Before the DHI procedure begins, the patient’s hair is thoroughly washed to eliminate any impurities and the natural oils produced by the scalp’s sebaceous glands. Unlike FUE, full shaving of the head is not always required with DHI. However, the donor area is usually trimmed short (around 2mm) to ensure precise extraction using the Punch tool. Trimming the hair helps reveal the natural exit angle of each follicular unit, enabling accurate alignment of the Punch to minimize damage and preserve graft integrity.

Once prepared for the DHI procedure, the patient can either lie down or remain seated in a comfortable, adjustable chair. First, the surgeon marks the outlines of the donor and recipient areas on the scalp. Then, local anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient stays comfortable and pain-free throughout the process.

During the extraction phase, individual follicular units are carefully separated from the donor area using a fine punch tool and then retrieved with micro-forceps. Depending on the efficiency of the surgical team, they can collect between 400 and 700 grafts per hour. In some cases, two practitioners may work simultaneously on both sides of the scalp to speed up the process.

What makes the DHI technique unique is the use of the Choi implanter pen. This tool allows the surgeon to implant each graft directly into the scalp without making prior channel incisions. This method provides greater control over the angle, direction, and depth of each follicle, leading to a more natural-looking result.

While the implantation takes place, patients can relax, watch TV, listen to music, or read. Depending on the number of grafts needed, this phase can take several hours. Once complete, the scalp is gently cleaned and assessed by the doctor. The patient then receives detailed aftercare instructions and any medications necessary to support healing and ensure the best possible results.

The DHI hair transplant technique doesn’t involve linear incisions or stitches, making it ideal for those who prefer short hair. It's also perfect for individuals with active lifestyles, such as athletes, who need quick recovery to return to training. Additionally, DHI is recommended for patients who have had unsatisfactory FUT results or those with naturally tight scalps. In these cases, DHI allows for precise, targeted implantation, whether to conceal old scars or ensure gentle graft handling on sensitive areas.

Some patients are drawn to DHI because they’ve heard it’s minimally invasive or non-surgical. While it is a refined, micro-surgical procedure, DHI differs from traditional methods in graft implantation. Unlike FUE or FUT, which require channel incisions, DHI uses the Choi implanter pen for direct follicle placement. This innovation minimizes scalp trauma, ensures natural hair growth angles, and promotes faster healing, with minimal visible signs just days after the procedure.

After a DHI hair transplant, it’s normal for most of the newly implanted hairs to shed within the first three weeks. This is part of the natural cycle as transplanted follicles enter a resting phase, temporarily halting hair production. The length of this resting period varies between patients, usually lasting 3 to 6 months.

Hair regrowth occurs gradually, with most patients noticing the following timeline:

• 10% regrowth by month 3

• 20% to 30% by months 4 to 5

• 40% to 50% by months 6 to 7

• 60% to 70% by months 8 to 9

• 80% to 90% by months 10 to 12