DHI Hair Transplant Turkey

In this article, we believe you will find accurate answers to all the questions you have about DHI hair transplantation. By the time you finish reading, you will have gained reliable, science‑based information about the DHI method.

As you know, a hair transplant involves transferring hair follicles from the donor area to bald or thinning areas using specialised instruments. Two main techniques are used for this purpose:

1. FUE
2. DHI

Now, let’s begin by providing information about the DHI technique – the method we also prefer due to its many advantages over these two approaches.

What Is DHI Hair Transplantation?

The DHI method takes its name from the initials of “Direct Hair Implant” – a specialised hair transplant technique that involves placing hair follicles directly into the recipient area without prior incision, using a spring‑loaded pen‑like instrument. Because the follicles are implanted without being touched or handled, it is also known as the “no‑touch” hair transplant.

This special instrument, called an implanter pen, was first designed in the early 1990s by South Korean doctor Young Choi. At that time, it was used as an implantation tool in FUT procedures. Contrary to what is often claimed in many clinics in Turkey, this is not a newly developed method. In fact, while the FUE technique was introduced and started being used in 2002, the DHI technique – as mentioned above – has been in use since the 1990s. In other words, DHI did not originate from FUE. Unfortunately, this is a point that many sources get wrong.

Today, DHI has become one of the most researched and popular hair transplant methods in Turkey and around the world.

The technique is also known as the “Choi pen technique,” named after the doctor who designed and introduced the device. As you can see, this method is referred to by several different names besides DHI.

In Turkey, this method was first introduced in 2010 by Dr. Hakan Doğanay. You can verify this by searching “DHI saç ekimi before:2011” on YouTube – you will see videos from that period. Likewise, if you use Google’s video search and filter the date range to 2010–2011, you won’t find any other DHI technique videos besides ours. At AHD Clinic, we have been using the DHI method exclusively for all our hair, eyebrow, and beard transplants since 2010. In fact, respected surgeons worldwide, such as Dr. Lorenzo and Dr. Zarev, have also adopted this technique. So why did we choose DHI and only DHI?

By 2010, we had already concluded that the procedures performed with this method offered numerous advantages. We also observed a significant increase in patient satisfaction. As a result, we can confidently say that we have specialised in this technique over the years. We published the DHI hair transplant video below back in 2010 – feel free to check its publication date.

We will discuss these advantages in the remainder of this article.

Who Is Suitable for the DHI Method?

The general preparation criteria that apply to any hair transplant also apply here. There are no specific additional criteria unique to this method. The same general factors – such as age, rate of hair loss, chronic conditions, donor capacity, and hair quality – all remain relevant.

In other words, the DHI technique can be successfully performed on individuals who have sufficient donor hair and no medical conditions that would prevent a hair transplant. We have already discussed the candidacy criteria in detail in our article titled “Are You a Suitable Candidate for a Hair Transplant?

How Is the DHI Hair Transplant Technique Performed?

Irrespective of the method employed, a hair transplant operation comprises two fundamental phases:

1) Graft Extraction: Following the administration of local anaesthesia, follicular units are harvested from the donor area using either manual or micromotor‑assisted FUE, or via the FUT strip technique. It should be noted, however, that we have not utilised FUT since 2011. Since that time, we have relied exclusively on FUE for graft harvesting. As this phase is consistent across all approaches, we will not elaborate further in this section.

2) Graft Implantation: It is at this juncture that the DHI technique diverges from the FUE method.

Conventional FUE hair transplantation comprises two distinct phases, namely:

1. First, the channels are opened for the grafts to be transplanted.
2. Then, the harvested hair follicles are placed one by one into the pre‑opened channels. This means that graft implantation is completed in two separate steps.

For this procedure, at least two assisting technicians and one doctor to perform the implantation are required. In addition, a sterile table is needed where the doctor and technicians can hand the Choi pens back and forth. Depending on the number of grafts and the specific requirements of the case, between 5 and 10 Choi implanter pens should be available on the table. The number of Choi pen tips consumed during a procedure may vary depending on scalp firmness and graft count.

The needles at the tip of the implanter pens are single‑use only. They must be discarded after each patient. The pen body itself, however, can be sterilised using steam or Saydex and reused.

