Pros and Cons of Direct Hair Implantation

Dr. Gary Linkov Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) New York, New York

Dr. Linkov offers a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical options for changing the appearance of the face and neck. Whenever possible, he prefers using minimally-invasive procedures to achieve the desired result. His artistic background paired with an Ivy League medical education has given him a unique combination of... more

By the age of 50, more than 85% of males have thinning hair. More than half of all women will have visible hair loss during their lives.

To resolve this problem, several types of hair restoration surgeries have been created. The two most prevalent procedures are follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).

During FUT, a surgeon removes individual hair follicles by cutting a strip of hair from the back of your scalp. During FUE, a surgeon extracts follicles from your scalp. The follicles are put into balding areas of your scalp in both operations.

Direct hair implantation (DHI) is an FUE technique modification developed by DHI Global Medical Group.

Before implanting hair follicles, a surgeon physically cuts canals in your scalp. They employ a specific pen-shaped tool that can do both simultaneously during DHI.

Let's go through the pros and cons of DHI surgery, contrasting with FUT and FUE, so you can determine which is right for you.

Pros of DHI hair restoration vs. FUE and FUTĀ 

DHI, FUE, and FUT are all procedures that entail transplanting follicles from one area of your scalp to balding areas.

During FUT surgery, a surgeon will cut a long and narrow strip of skin from the back of your head. Individual hair follicles are removed and inserted into your hairline. This is the quickest and least expensive choice, but it can leave a long scar. The scar will be obvious if you wear your hair short, but longer hair will usually conceal it.

During DHI and FUE operations, individual hair follicles are removed directly from your scalp. During FUE, a surgeon manually cuts a series of holes in your scalp to insert the hair follicles. Surgeons can use the DHI method to make these incisions while simultaneously implanting hair.

DHI and FUE prevent the long scars caused by FUT, but they take longer and are more expensive.

According to DHI providers, it is the most advanced and successful hair treatment option available. There hasn't been any research done to compare the results to other hair treatment methods.

Any type of FUE surgery can successfully treat hair loss. However, whether FUT or FUE is, the better option is controversial.

DHI hair transplant side effects and precautions

Hair restoration surgery is relatively safe and seldom results in problems. DHI and FUE are less invasive than FUT since they do not necessitate a big strip of skin to be sliced.

Many companies claim that FUE techniques are scarless; nonetheless, the removal of individual follicles results in a succession of small scars. These scars are frequently undetectable.

Here are some of the possible side effects of DHI surgery.

Negative reaction to anesthesia

A local anesthetic will be applied to your scalp to numb it during DHI. Although anesthesia is generally safe, some people may experience adverse effects. Most reactions are caused by fear or anxiety rather than by anesthetic sensitivity on the skin.

Infection

Infections can occur at either the donor location or the area where hair follicles are implanted. Serious infections are uncommon, occurring in fewer than 1% of hair implantation procedures.

Shock hair loss

Within two months of surgery, shock hair loss might occur. It refers to transient hair loss at the hair transplant location. Almost often, a full recovery takes 3 to 4 months.

Undesired appearance

When hair follicles are grafted, they should be aligned to simulate natural hair development. If the follicles are implanted incorrectly, you may have an unsatisfactory appearance.

It's a good idea to investigate surgeons in your area before having the procedure to give yourself the best chance of getting good outcomes. Check through prior clients' before-and-after photos and get in touch with other patients of that surgeon to assist you in making a decision.

Takeaway

DHI is a kind of FUE hair implantation. There is no evidence on the effectiveness of DHI particularly, but all types of FUE surgery can treat male or female pattern baldness hair loss.