DHI Hair Transplant – Direct Hair Implantation Explained

DHI hair transplant, also known as Direct Hair Implantation, is a modern adaptation of the FUE technique that has gained popularity in recent years. While not a new invention, its refined application offers unique advantages for certain hair loss patterns. Many patients wonder whether DHI or Micro-FUE is the better option. The answer depends on your goals, donor capacity, and medical evaluation by an experienced hair restoration surgeon.

1-What Is the Meaning of DHI Hair Transplant?

DHI meaning comes from Direct Hair Implantation, on the other hand it is not a hair transplant technique like FUE or FUT, it is the different implantation method hair follicles in FUE hair transplant.

2-Is DHI Hair Transplant a New Technique?

Surgical tool named “CHOI IMPLANTER” was invented on 90’s by Dr. Choi. With an article named “single hair transplantation using the choi hair transplanter” DHI method proposed in 1992 (PubMed)

3-Nowadays Why DHI is Pronounced as a New Technique?

As the global acceptance of hair transplantation increased, competition in the hair transplant sector also intensified. At this point, physicians and healthcare institutions performing hair transplantation began trying different strategies to gain a competitive advantage. However, the price range became so wide that healthcare providers needed to offer new solutions that would highlight their differences.

In fact, there were two main techniques in use: FUE and FUT. These techniques generally consist of two stages: harvesting the hair follicles and transplanting the follicles. Accordingly, hair transplant practitioners introduced updates in both the harvesting and implantation stages. Some practitioners implant the harvested grafts using Choi implanter pens, while others continue to implant with manual forceps.

In reality, presenting these updates and preferences in surgical instruments as if they were entirely new techniques is not ethical. In any case, your physician will determine the most appropriate option for you.

4-How Is DHI Hair Transplant Performed?

In a DHI hair transplant, hair follicles are extracted from the donor area (typically the back of the scalp) using micro-punches, similar to FUE. However, instead of storing grafts for an extended time, they are implanted almost immediately. Special tools called Choi implanter pens allow the surgeon to open a channel and implant the follicle in a single step. This minimizes the time grafts spend outside the body, potentially improving survival rates and hair health.

The absence of pre-made incisions can make the procedure faster for small areas, although the method is generally more labor-intensive and may take longer than traditional FUE for larger sessions. Since trauma is reduced, patients often experience a smoother recovery, and the technique can be performed with partial or no shaving for better discretion.

5-Healing After DHI Hair Transplant is Faster than the Healing After FUE Hair Transplant?

The answer to this question depends on many indicators, such as the number of grafts implanted, whether the surgical instrument used during implantation is sharp or blunt, the amount of pressure applied, and the individual’s wound-healing capacity.

A Choi implanter needle that has been used and sterilized for 4–5 procedures and is therefore assumed to have become dull cannot be considered less traumatic than a brand-new steel surgical scalpel used for the first time. The opposite can also be true in this example.

In other words, the speed of healing does not depend on the technique alone; it depends on factors such as the operator’s skill, the quality of the surgical instruments, the patient’s skin characteristics, and the individual healing capacity.

6-Does DHI hair transplantation produce denser-looking results?

The answer to this question again depends on factors such as the person performing the procedure, the size of the area being treated, and the patient’s donor capacity. Making decisions by generalizing surgical procedures is a major mistake for patients. The best approach is to discuss your individual situation with the physician who will perform the procedure and choose among the treatment options offered by your doctor.

On average, up to 40–50 follicular units can be implanted per 1 cm² using either Choi Implanter or manual forceps.

7-What are your comments on DHI hair transplantation based on your experience?

We frequently perform both techniques. We typically use DHI hair transplantation for earlier-stage hair loss according to the Norwood scale, while we prefer channel-opening (slit) implantation for cases with larger areas of baldness. Both are successful methods.

One difference I observe as a practitioner is that in manual forceps implantation, before making the incisions we infiltrate the skin with Klein solution, which expands the tissue by about 1.5–2×. In this way, you can actually place grafts more densely per cm². We do not use the same tumescence method during DHI implantation because it may lead to a rebound effect (grafts emerging in the opposite direction of the intended implantation angle).

As a technical detail, this is one practical distinction. Also, edema on the frontal area is definitely more common with manual forceps implantation due to the infiltration.

8-DHI vs. FUE – Key Differences:

• Implantation process: FUE stores grafts before placing them into pre-opened channels; DHI implants them immediately using implanter pens.
• Channel opening: FUE uses microblades to open channels first; DHI opens and implants simultaneously.
• Speed: FUE can cover large areas faster; DHI takes longer but allows higher precision for small, dense areas.
• Shaving: FUE usually requires shaving; DHI can be done without full shaving.

9-Advantages of the DHI Technique:

• Allows transplantation without shaving existing hair
• Ideal for density enhancement in specific areas
• Minimal time follicles spend outside the body
• Enables high graft density per cm²
• Less tissue trauma for quicker healing

10-Disadvantages of the DHI Technique:

• Higher chance of rebound (grafts moving outward after implantation)
• Limited number of grafts per session
• May require 2–3 sessions for large bald areas
• Longer procedure time compared to FUE
• Generally more expensive than FUE
• Potential for increased pressure trauma on follicles

11-Before Choosing the DHI Method:

While marketing materials often highlight the benefits of DHI, the decision between DHI hair transplant and FUE should be made with your surgeon. Factors such as donor density, hair caliber, area size, and your desired hairstyle will determine the best approach. At Clinista, every case begins with a detailed analysis and photographic documentation to ensure the technique chosen delivers optimal, natural results.

For more information about hair loss causes and treatments, visit the American Academy of Dermatology.

Considering a DHI hair transplant? Learn more about our FUE hair transplant technique or browse all our hair loss treatments.

12- DHI Hair Transplant Cost:

Hair transplantation performed with DHI can be more expensive than implantation with manual forceps, and this is related to the cost of the Choi implanters used. Some centers replace the cutting needles inside these implanters for every case, while others sterilize and reuse them. Factors like these affect DHI pricing, but in general the difference compared to FUE is usually around +$500.

Book Your DHI Hair Transplant Consultation

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13- Medical Reviewer:

Dr. O. Gürcan Ergen, MD, PhD, MSc.
Hair Transplant Surgeon – Trichology – Public Health – Health Management
Clinista Hair Transplant Turkey
Last medical review: December 2025