In the DHI method, channel opening and graft placement are performed simultaneously in a single step. In other words, there is no pre‑opening of channels in bulk in the recipient area. A single channel is created, and at the same time, the hair follicle is directly placed into the opening. This synchronised process is repeated for each graft to be implanted. Here is how it works:

1. Loading: Using a micro‑forceps, one hair graft is taken from the Petri dish. It is held by the upper portion with the forceps. The graft is then slid vertically into the slotted needle in the centre of the implanter pen. Once loaded, the graft is ready for implantation and is placed on the operating table.
2. Graft Implantation: The doctor takes the pen from the table. A sharp incision is made in the recipient area to create a channel. The plunger on the implanter pen is then pressed. The fine wire inside the pen gently pushes the graft through the hollow needle, depositing it into the newly opened channel. The pen is then smoothly withdrawn – all in one synchronised motion – completing the implantation of a single hair graft.

This process is repeated quickly and in a synchronised manner for each graft, until all hair grafts have been successfully implanted.

FUE vs DHI – What’s the Difference?

We have already mentioned that the main difference between these two methods lies in the channel‑opening process. At this point, one might ask: What other differences are there between FUE and DHI? In other words, what are the advantages and disadvantages of opening channels in bulk, as opposed to creating them one by one in a single synchronised step? Let’s now address these questions.

1) Bleeding and Necrosis: During a DHI hair transplant, bleeding is significantly less compared to other methods. This is because the graft is placed into the channel immediately after the incision is made, acting as a natural tamponade. As a result, bleeding is much lower than in the sapphire FUE technique. In the FUE method, however, channels are opened in bulk corresponding to the number of grafts, which leads to greater bleeding. To control this bleeding, adrenaline is used – but its use increases the risk of necrosis. At our clinic, we have not experienced a single case of necrosis since we started using the DHI method in 2010, because we do not use adrenaline on our patients.

2) Shock Loss: Shock loss occurs after hair transplantation with both methods. However, based on our experience, we have observed that it is relatively less common with the DHI technique. We believe this is because there is no need for extra adrenaline during the procedure. For more detailed information, please refer to our article on shock loss.

3) Safe Implantation: As we mentioned, the pen method eliminates the need for adrenaline. As a result, the risk of systemic complications – such as adrenaline‑related heart rhythm disorders or elevated blood pressure – is significantly reduced. For this reason, DHI can be considered a safer option.

4) Scarring in the Recipient Area: Both techniques are minimally invasive, and when fine‑tipped instruments are used, scarring is virtually unnoticeable. In the pen method, channels are created using needle tips, which means any marks fade completely within a very short time. Think of it this way: when you have an IV line placed in your arm, do you see any scar a few days later? Of course not. The needle tips used in the DHI method are just the same. With ultra‑fine tips of 0.6–0.8 mm, no visible scarring remains in the recipient area.

5) Depth Control: To achieve optimal results, hair follicles must be placed at the correct depth. Implanter pens are equipped with a mechanism that allows precise depth control. The needle size can be adjusted to reach the desired depth easily. Once the needle depth is set, it is not possible to implant grafts any deeper than intended – even if you try.

6) Natural Appearance: When grafts are placed following proper angulation rules, both techniques can deliver natural‑looking results. However, we maintain that the DHI method allows for more precise control over the angle of implantation. Of course, this ultimately depends on the skill and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure.

7) Unshaven Procedure: With the DHI method, implantation can be performed without the need to shave the recipient area. This provides a significant advantage, especially in female hair transplantation. Additionally, for those who wish to avoid any visible signs of having had a procedure due to social or professional reasons, the unshaven approach offers a major benefit.

8) Hair Densification: It is easy to increase density by placing grafts between existing sparse hairs. In DHI, the risk of damaging existing hair is low, because the procedure is performed by directly visualising the gaps between hairs. Moreover, since the grafts are placed parallel to the natural hair direction, a more natural appearance is easier to achieve.

9) Graft Survival Time: Theoretically, the shorter the time between graft extraction and implantation, the higher the survival rate. In DHI, there is no separate channel‑opening phase, which means that grafts can be placed into the recipient area much earlier. This reduces the time grafts spend outside the body and lowers the risk of graft loss.

10) Specialised Implantations: The DHI technique is, without exception, the best method for eyebrow and beard transplantation. We have explained the reasons for this in our detailed articles on eyebrow and beard transplants.

For comparison purposes, we thought it would be easier to understand the differences between FUE and DHI if we presented them in a table.

Are There Any Disadvantages to the DHI Technique?

Above, we have discussed many of the advantages of hair transplantation performed with the pen method. But does this technique have no disadvantages at all? Of course, alongside its advantages, there are 2 important drawbacks.

