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Hair restoration · Technique

DHI Hair Transplant in Türkiye

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) places follicles into the scalp using a Choi implanter pen. This guide explains how it works, how it compares with FUE, who it may suit, and an honest view of the benefits and risks — starting with a free, personalised assessment.

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Medically reviewed by {{DOCTOR_NAME}}, {{DOCTOR_SPECIALTY}} Last updated: Medical disclaimer

What is a DHI hair transplant?

DHI, or Direct Hair Implantation, is a refinement of the follicular unit extraction (FUE) method. Healthy follicular units are harvested individually from a donor area — usually the back of the scalp — and then implanted into the thinning or balding area using a specialised tool called a Choi implanter pen. With DHI, the incision and the placement of the graft happen in a single movement, rather than creating the recipient channels as a separate step.

DHI is one of several techniques we offer. It is not inherently “better” than other methods — the right choice depends on your hair, the area being treated and your goals, and is decided together with your clinician. You can compare the options on our hair transplant techniques overview.

How the DHI procedure works

  • Consultation & hairline design. Your goals, donor area and hairline are assessed and planned.
  • Local anaesthesia. The donor and recipient areas are numbed for comfort.
  • Extraction. Individual follicular units are carefully removed from the donor area.
  • Loading the Choi pen. Each graft is loaded into the implanter pen.
  • Direct implantation. The pen creates the incision and places the follicle at a controlled angle and depth, in one step.
  • Aftercare briefing. You receive detailed guidance before you leave.

DHI vs FUE: how they compare

Both are well-established techniques that begin with FUE-style extraction. The key differences are summarised below. A clinician will recommend the most suitable option for you.

Feature DHI FUE
Extraction method Follicular unit extraction (FUE) Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
Implantation Direct, via Choi pen (no separate channels) Channels created first, then grafts placed
Shaving Unshaven option may be possible Recipient area often shaved
Best suited to Dense packing in defined areas Larger areas and varied cases

Who is DHI suitable for?

DHI may be considered for people with stable hair loss and a suitable donor area, particularly where dense placement in a defined region is the goal. It may be discussed for:

  • A receding or thinning hairline where precise placement is important
  • Smaller or well-defined areas of loss
  • Cases where an unshaven approach is being explored (where appropriate)

DHI is not suitable for everyone, and an alternative technique may be recommended. Suitability, graft numbers and expected outcomes can only be confirmed by a clinician after assessing you.

Recovery and timeline

The general recovery pattern is similar to other FUE-based techniques. This is a guide, not a guarantee:

  • Days 1–7: possible swelling, redness or tenderness; gentle washing as instructed.
  • Weeks 2–4: shedding of transplanted hairs is normal and expected.
  • Months 3–6: new growth typically becomes visible.
  • ~12 months: results continue to thicken and mature.

Results and realistic expectations

When carefully planned and performed, DHI can produce natural-looking results because follicles are placed at controlled angles and densities. However, outcomes depend on factors such as your hair characteristics, donor supply and healing, and they develop gradually. No clinic can ethically guarantee a specific result, and in some cases more than one session may be advised over time.

Benefits and risks of DHI

A balanced summary to support an informed decision. Your clinician will discuss these in relation to your health.

Potential benefits

  • Precise control of angle, direction and density
  • Direct implantation without separate channel creation
  • Unshaven approach may be possible in some cases
  • Minimally invasive, typically single-day procedure

Possible risks & considerations

  • Swelling, redness, tenderness or temporary numbness
  • Risk of infection or, rarely, scarring
  • Graft survival varies; results are not guaranteed
  • Can take longer per graft, which may affect session size

This is not a complete list of risks. Please read our medical disclaimer and discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.

DHI before & after

Published only with documented patient consent. Individual results vary.

Frequently asked questions

What is a DHI hair transplant? +

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is a hair transplant technique in which follicular units are implanted directly into the recipient area using a specialised Choi implanter pen, without first creating separate channels. It is a refinement of follicular unit extraction (FUE).

How is DHI different from FUE? +

Both DHI and FUE extract individual follicular units from a donor area. The main difference is implantation: in FUE the surgeon creates recipient channels first and then places grafts, whereas in DHI the channel creation and placement happen together via the Choi pen. The most suitable technique depends on your hair and goals and is decided with your clinician.

Does DHI require shaving my head? +

Depending on the area treated and the number of grafts, DHI can sometimes be performed without fully shaving the recipient area. Whether an unshaven approach is appropriate for you is assessed individually; it is not always possible.

How long does a DHI procedure take? +

A DHI session commonly takes around 6–8 hours, depending on the number of grafts. It is usually completed in a single day under local anaesthesia.

When will I see DHI results? +

As with other techniques, transplanted hairs typically shed in the first weeks, new growth usually begins from around three to four months, and results mature over roughly 12 months. Individual results vary and cannot be guaranteed.