DHI Hair Transplant Quick Links
By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Dr. Mehmet Dogruer, on May 12, 2024
DHI Hair Implantation Recovery Time
It takes approximately 10 days to 14 days to recover after the procedure. You should avoid extreme activities for at least 4 weeks. You will start to notice new hair growth after 3 months. Expect to experience complete recovery 12 – 15 after the procedure.
You can return to work 3 days after the procedure; you will notice the swelling reduces during these days.
Avoid brushing your hair for at least 3 weeks, and don't wash your hair for the first 3 days. Follow your doctor's instructions to speed up your recovery.
In the Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) method of hair transplant, here is how the procedure is generally performed:
- Consultation: An initial consultation where the doctor assesses the patient's hair loss and plans the procedure.
- Preparation: The scalp is prepared, and the donor area, usually at the back of the head, is shaved and cleaned.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the donor and recipient areas to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure.
- Extraction of Hair Follicles: Individual hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area using a specialized extraction tool.
- Graft Preparation: The extracted follicles are then prepared for transplantation, ensuring they are healthy and viable for implantation.
- Implantation: A specialized tool called a Choi implanter pen is used for implantation. This tool creates a recipient site and implants the follicle in a single step, which can increase the procedure's precision and potentially improve the viability of the transplanted follicles.
- Post-Procedure Care: After all the grafts have been implanted, the scalp is cleaned and bandaged. The patient receives post-operative care instructions, including guidance on washing, potential swelling, and when to resume normal activities.
This technique offers more control over each implanted hair follicle's angle, direction, and depth, potentially providing more natural-looking results. It is a delicate procedure requiring skilled professionals to perform it successfully.
What Shall I Expect from a DHI Hair Transplant?
After undergoing a Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) hair transplant, here's what you can generally expect:
- Immediate Post-Procedure: The scalp may be red, with small scabs forming around the transplanted hair. Some swelling might also be observed in the initial days.
- Short-Term Recovery: Minor discomfort, tightness, or numbness might be felt on the scalp. You'll receive instructions on how to care for your scalp, including gentle washing and avoiding certain activities.
- Shedding Phase: The newly transplanted hair might shed within 2-6 weeks post-procedure. This is a normal process and is expected before new growth begins.
- Hair Growth: Starting from the third month, you should notice new hair growth. However, significant growth typically becomes visible around the 6th month, with fuller results by the 12th month.
- Natural Appearance: One of the advantages of DHI is the natural appearance of the results. Hair will grow in the direction, angle, and depth that it was implanted, mimicking the natural hair pattern.
- Long-Term Results: By the end of a year, the transplanted hair should have blended seamlessly with the surrounding hair, giving it a denser and more natural look. Depending on individual factors, results can last many years, though some might experience further natural hair loss around the transplanted hair.
- Follow-Up Sessions: Your surgeon might schedule follow-up sessions to monitor the progress and ensure the transplant is successful.
Remember, individual experiences may vary, and it's essential to have realistic expectations and closely follow post-operative care instructions to achieve the best results.
DHI Hair Transplant Side Effects
Some of the possible reactions you can develop after a DHI hair transplant in Istanbul, Turkey, include:
- Infections
- Pain and tenderness
- Bleeding
- Itching and swelling
- Inflammation of hair follicles (folliculitis)
- Numbness or lack of sensation on the treated areas of the scalp
DHI Hair Transplant Surgery Results
DHI Hair transplant procedure has a success rate of over 97% in restoring patients' hair.
How To Prepare For The DHI Hair Implant Procedure
- A week before the procedure, you should stop taking Aspirin and other meds associated with blood thinning.
- If you are allergic to drugs, you should inform your surgeon as soon as possible.
- Patients are advised to avoid smoking 24 hours before the surgery.
- Consuming any alcoholic beverages can affect anesthesia. So it would be best if you did not take alcohol 24 hours before surgery.
- Before the surgery, you should inform your surgeon if you are taking meds for chronic or acute diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
DHI Hair Transplant Quick Facts
Procedure |
DHI Hair Transplant |
Duration |
4 - 8 hours |
Stay |
2 nights hotel |
Cost in Turkey |
€1800 - €2450 |
Anesthesia |
Local anesthesia |
Recovery |
10 to 14 days |
Final Results |
9 months - 12 months |
Side Effects |
Itching, swelling, scalp pain |
Risks |
Bleeding, infection |
Success Rate |
97% |
Exercise |
After 4 weeks |
Back To Work |
After 3 days |
Scars |
No |
Pain |
Slight |
Related Procedures |
FUE, Sapphire hair transplant |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a DHI hair transplant cost in Turkey?
The average cost of a DHI hair transplant in Turkey ranges from €1800 to €2450.
Is it safe to get a hair transplant in Turkey?
Yes, a hair transplant in Turkey is safe. The doctors are adequate in hair transplant techniques and have years of experience. Some of them have credentials from prestigious global universities. The standard of care in these clinics is as good as in the UK, US, and Europe, if not better.
DHI vs. FUE, what's the difference?
The main difference between DHI and FUE is how the hair grafts are implanted into the scalp. FUE uses small, manually cut incisions, whereas DHI uses a special pen-like tool to insert the grafts.
Is DHI Hair Transplant Painful?
Most DHI hair transplant reviews and patients report the procedure has no pain, only slight discomfort. You may feel pain or soreness after the procedure. But, your surgeon will prescribe medication to manage the pain and discomfort.
Does DHI Hair Transplant Leave a Scar?
No, the DHI technique leaves no visible scars in both the donor and implanted area.
What Is the Difference Between FUE And DHI Hair Transplant?
The main difference between FUE and DHI hair transplant techniques is the way the collected grafts are implanted in the recipient area. During FUE hair transplant, the surgeon manually implants the harvested grafts, while in the DHI technique, a special implant device is used for this process.