The Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) Method

The DHI Method

The Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) Method, also known as the Direct Hair Transplant (DHT) method, is a technique, which was created to minimize the period between the acquisition and insertion of grafts. In this technique, the hair grafts are individually carefully extracted from the donor zone using micro incisions and they are inserted in the area without any hair.

There is a number of different factors, which affect the survival rate of the acquired grafts. Researchers discovered that these factors improved when the transportation period of the grafts shortened. Therefore, in 2013, a group of researchers modified the FUE technique so that the individual grafts could be implanted immediately after their extraction. Since then it was called by some as the “new method”, while others call it “modification or a secondary type of the FUE method.”

With the DHI method, the acquired hair follicles are transplanted using a special device called the CHOI implantation pen. Therefore, some call the DHI method the “CHOI pen” method. The CHOI implantation pen is an original device created by the Korean National University (KNU). At first, it was not well received by experts dealing with hair transplant, because it requires a lot of time. However, some surgeons prefer this pen because it gives them greater control over the angle under which the grafts are implanted. The CHOI pen has a needle 0.5 – 1.5 mm large. The surgeon selects the size of the needle based on the characteristics of the patient’s hair. After collecting, the grafts are inserted in the pen. The opening of the channels and the implantation is done using this pen.

The procedure of the DHI hair transplant method is very similar to the FUE method with the exception of the fact that that the creation of the target area and the implantation of grafts are done simultaneously. The stages of the DHI hair transplant method can be summarized as follows:

Consultation: During this stage the patient is examined by a doctor, who determines the final plan of the hair transplant and the shape of the hairline. Sever physical and verbal examinations are made. During this stage, the doctor can tell you if the DHI method is suitable for the expected results. A blood sample is taken and then sent to the laboratory for the necessary tests. These tests will make sure the patient does not have any diagnoses, which would prevent the surgery.

Anesthesia: Typically, the hair is cut before the anesthesia, but this is not mandatory with the DHI method. The transplant area is disinfected. This stage takes about 30 minutes. Subsequently local anesthesia is administered using a needle or without the use of a needle (if the patient prefers the system of painless Comfort In anesthesia, which does not use needles, then he or she will truly feel no pain during the entire process.)

Extraction: During this stage, hair grafts are extracted using a device called micro-motor. Comparing to other hair transplant techniques, there is no stage, which would contain the opening of channels. These grafts are immediately suitable for transplant. The acquired grafts are examined under a microscope and subsequently grouped based on the number of follicles they contain.
Implementation: The hair is inserted into the target area using the CHOI implantation pen. This pen opens the channel and transplants the hair.

Post-Operational Procedures: A procedure is used that accelerates healing and helps the hair follicles attach and also strengthens them. Subsequently, the patient’s donor area is wrapped in bandage.

Washing Hair After the Surgery: For 30 days after the surgery the hair should be washed properly based on their condition. The scabs will disappear within 10 days and the process is accelerated. Should scabs still be present even after 10 days, remove them with gentle massage using your fingertips since it is necessary to ensure good oxygen access to the transplant area.