Hair Transplant
DHI Hair Transplant
DHI hair transplant places each follicle directly into the scalp with a Choi implanter pen, with no channels opened beforehand, under local anaesthesia.
- Method Direct implantation with an implanter pen
- Anaesthesia Local
- Procedure time Usually 7–9 hours
- Stay in Istanbul Usually 3 nights
- Back to work Usually 3–5 days
The method
What Is DHI Hair Transplant?
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is a hair transplant method in which the extracted follicles are placed directly into the scalp with a fine-tipped implanter pen (Choi pen), without opening channels beforehand. Opening the channel and placing the graft happen in a single movement, which is why it is called "direct" implantation.
The grafts are extracted from the donor area one by one, exactly as in FUE. The difference lies in placement: each graft is loaded into the needle-thin tip of the implanter pen, and the doctor applies the pen to the skin at the chosen angle, direction and depth, releasing the follicle in place. Because the grafts spend less time outside the body, the waiting time before placement is shorter.
As no channels are pre-opened, the tissue in the recipient area is disturbed less; bleeding and swelling are usually more limited. Grafts can be placed closer together, which gives the doctor flexibility along the hairline and when adding density between existing hairs. Working between existing hair, the pen advances without damaging neighbouring follicles.
Because every graft is loaded and placed individually, DHI takes longer than FUE and usually fewer grafts are placed per session. For extensive loss the doctor may therefore combine the two methods: DHI for the hairline, FUE for the crown. The choice depends on the area, the target density and your hair type.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia; you leave the clinic the same day and return for a check-up the next morning. JSH does not perform treatment; it coordinates the journey planned by the doctor at licensed partner clinics in Istanbul.
Hairline
Why Does It Stand Out for Hairline Design?
The front hairline is the most visible part of a transplant. It looks natural when single-hair grafts are placed at a low angle along a slightly irregular border; a ruler-straight line looks artificial.
In DHI the angle and direction of every graft are set at the moment of placement. The doctor controls the curves along the line, the slope of the hair over the forehead and the transition at the temples one graft at a time, which makes it easier to stay faithful to the drawn design.
The same precision is required for eyebrow and beard transplants, where the angle of the hair directly shapes facial expression; doctors often prefer DHI in these areas for that reason.
The hairline is drawn before the procedure according to your facial features and age; implantation does not start until you have reviewed and approved it together with the doctor.
Assessment
Strengths and Limits of DHI
Every method has strengths and limits; the doctor chooses based on this balance and your individual situation.
Strengths
- No separate channel-opening stage, so less tissue disturbance and usually less bleeding and swelling
- Grafts spend less time outside the body
- Angle, direction and depth are controlled for every single graft
- Density can be added between existing hairs without damaging neighbouring follicles
- Can be performed without shaving the recipient area if the doctor agrees
Points to Consider
- Each graft is loaded individually, so the procedure takes longer than FUE
- Usually fewer grafts per session than FUE; large areas may need two sessions or a combination with FUE
- Working with the pen requires an experienced, well-staffed team
- Temporary shedding (shock loss) is expected in the first months with this method too
- The result depends on the team’s experience and on following aftercare instructions
No Pre-opened Channels: Placement in a Single Movement
The implanter pen opens the channel and releases the follicle as it enters the skin. With no separate opening stage, the recipient area experiences less trauma.
Suitability
Who Is It for?
DHI is considered for people with a sufficient donor area whose hair loss has stabilised. It is often chosen for mild to moderate loss, especially a receding hairline and thinning between existing hair. For advanced, extensive loss the doctor usually recommends FUE or a combination of the two.
The method is not the default choice for every patient; the doctor decides according to the size of the area, the target density, hair thickness and donor capacity. Suitability is decided solely by the doctor, and no plan is made for a treatment that is not suitable.
Planning
Graft Numbers and the Unshaven Option
The number of grafts depends on the degree of loss, the size of the area and the target density. Because each graft is loaded into the pen and placed individually, the number that can be placed in one DHI session is usually lower than in FUE; for extensive loss the doctor may plan two sessions or combine DHI with FUE.
A frequently asked feature of DHI is the unshaven option. Because no channels are pre-opened, the doctor may, if suitable, work without trimming the recipient area, shaving only the donor zone. This depends on hair length, the size of the area and the number of grafts; longer hair covers the grafted area in the first days and makes returning to social life easier.
At the assessment you receive an estimated range based on your photos; the exact number and the shaving decision are confirmed at the clinic and sent to you in writing before the procedure.
The process
How Does the Procedure Work?
From your first message to your follow-up, the journey runs through a single coordinator. The procedure day has five stages; channel opening and placement merge into one.
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01
Assessment
Your photos are used to evaluate donor capacity and the recipient area. Method and graft plan are confirmed at the clinic with a doctor’s examination and blood tests.
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02
Hairline Design and Preparation
The hairline is drawn and approved. The donor area is trimmed; if the doctor agrees, the recipient area can be left unshaven.
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03
Graft Extraction
Under local anaesthesia, grafts are extracted one by one from the donor area with micro punches, checked and sorted under magnification, and loaded into the implanter pens.
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04
Direct Implantation
Each graft is placed into the skin with the pen at the chosen angle and depth. Depending on the number of grafts the procedure usually takes 7–9 hours; you leave the clinic the same day.
