Patients report that their self-confidence is affected by male pattern baldness and some even start to withdraw from life altogether. Even in less serious cases, the nagging self-doubt that can be caused by hair loss is something that most sufferers would definitely prefer to live without.
Since there are no other solutions to genetic hair loss, many patients opt for a hair transplant to permanently eliminate the problem. Having made this decision, patients are then faced with the different hair transplant procedures and a potentially overwhelming choice of which type of hair transplant operation to go for.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is one of the most widespread modern methods and one which a potential candidate for a hair transplant will come across early in their research.
DHI hair transplant technique
Hair loss is not just a cosmetic problem. When their hair is visibly thinning, our patients often feel less confident. This can be a considerable disadvantage in everyday private and professional life. A DHI hair transplant is the solution.
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How is the DHI hair transplant performed?
First, the scalp is locally anaesthetised. At Cosmedica, we use needleless devices that spray the pressurised anaesthetic into the skin.
Individual hairs are then removed from the donor area with a special punch that has a diameter of 0.7 mm. Usually the donor area is located at the back of the head.
The hair follicles are implanted directly into the recipient site, the balding areas of the scalp, with the tip of the pen. The two main advantages of the DHI procedure are that prior preparation of the recipient area is not necessary, but possible, as is the case with our flagship Micro Sapphire DHI hair transplant, and that the delicate hair grafts are protected inside the implanter pen against any kind of damage.
The diameter of the needles is adjusted to the diameter of the hair roots. The needle penetrates the skin at a 45-degree angle. The follicles are released with gentle pressure and inserted into the hole.
An experienced surgeon can precisely control the depth, angle of insertion and direction of growth with the implanter pen. As such, the DHI technique provides for a great deal of accuracy and precision compared to other hair transplant methods such as FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction).
However, direct implantation can also pose risks to surrounding hair roots which can be damaged during the implantation process. These risks can be completely bypassed with the new Micro Sapphire DHI method.
After the procedure
To promote the growth of the hair follicles, the scalp must be kept moist in the days following the procedure. The transplanted hairs will fall out at first due to the shock of the transplantation, and the hair roots go into a short resting phase. After twelve months at the latest, the final result is achieved: natural, full hair growth will give you more quality of life again.
Disadvantages of the Direct Hair Implantation method
The surgeon, together with the medical staff, must undergo additional practical training. Precise and careful work is required for this type of hair restoration. The size of the needle must be precisely adapted to the implanted hair.
A maximum of 4000 grafts can be transplanted per session because a Micro Sapphire DHI hair transplant is more time-consuming and therefore more expensive than a regular DHI, FUT or FUE hair transplant.
Since the incision of the new hair canals and the placement of the grafts is done in one step, adjacent hair roots or already transplanted grafts can be damaged by the expansion force. However, the advanced Micro Sapphire DHI method uses very fine blades made of the precious stone sapphire. This means that it enjoys the advantages of traditional DHI but eliminates the danger of damaging other hair roots as the sapphire blade can make precise incisions. Micro Sapphire DHI also promises lower infection risks and quicker healing thanks to the finer cuts made by the sapphire blade.
Furthermore, a Micro Sapphire DHI operation at our clinic avoids the increased cost of DHI operations relative to FUT or FUE operations seen in other countries. A state-of-the-art Micro Sapphire DHI hair transplantation in Turkey with Dr. Acar is cheaper than a less advanced FUE and DHI operation in other countries.
Which is better DHI vs. FUE?
When it comes to hair transplant methods, two popular options stand out: Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Both techniques offer effective solutions for hair loss, but they have distinct differences that may make one more suitable for your needs. Let’s delve into the comparison of DHI vs FUE to help you make an informed decision.
DHI
Direct Hair Implantation
Natural-looking results: DHI’s precise implantation process ensures that hair is placed at the right angle, direction, and depth, resulting in a seamless and natural hairline.
Minimal scarring: Since DHI doesn’t require recipient site creation and the follicles are extracted with FUE, there’s minimal scarring in the donor and recipient sites, making it a discreet option.
Less handling: The hair follicles undergo less handling during the transplantation process, which may lead to higher graft survival rates.
Quick recovery: DHI typically involves a shorter recovery period compared to some other methods, with minimal swelling and discomfort.
FUE
Follicular Unit Extraction
Versatility: FUE is suitable for various degrees of hair loss and can be used to target specific areas, such as the hairline or crown.
Minimal scarring: FUE leaves only tiny, circular scars in the donor area that are often less noticeable than the linear scars associated with other methods such as FUT.
No damage to surrounding hair: As the recipient area is prepared beforehand, the existing hair can’t be damaged during the implantation process.
Choosing the right method
The choice between DHI and FUE depends on several factors, including your individual hair loss pattern, donor hair availability, desired results, and personal preferences. Consulting with a qualified hair transplant specialist is essential to determine which method aligns best with your goals and needs.