Differences Between The FUE and DHI Hair Transplantation Methods

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What is FUE Hair Transplantation?

Unfortunately, the term FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction or Follicular Unit Excision), which means the removal of grafts from the donor area, is frequently misused, and these terms and techniques are frequently confused and misunderstood by other clinics. FUE hair transplantation is the process of removing grafts one by one from the donor area using a micromotor or manual punch. Another common method for graft removal is the FUT technique. After the grafts are taken, different techniques are also available during the transplantation phase. In widespread use, FUE hair transplantation is used for all procedures that are transplanted with this technique, regardless of the technique of transplanting the grafts.

In this article, we will talk about the graft transplantation methods which are DHI and Sapphire Technique.

What are the Graft Transplantation Methods?

Graft transplantation methods can be divided into different types. These are mainly can be summarized as opening canals or incisions at the beginning of transplantation, stick-and-place technique, and placing grafts with an implanter pen (DHI).

1. Opening of the cuts at the beginning of transplantation (Sapphire FUE Hair Transplantation)

With this method, which is used as a standard in Smile Hair Clinic, incisions are made in the transplantation area by means of micro blades and canals are opened. The grafts are placed in these pre-opened canals. The advantage of this method compared to other graft placement methods is that the canals/incisions opened are adjustable in terms of depth, direction, density and distribution. At the same time, an intense result is obtained with this method. The most important factor in this method is that the surgeon performing the procedure is skilled and experienced to perform the incisions carefully, without causing any trauma. In addition, after the incisions are made, it is important to perform the transplantation quickly and accurately in order not to allow the canals to narrow and the grafts to exit the canals. Considering all these factors, the dexterity and experience of the team that performs the process is vital for a natural and intense result.

2. Stick-and-Place Technique

This method is not preferred by Smile Hair Clinic, because it increases the operation time in mega-sessions due to high graft numbers. Although there are some advantages such as the appearance of less bleeding, the absence of a bypassed area, and less removal of the grafts by bleeding from the canals where they are transplanted. It significantly increases the operation time since the incisions and graft placement must be made in coordination. This process repeats until all grafts are placed. In the Stick-and-Place Technique, incisions are made in coordination with transplanting.

3. DHI

DHI hair transplantation is similar to the stick-and-place technique, therefore, the advantages such as less bleeding and the absence of a bypassed area are also valid for DHI. In DHI hair transplantation, there is also the acquisition phase, first grafts are prepared with FUE hair transplantation or FUT hair transplantation technique. Unlike canal opening techniques, in this method, grafts are placed in a specially developed implanter/transplant pen (full name Choi Implanter Pen), and there is no canal opening phase before transplanting. Although this method is successful, there are some criteria that need to be evaluated. If the patient needs few grafts and long hair remains in the transplantation area, this method can be performed without shaving the area to be transplanted. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that shaving by an experienced surgeon prevents damage to the existing hair follicles.

Another factor affecting the success in DHI hair transplantation is the filling of the implanter/transplant pen. As the grafts are transplanted one by one, the assistants working with the surgeon must quickly fill this mechanical pen with new grafts. Meanwhile, attention and experience are extremely important in order to prevent damage to the grafts. Otherwise, the grafts may be permanently damaged. Therefore, it is necessary to supervise the assistants working with the surgeon and to work in coordination. Since it is a technical method, the learning curve is higher than other methods. During this process, it is very important that the team filling the items has sufficient number of personnel, otherwise the team rushing to catch up with the surgeon will damage the grafts even if they are experienced.

Smile Hair Clinic decides which transplantation technique will be used for FUE hair transplantation by considering the needs of patients. Our team of experts will guide you through the whole process while planning your hair transplantation trip.