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05
Check-up and First Wash
You return the next morning for a check-up; the first wash is done at the clinic and aftercare instructions are given in writing.
Where it takes place
At Partner Clinics, Planned by Your Doctor
The procedure is performed at licensed partner clinics in Istanbul by the clinic’s authorised doctor. Medical assessment, choice of method, graft numbers and the procedure itself are the doctor’s decisions; JSH does not influence them, it organises everything around them.
Our job is the rest of the journey: choosing the clinic and doctor that fit your needs, passing your assessment photos to the doctor, arranging appointments around your flights, airport and clinic transfers, accommodation and follow-up after the procedure.
We communicate in English, Turkish and Polish. Every step (schedule, length of stay, hours at the clinic, aftercare instructions) is sent to you in writing, and you stay in touch with the same coordinator after you return home.
Preparation and aftercare
What to Do Before and After the Procedure
This list is for guidance only; the written instructions your doctor gives you at the clinic take precedence. Your coordinator is available for any question.
Before the Procedure
- Stop blood thinners, aspirin and similar medication at least 7 days before the procedure, in consultation with your doctor.
- No alcohol for 3 days and no smoking for 24 hours before the procedure; both affect bleeding and healing.
- Reduce caffeine the day before; have a light breakfast on the morning of the procedure.
- Tell us about chronic conditions and regular medication during the assessment; blood tests are done at the clinic on the morning of the procedure.
- Do not start, stop or change the dose of any medication without your doctor’s approval.
- Wash your hair on the morning of the procedure; do not use gel, spray or other products.
- Wear a button-up or wide-necked top so nothing has to be pulled over your head.
After the Procedure
- Do not touch the grafted area for the first 3 days; the first wash is done at the clinic and you are shown how to do the following ones.
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly raised for the first 3–4 nights so the grafted area does not rub against the pillow.
- Keep the grafted area dry and clean for 10 days; avoid pools, the sea, saunas, sunbeds and direct sun.
- No heavy exercise or anything that makes you sweat for the first 2 weeks; no gel, spray or hair dye for 1–2 months.
- Do not pick the scabs; wash exactly as shown and take the medication you were given regularly.
- Keep your follow-up appointments and message your coordinator straight away if you notice unusual pain, redness or discharge.
- If your hair was left unshaven, do not comb it in the first week and avoid any movement that pulls hair towards the grafted area.
Recovery
Recovery After the Procedure
Timings are given for guidance only; recovery varies from person to person and is followed up by your doctor.
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First 3 Days
The first wash is done at the clinic. The grafted area is not touched; medication and dressings continue as instructed. With no channel-opening stage, swelling is usually more limited.
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1–2 Weeks
The scabs fall off and the donor area has largely healed. If your hair was left unshaven, the grafted area is less noticeable at this stage; most people return to desk work now.
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2–8 Weeks
Some of the transplanted hair shafts may shed temporarily. This is called shock loss and is expected; the roots stay in place.
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3–6 Months
New hair begins to grow; the first hairs may be fine, and density increases gradually.
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6–9 Months
The hair thickens and lengthens; the grafted area blends with your existing hair and can be cut and styled comfortably.
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12 Months
Recovery is largely complete; in some people thickening continues up to eighteen months. Results vary from person to person.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About DHI
Graft extraction is the same in both. In FUE the channels are opened first and the grafts placed afterwards; in DHI the implanter pen opens the channel and places the graft in one movement. FUE is usually preferred for large areas, DHI for the hairline and for adding density; the doctor may also combine the two.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Apart from brief sensitivity while the anaesthetic is applied, no pain is expected during the procedure. Afterwards, the painkillers your doctor recommends are usually enough.
In some cases only the donor area is trimmed and the recipient area is left unshaven. This depends on hair length, the size of the area and the number of grafts; the doctor decides at the consultation.
Loading each graft into the pen and placing it individually takes time. Depending on the number of grafts the procedure usually takes 7–9 hours; for large plans the doctor may suggest two sessions or combining with FUE.
It depends on donor capacity and the size of the area; in DHI usually fewer grafts are placed per session than in FUE. The exact number is decided at the consultation and sent to you in writing.
Because the pen is used, no channels are opened between existing hairs and the risk of damaging neighbouring follicles is reduced. This is why DHI is often preferred for adding density in thinned but not bald areas.
Yes. In these areas the angle of the hair directly shapes facial expression, so doctors usually prefer the implanter pen for its angle control.
Usually three nights: consultation and the procedure on day one, a check-up and dressing change on day two, the first wash and aftercare training on day three. The schedule is built around your flights, and accommodation can be extended if you prefer to stay longer.
The grafts come from the back of the head, an area genetically resistant to hair loss, so they are expected to be permanent. Hair shafts may shed temporarily in the first weeks; the roots stay in place and grow new hair. Existing hair outside the transplanted area may continue to thin, which your doctor takes into account when planning.
New hair usually starts to grow from the third month, becomes noticeable after the sixth month and reaches most of its final form at twelve months. In some people thickening continues up to eighteen months. Results vary from person to person and are followed up by your doctor.
Let’s Assess Your Suitability Together
Share your questions and, if you have them, your photos. Our team will complete a preliminary assessment with the partner clinic’s doctor and get back to you.