-assessment
You share photos of your scalp and a brief medical history. A specialist gives a provisional view on suitability and technique, confirmed in person.
- 2
Consultation and hairline design
The doctor examines the donor area, agrees the hairline and plans graft distribution. Blood tests are commonly taken before surgery. Ask which steps the doctor performs personally.
- 3
Extraction
Under local anaesthetic, follicular units are removed one by one with a micro-punch — exactly as in FUE.
- 4
Direct implantation with implanter pens
Each graft is loaded into a hollow implanter pen (often called a Choi-type implanter). The surgeon inserts it at the chosen angle and depth, creating the channel and placing the graft in the same movement.
- 5
Check-up and first wash
The next day the area is checked and you are shown how to wash it gently. You leave with written aftercare instructions and medication.
How long you stay
Most patients stay in Antalya for two to three days: consultation, the procedure, and a next-day check with the first wash. DHI sessions can take longer than FUE for the same number of grafts, so very large cases are sometimes split over two days. Later follow-up is by photo review.
Recovery
Recovery is similar to FUE. Expect mild swelling and small scabs for the first week or two. Most people return to desk work within a few days, avoiding heavy exercise, swimming, saunas and direct sun on the scalp for several weeks. Transplanted hair commonly sheds in the first weeks, starts regrowing around months three to four, and the result is judged at about 12 months.
Risks and how they are managed
- Graft survival varies. Published figures commonly fall in the region of 85–95% in experienced hands; results depend on handling, time out of the body and healing.
- Shock loss of existing native hair around the implanted area is possible, particularly when grafts are placed between existing hairs. It is usually temporary.
- Donor limits apply exactly as in FUE: the donor area is finite and over-harvesting can leave it visibly thin.
- Evidence directly comparing DHI with FUE is limited. Claims that one technique gives better survival or density should be treated with caution.
- Implanted density is commonly in the range of 30–50 follicular units per cm²; it will not match an untouched full head of hair.
- Swelling, numbness, folliculitis or, rarely, infection, managed with aftercare, medication and review.
Technology and instruments
- Micro-punches, manual or motorised, for follicle extraction.
- Hollow implanter pens in several needle sizes, matched to graft size.
- Magnification for sorting grafts by the number of hairs they contain.
- Cooled holding solution to keep grafts hydrated before implantation.
Technology types only — the exact devices used are named in your written treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between DHI and FUE?
Extraction is the same. In FUE, channels are opened first and grafts are placed afterwards; in DHI, an implanter pen creates the channel and places the graft in one step. The difference is in the implantation technique, not in the donor hair available.
Is DHI better than FUE?
Not for everyone. DHI gives fine control of angle and direction and is often used for hairlines and adding density among existing hair. FUE can be more practical for large areas. Your specialist recommends a technique after examining you.
Can DHI be done without shaving?
Sometimes the recipient area can be left unshaven, particularly in smaller sessions. The donor area usually still needs trimming. Whether it is practical depends on your hair and the number of grafts.
How many grafts can be implanted in one session?
It depends on your donor area, the size of the area and the time the technique requires. DHI sessions are often somewhat smaller or longer than FUE sessions; your specialist gives a range after assessment.
Does DHI hurt?
It is done under local anaesthetic. The injections are the most uncomfortable part; afterwards most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild soreness for a few days is common.
When will I see results?
Transplanted hair commonly sheds within the first weeks, begins to regrow around months three to four and is assessed at about 12 months.
Will my existing hair fall out?
Some temporary shedding of native hair near the treated area (shock loss) can happen. It usually regrows within a few months, but hair that was already weak may not.
Is the result permanent?
Transplanted donor hair is usually resistant to pattern hair loss and tends to last. Surrounding native hair can keep thinning, so long-term planning and, where appropriate, medical treatment are discussed with your doctor.
Included in your package
- Free hairline analysis & graft estimate
- Surgery by specialist hair-transplant surgeons
- Free VIP airport transfers & a hotel near the clinic
- PRP session, medications & aftercare kit
- A dedicated patient coordinator at every step
Techniques we use