1. Qualified Doctor and Qualified Technicians
2. Cost

1) DHI Hair Transplantation Requires Qualified Doctors and Trained Support Staff. Although the DHI technique is not a new method, it only began to gain widespread use in Turkish clinics after 2017. Until that year, AHD Clinic was the only clinic in Turkey performing hair transplants with the DHI method. The Choi pen technique demands a deep level of knowledge and experience, and it involves specific nuances and subtleties that are unique to the DHI method. Without a thorough understanding of these details, a haphazardly performed transplant is unlikely to yield successful results.

For instance, even when the pen method is employed, –

• Some sources claim that DHI naturally produces good results with 45‑degree angles. This is absolutely incorrect. Regardless of the technique used, such angles will not achieve a natural look in the frontal hairline. For a truly natural outcome, the hairline should be implanted at angles between 15 and 25 degrees. This rule applies equally to both DHI and FUE.
• If multi‑hair grafts are placed in the frontal hairline simply to increase density, or if the hairline is poorly designed, a natural appearance cannot be achieved. We have explained this in detail in our article on natural hairline design.
• If the needle depth is not properly adjusted and grafts are placed haphazardly, the transplanted follicles may either fail to grow or grow curly. In some cases, they may even shed after a period of time.

As you can see, the problem is not with the implanter pen itself. The unsatisfactory results stem from the practitioner’s lack of knowledge about the specific nuances of this technique.

Unfortunately, the number of doctors and support staff in Turkey who are fully familiar with the intricacies of the Choi pen method is still insufficient.

2) The DHI method is more costly than other techniques. This is because the needle tips used in the implantation pens are single‑use and quite expensive.

Recovery Process and Before‑After Results

The recovery process after a DHI hair transplant follows the same course as with other methods, with only a few minor differences. Typical post‑transplant side effects – such as redness, swelling, and shock loss – also occur with the DHI technique, as they are a normal part of the healing process.

• Scabbing: Scabbing begins from day 1, which is a normal sign of wound healing. The scabs should be completely gone within 10 days.
• Redness: Slight redness may occur in the recipient area, and it may be more noticeable in fair‑skinned individuals. Normally, it lasts about 2 to 3 weeks and then fades away.
• Itching: Itching is also a sign of healing. It may last between 1 week and 10 days.
• Washing: With the DHI method, hair washing can begin the day after the procedure. In FUE, washing usually starts on day 3.
• Swelling: Swelling is generally less pronounced with the DHI technique compared to FUE. This is because there is no need to inject saline into the recipient area during DHI, which helps reduce post‑operative swelling.
• Shock Loss: Normally, shock loss begins within 2 to 3 weeks and may continue for up to 2 months. It is relatively less common with the DHI method. We have explained the reasons for this in our article on the causes of shock loss.

In the post‑transplant period, the same general rules apply – including those regarding sleep and exercise – as with any other hair transplant method. To achieve the best possible outcome, it is essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor.

Regrowth of the shed hairs begins from the 4th month onwards and reaches the desired level by the end of 12 months. Achieving natural results is considerably easier with the DHI hair transplant method.

For before‑and‑after results of our hair transplant procedures, you can contact AHD Clinic. You can also explore our natural hair transplant outcomes by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

How Much Does DHI Hair Transplant Cost in Turkey?

As we mentioned earlier, the DHI method is more expensive than other techniques. There are two main factors that determine the cost:

1) The materials used in the pen method are costly. A single Choi pen costs around $100–120 on average. The disposable needle tips used during the procedure used to cost $35 each, but are now sold for around $20. Depending on the case, 15 to 20 needle tips may be used per procedure.

2) Qualified doctors and support staff: The DHI hair transplant method is a delicate and technically demanding procedure. Both in Turkey and around the world, the number of doctors and support staff who can perform this technique correctly is very limited. This scarcity drives up the cost of personnel and surgeons. It is only natural that internationally renowned doctors charge higher fees.

In Turkey, average DHI hair transplant prices may range between 1,500 and 7,000 USD/Euro. These prices vary depending on whether the procedure is performed personally by the doctor or by technicians, the clinic’s brand value, and the number of grafts.

In the United States, the cost of the DHI method may range between 6,000 and 25,000 USD.

In the United Kingdom, you can expect to receive quotes averaging between 5,000 and 17,000 Pounds.

Frequently Asked Questions