DHI hair transplant

DHI (direct hair implantation) is a hair transplant technique in which each graft is loaded into a Choi implanter pen that opens the channel and places the graft in a single movement. Extraction is the same as FUE. DHI gives close control over the angle, depth and direction of every hair, which suits hairlines and adding density between existing hair.

What is DHI?

DHI is a variation of FUE that changes the implantation step. In classic FUE, all recipient channels are opened first and the grafts are placed afterwards with forceps. In DHI, there is no separate channel-opening step: the implanter pen creates each channel at the moment the graft goes in.

Because grafts can be placed between existing hairs without disturbing them, DHI is often used to densify thinning areas, sometimes without shaving the recipient area.

How DHI is performed

1. Hairline and plan. Dr. Güder designs your hairline and decides where density is needed.
2. Anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia with a needle-free, air-pressure system.
3. Extraction. Follicular units are taken one by one from the donor area, as in FUE.
4. Loading. Each graft is loaded into the hollow needle of a Choi implanter pen.
5. Implantation. The pen opens the channel and releases the graft at the planned angle and depth in one movement.

Possible advantages of DHI

• Precise control of angle, depth and direction for every graft.
• Dense packing along the hairline and in the frontal area.
• Working between existing hair, which helps when you are thinning rather than bald.
• Less handling of grafts, because each one goes from the pen straight into the scalp.

Things to consider

DHI is slower per graft than FUE, so very large sessions are often better suited to FUE or Sapphire FUE. Some patients benefit from a combination: DHI for the hairline and FUE for the crown. Dr. Güder explains which approach fits your hair after reviewing your photos.

DHI and FUE compared

Recovery after DHI

Recovery follows the same timeline as FUE. Expect some tightness and swelling for a few days, your first wash at the clinic before you fly home, and a return to desk work within 3 to 5 days for most patients. Transplanted hairs shed in weeks 2 to 4, new growth begins around months 3 to 4, and the final result shows at 12 to 18 months.

DHI cost in Istanbul

All-inclusive packages start at €2,460 and include the procedure at Acıbadem Hospital, hotel nights, transfers, PRP and 12 months of follow-up. Your free hair analysis confirms the technique, package and price for your case. See prices and packages.

Last updated 25 October 2026.