Direct Hair Implantation — the most advanced hair transplant technique using Choi implanter pens. No channel opening needed. Maximum control over density, angle, and direction for the most natural results achievable.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is the most advanced hair transplant technique available today. It uses a specialized Choi implanter pen — a hollow needle instrument that simultaneously creates a channel and places the graft in a single motion. This eliminates the separate channel-opening step required in FUE, reducing the time grafts spend outside the body and maximizing survival rates.
The Choi pen gives surgeons unprecedented control over three critical factors: the angle of implantation (matching natural growth direction), the depth of placement (ensuring proper anchoring), and the spacing between grafts (achieving optimal density). This precision is especially valuable for hairline reconstruction, where even millimeters matter.
DHI is particularly recommended for patients seeking maximum density in specific areas, those who want to add density between existing hairs without shaving (unshaven DHI), and patients who need the most natural-looking hairline possible. It is also the technique of choice for eyebrow and beard transplants where directional control is paramount.
Our DHI surgeons are trained in the original Direct Hair Implantation methodology with years of specialized experience. Each procedure uses brand-new Choi pens (never reused), and our team includes dedicated implanters who work alongside the surgeon to minimize graft handling time and maximize survival rates.
Individual follicular units are extracted from the donor area using a micro-punch, identical to the FUE extraction method. The donor area heals with no linear scarring.
Each extracted graft is carefully loaded into a Choi implanter pen by the surgical team. Multiple pens are loaded simultaneously to minimize the time grafts spend outside the body.
The surgeon uses the Choi pen to implant each graft directly — creating the channel and placing the graft in one motion. This gives precise control over angle, depth, and direction.
Grafts are placed at precisely calibrated intervals to achieve the desired density. DHI allows implantation between existing hairs without damaging them — perfect for density enhancement.
The Choi pen creates and implants in one step. Less trauma to the scalp means faster healing, less swelling, and reduced risk of complications.
Complete control over implantation angle (10-45 degrees) ensures each hair grows in the natural direction. Critical for hairlines that face scrutiny at close range.
DHI achieves the highest possible graft density, up to 80+ grafts per cm² in targeted areas. Ideal for patients wanting the thickest, most natural coverage.
DHI can be performed without shaving the recipient area — perfect for patients who want to keep their existing hair length during recovery. Only the donor area requires trimming.
Grafts spend less time outside the body since extraction and implantation happen rapidly. This results in 99% graft survival rate — among the highest in the industry.
Without separate channel incisions, healing is faster. Most patients return to work within 3-5 days. Redness and swelling are minimal compared to other techniques.
DHI excels at creating natural, undetectable hairlines. Precise angle and direction control produces a soft, graduated transition that looks completely natural.
Add thickness between existing hairs without damaging them. DHI is the only technique that allows true densification without shaving the area.
Unshaven DHI is ideal for women. No need to shave the head — grafts are placed between existing hairs for increased volume while maintaining current hair length.
The directional precision of DHI makes it perfect for facial hair transplants where the angle of each hair must match natural growth exactly.
Both use the same extraction method. The difference is in implantation: FUE requires pre-made channels before graft placement, while DHI uses a Choi pen to create the channel and place the graft simultaneously. This gives DHI superior angle control and reduces the time grafts are outside the body.
Yes, DHI is typically more expensive because it requires more specialized equipment (Choi pens), a larger surgical team, and more time per graft. Our VIP DHI package starts at €3,490 all-inclusive. For patients who don't need full DHI, we recommend our combined approach.
Yes. Unshaven DHI (U-DHI) allows implantation without shaving the recipient area. Only a small strip in the donor area is trimmed and can be hidden under existing hair. This option is ideal for women and men who cannot take time off for a visible recovery.
A single DHI session can handle up to 5,500 grafts. For very large cases, we often recommend a combined approach: DHI for the hairline and frontal area (where precision matters most) and Sapphire FUE for the crown and mid-scalp (where coverage is the priority).
DHI recovery is slightly faster than FUE because no channels are pre-cut. Most patients return to work in 3-5 days. Scabs fall off within 7-10 days. New growth begins at month 3-4 with full results at 12-18 months.
DHI is the best technique for women. The unshaven option means no visible signs of the procedure. Grafts are placed between existing hairs to increase volume and density without affecting current hair. Our female patients particularly value the discretion DHI offers.
Istanbul, Turkey
Merkez, Abide-i Hurriyet Cd No 171/10, Sisli
Rome, Italy
Via Nazionale 123, Roma
Cranford, NJ, USA
DIARE DERMATOLOGY LLC
45 South Ave W, Cranford, NJ 07016
1-800-829-4933