The trend of hair transplant is increasing in the world nowadays. After FUT and FUE there is a new method called “DHI”.
What is DHI?
More than 85% of men experience thinning hair before the age of 50. In their lifetimes, 50% more women will experience significant hair loss. There are many methods to regrow your hair. Follicular unit transplant (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) are the most common.
FUT involves removing individual hair follicles from the scalp by a surgeon, and FUE involves removing follicles right from the scalp. The follicles will be implanted in balding regions of your scalp during both types of surgery.
Direct hair implantation (DHI) is a modified version of FUE developed by DHI Global Medical Group. FUE involves the surgeon cutting channels in the scalp and then implanting hair follicles. DHI uses a special pen-shaped tool that can simultaneously do both.
Let’s talk about DHI surgery. It will also be compared to FUT and FUE to help you decide which one is best for you.
How hair transplantation works
DHI is a modified form of FUE hair implantation, and this procedure follows a similar one. Your surgeon will remove hair from one part of your scalp (usually the back) and then implant it in bald areas. These hair follicles will eventually produce new hairs.
Here’s what to expect during the procedure :
-The surgeon will perform a shave and local anaesthesia to anaesthetize your head.
-The surgeon will remove hair follicles using a fine tip tool.
-The hair follicles of the hair will be placed into a pen-shaped tool and then implanted in the balding portion of your scalp.
-The surgeon will apply an antibiotic cream to all affected areas.
– FUE and DHI procedures generally take 8 hours. The exact time depends on how many hairs are being transplanted, and it may take up to 12-18 months for the final results to be visible.
Who has a DHI procedure to be performed?
People suffering from androgenic alopecia hair loss are the best candidates to have hair implantations. This condition is often referred to as male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair fall.
–Age. You must be at least 25 years old to get hair implants. Hair loss is more likely before this age.
–Hair diameter. People whose hair is thicker often get better results than those whose hair is thinner. Thicker hair means that each hair follicle gets more coverage.
–Low hair density in donors. Patients who have a hair density of less than 40 folliclesTrustedSource/square centimetre at donor sites are not considered good candidates for hair transplants.
–Hair colour. People with lighter hair or hair that is close to their skin tone usually get the best results.
–Expectations. Those with realistic expectations will be more satisfied with their results.
DHI vs FUE and FUT hair transplant
FUE, DHI, or FUT are all methods of taking hair follicles and implanting them into the balding area.
A FUT operation is a procedure where a surgeon removes a small but long strip of skin at the back of your head. Individual hair follicles can be removed and placed along the hairline. This is the fastest and cheapest method, but it can leave you with a long scar. It may be obvious if your hair is very short, and longer hair hides the scar better.
Individual hair follicles may be removed from the scalp during DHI or FUE operations. FUE involves a surgeon cutting a series of canals through your scalp to insert the hair follicles. This DHI technique allows surgeons to make incisions and also implant hair simultaneously.
FUE and DHI are less invasive than FUT. However, they can be more expensive and take longer. DHI is a hair treatment that companies claim is the most effective and advanced. However, studies have not been done to compare the results with other hair treatment methods.
FUE surgery is a successful option for hair loss. But, there is some debateTrustedSource as to which FUT or FUE method is best.
DHI side effects and precautions for hair transplant
Hair transplantation is relatively simple and does not often cause complications. FUE and DHI require less surgery than FUT, and FUE doesn’t need a surgeon to remove a large section of skin.
FUE techniques claim to be virtually painless. However, individual follicles are removed, and tiny scars result. These scars usually are not visible.
Here are some potential complications of DHI Surgery :
Negative reactions to anaesthesia
To numb your scalp, DHI will apply local pain relief to it. While anaesthesia is generally safe and non-invasive, some people may experience adverse reactions.
The vast majority of reactions are due to anxiety or fear and not to the anaesthesia itself.
Infection
You can get an infection at either the donor site or in the area where the hair follicles have been implanted. In less than 1 % of hair implantations, serious infections are uncommon.
Shock hair loss
After 2 months, shock hair loss can occur, and it is temporary hair loss that occurs at the location of the hair transplant. Complete recovery can be expected to take between 3 and 4 months.
Undesired appearance
It is important to align the hair follicles in a manner that is similar to your natural hair growth when they are grafted. It can cause a poor appearance if the follicles have been placed incorrectly.
It’s important to do your research on surgeons in your region before you make a decision. You can review the results of other patients and talk to them about their experiences.
Other complications
There are also potential complications to hair transplants:
-Bleeding
-Dizziness
-Pain
-Increased Heart Rate
-Inflammation in hair follicles
-A sparse appearance at the donor site
-Scarring
DHI hair transplant cost
DHI Global calculates the price for a DHI Session at Clinics in London, Athens, Dubai or Paris between $3,250 and $13,500.
The cost of having a hair transplant performed depends on the location, the clinic visited, and the amount of hair implanted. DHI is considered a cosmetic procedure, so insurance companies will not cover the costs.
Consider travelling to a less expensive location or reducing the number and size of the hair follicles that you have transplanted. This will help to lower the cost.
You can also try these alternatives to hair transplant:
-Minoxidil, (Rogaine),
-Finasteride (Propecia)
-Low-level Laser Therapy
Conclusion
DHI is a modified FUE hair implantation. While there are no studies on DHI’s effectiveness, FUE surgery can treat hair loss caused by male or female pattern baldness.
Hair implantation procedures can be quite expensive. Alternatives to hair implantation surgery include Rogaine or finasteride tablets.