The Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) technique did not invent individual follicle transplantation, but it significantly transformed the implantation phase of the procedure. By introducing the specialized Choi Implanter Pen, DHI addressed key issues in previous methods, setting new standards for precision, graft viability, and aesthetic naturalness in hair restoration.
DHI’s innovation involved transitioning from a manual, two-step implantation process to a single-step surgical action, marking a technological leap in the field.
Before DHI, the state-of-the-art method, Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), involved creating recipient channels with a blade and manually placing grafts using forceps. This method had drawbacks such as graft vulnerability, lack of control over graft angle and depth, and tissue trauma.
DHI revolutionized the process by introducing the Choi Implanter Pen, which simultaneously creates micro-channels and inserts grafts while protecting the follicle. This innovation allowed for precise control over graft placement and minimized risks associated with the previous method.
DHI set new benchmarks for graft viability by minimizing out-of-body time, reducing handling trauma, and focusing on follicle health. These advancements significantly increased the success rate of hair transplants, ensuring maximum density from the limited donor supply.
In terms of aesthetic realism, DHI’s precision in controlling the angle, direction, and depth of hair growth enabled surgeons to create natural-looking hairlines. The technique eliminated the unnatural “doll’s hair” look and allowed for complex directional changes with guaranteed accuracy.
Additionally, DHI addressed patient demand for discretion by offering the feasibility of Unshaven DHI (U-DHI), allowing for graft implantation between existing long hairs. This discreet profile reduced patient downtime and catered to modern patients’ privacy needs.
Overall, DHI revolutionized hair restoration by optimizing conditions for hair growth and enhancing aesthetic orientation. By providing a tool that maximizes biological health and surgical precision, DHI set a new standard in the field of hair transplants.
