DHI Hair Transplant
Complete Guide
Direct Hair Implantation — everything you need to know about cost, procedure, recovery, and finding the right clinic.
What is DHI Hair Transplant?
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is an advanced evolution of FUE that uses a patented Choi implanter pen to simultaneously create the recipient channel and place the graft in one motion, eliminating the need for pre-made incisions.
How DHI Hair Transplant Works
Follicular units are extracted individually using FUE micro-punch technique.
Each graft is immediately loaded into a Choi implanter pen (0.5–1.0mm diameter).
The surgeon uses the Choi pen to puncture the scalp and implant the graft in a single motion.
This allows precise control over depth (3–4mm), angle (40–45°), and direction of each graft.
A team of 6–8 technicians typically works alongside the surgeon to maintain graft viability.
No pre-made channels are needed — reducing trauma and potentially improving density.
Advantages
- ✓Superior precision for hairline design
- ✓No need to shave recipient area
- ✓Higher density placement possible
- ✓Less trauma to recipient area
- ✓Faster healing in recipient zone
Limitations
- ✗20–30% more expensive than standard FUE
- ✗Longer procedure time
- ✗Requires more experienced team
- ✗Limited graft count per session
- ✗Fewer clinics offer true DHI
Who Is DHI Hair Transplant Best For?
Patients prioritizing hairline naturalness, those who cannot shave their head, women with thinning hair, and patients seeking maximum density in specific areas.
DHI Hair Transplant Cost Breakdown
USA
$5,000–$22,000
Turkey
$1,800–$4,500
Mexico
$2,500–$6,000
India
$800–$3,500
Pricing depends on graft count, surgeon experience, and location. Many clinics offer financing from $99/month. See full pricing guide →
Alternatives to DHI Hair Transplant
FUE
Learn more →Standard FUE costs less and handles larger sessions. Better value for coverage work behind the hairline.
Sapphire FUE
Learn more →Sapphire-blade FUE creates finer channels than steel, approaching DHI precision at lower cost.
FUT
Learn more →FUT yields maximum grafts per session. Consider if you need 4,000+ grafts and will keep hair long.
Top Cities for DHI Hair Transplant
Clinics Offering DHI Hair Transplant (27)
North Atlanta Hair Restoration
Alpharetta, GA
New England Center for Hair Restoration
Westwood, MA
Smile Hair Clinic
Istanbul, TR
Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic
Istanbul, TR
Vera Clinic
Istanbul, TR
Este Medical Group
Istanbul, TR
Cosmedica Dr. Levent Acar
Istanbul, TR
Dr. Cinik Hair Transplant
Istanbul, TR
Hermest Hair Transplant Clinic
Istanbul, TR
Long Hair Center Istanbul
Istanbul, TR
Estepera Hair Clinic
Istanbul, TR
DHI London
London, GB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DHI better than FUE?
DHI offers more precision for hairline work and doesn't require shaving the recipient area. FUE is better value for larger sessions. Both achieve 95–98% graft survival. The "best" depends on your specific needs.
How much does DHI cost?
In the USA, DHI ranges from $5,000–$22,000. Turkey offers all-inclusive DHI packages for $2,200–$4,500. The premium over standard FUE reflects the specialized equipment and larger surgical team required.
What is a Choi pen?
The Choi implanter pen is a specialized surgical tool that simultaneously creates a recipient channel and places the graft. It resembles a mechanical pencil with a hollow needle tip. Each pen is loaded with one graft at a time.
How long is DHI recovery?
Initial recovery takes 7–12 days. Scabbing falls off by day 7–10. Transplanted hairs shed at weeks 2–4. New growth begins at months 3–4. Final results at 12–18 months.
Can DHI achieve higher density?
Yes, DHI can achieve higher density in targeted areas (60–80 grafts/cm² vs 40–60 for standard FUE) because the implanter pen creates minimal trauma, allowing closer graft placement.
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