DHI hair transplant in Istanbul
DHI uses an implanter instrument to place hair follicles in the recipient area. Your consultation should cover the implantation plan, donor suitability and realistic expectations.
What is DHI hair transplant?
DHI (direct hair implantation) is a hair transplant approach in which grafts are extracted one by one, as in FUE, and then placed with an implanter pen. The pen creates the recipient site and places the graft in one movement, so channels are not opened in a separate step beforehand.
This page is general information and does not replace a medical consultation.
How do extraction and implantation work in DHI?
- The donor area is prepared and grafts are extracted individually, as in FUE.
- The grafts are loaded into implanter pens.
- Each graft is placed into the recipient area with the pen at the planned angle and depth.
- The treating team gives you written aftercare instructions before you travel home.
How is DHI related to FUE?
DHI uses FUE-type extraction. It differs in the implantation step, so it is usually described as a variation of FUE rather than a completely separate method.
DHI and Sapphire FUE: what is the difference?
| Aspect | DHI | Sapphire FUE |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | One by one, FUE-type | One by one, FUE-type |
| Recipient sites | Created by the implanter pen while each graft is placed | Channels are opened first with a sapphire blade; grafts are placed afterwards |
| Shaving | In some plans the recipient area does not need full shaving | Depends on the plan; confirm in advance |
| Often discussed for | Adding density between existing hairs or refining a hairline | Plans in which channels are opened across larger areas in advance |
| Points to check | Placement can take longer per graft; the team's experience with implanter pens | The blade material alone does not determine the result |
Neither approach is better for everyone. The treating doctor should explain the choice for your case.
Compare the techniques: FUE, Sapphire, DHI and Hybrid
Who may be a candidate for DHI?
The treating doctor decides after assessing your hair loss, existing hair and donor area. DHI is often discussed when grafts need to be placed between existing hairs or along a hairline, but it is not automatically suitable for every case. Hair type, donor capacity and the size of the area are decisive.
Planning DHI in Istanbul with AVAN AESTH
AVAN AESTH is a patient coordination service, not a clinic. For international patients it arranges the consultation with a licensed hair transplant team in Istanbul and organises airport and hotel transfers, hotel accommodation and interpreter support, which are included in the hair transplant package. The DHI plan, the procedure and medical aftercare remain the responsibility of the treating doctor and healthcare facility.
Limitations to discuss
- DHI does not create more donor hair.
- Placement with implanter pens can take longer, which can affect how a session is planned.
- Experience with implanter pens matters, so ask who performs each step.
- Shaving requirements vary; the donor area is usually trimmed.
- Growth develops gradually and varies between individuals.
Personalised treatment plan
Your individual package includes hotel accommodation, airport welcome, VIP transfers, interpreter support and the medicines prescribed by the treating professional. Hair transplant packages also include one PRP session, one mesotherapy session and an aftercare kit (special hat, neck pillow, forehead band, shampoo and lotion); the treating doctor decides on suitability. Your dates and length of stay in Istanbul depend on your treatment plan; before booking, confirm them in writing together with the number of hotel nights and aftercare arrangements.
Travel and length of stay
Ask for an individual schedule before booking flights. Confirm the number of visits, review appointments and when the treating professional expects you to be fit to travel. Some treatment plans require more than one visit.
Follow-up after returning home
After you return home, we follow up with you for 2 years and we get in touch with you ourselves: close follow-up in the first week, then once a month until month 6 and every 3 months until the end of the second year. For hair transplants, a daily photo is requested for the first 10 days.
Request information →DHI hair transplant: frequently asked questions
Is DHI the same as an unshaven hair transplant, and which areas are shaved?
Not necessarily. In an unshaven DHI, the existing hair in the recipient area is usually left long, while the part of the donor area where grafts are taken is trimmed or shaved; this is often a narrow strip that the hair above can cover. Depending on suitability, unshaven DHI can be done for up to about 4,500 grafts; if more grafts are needed, a full shave may be required. The final decision is made at the examination, and the shaving plan is stated in your written plan. Updated: 14.10.2026 · Source: practice of the teams AVAN AESTH works with; the final decision is made at the examination
Does DHI avoid incisions?
No. The implanter pen still makes a small opening in the skin as it places each graft; the difference is that the channel is opened and the graft is placed in the same movement, not in a separate step. These small openings heal in the same way as in other FUE methods: the small scabs usually fall off within about 10–14 days. Updated: 14.10.2026 · Source: NHS – Hair transplant
Is DHI better than Sapphire FUE?
Neither is better for everyone. In DHI, each graft is placed with an implanter pen, and it is often considered for the hairline or between existing hair; in Sapphire FUE, the channels are opened first with sapphire blades, and it is often used for larger areas. The choice depends on your hair loss pattern, existing hair and donor area, and the treating doctor decides after the examination. Updated: 14.10.2026 · Source: practice of the teams AVAN AESTH works with; the final decision is made at the examination
What should I ask about a DHI plan?
Ask who performs extraction and implantation, how many grafts are planned and why, which areas will be shaved or trimmed, how many days you need to stay, and whether any area will be treated with a different technique. These points are also set out in the written plan you receive before you confirm your booking. Updated: 14.10.2026 · Source: NHS – Cosmetic surgery abroad
What is the difference between DHI and FUE?
The main difference is in implantation: in classic FUE, channels are opened first and the grafts are placed afterwards, while in DHI an implanter pen opens the channel and places the graft at the same time. Extraction is the same in both. Neither is automatically better; the treating doctor decides which approach suits your hair, donor area and goals.
Does DHI take longer than FUE?
Because each graft is loaded into an implanter pen and placed one by one, DHI can often take longer. The duration depends on the number of grafts and how the team works; large sessions may last most of the day. Your exact schedule is set out in your written plan, and your treatment team will tell you how long the procedure day is expected to last.
How much area can be covered with DHI in one session?
This depends on donor capacity, hair thickness and the density you are aiming for. Because DHI is mostly preferred for limited areas or areas needing density, larger areas are sometimes planned in combination with other techniques or in stages. The treating doctor determines how much can be covered in one session after an examination.
What is the implanter pen used in DHI?
An implanter pen is a fine-tipped instrument into which a single graft is loaded. As the tip is placed in the skin, the graft is released into the channel in the same movement, so channel creation and implantation happen in one step. The tip diameter is chosen according to the graft size. You can ask the treatment team which instruments will be used, and why, when discussing your plan.
Is DHI suitable for placing grafts between existing hair?
DHI is one of the methods often considered when grafts need to be placed between existing hair, because channel creation and placement happen in one step. Even so, the risk to surrounding hair and the possibility of shock loss should be discussed in every plan. The treating doctor decides on suitability and method after an examination.
How does recovery progress after DHI?
Recovery usually follows the same sequence as other FUE methods: small scabs and redness in the first days, the scabs falling off at around days 10–14, and normal shedding of the transplanted hairs in the first weeks. New growth usually starts from about the third or fourth month, and the result is usually assessed within 12–18 months. Progress varies from person to person; follow the written aftercare instructions you are given. Updated: 14.10.2026 · Source: practice of the teams AVAN AESTH works with; the final decision is made at the examination
How many days should I stay in Istanbul for DHI?
Most people stay about 3 days: arrival and examination, the procedure day, then the first wash and a check-up. Because each graft is loaded into an implanter pen one by one, the procedure day can be long. Your exact dates are set out in your written plan; book your flight after you have confirmed it. Updated: 14.10.2026 · Source: practice of the teams AVAN AESTH works with; the final decision is made at the examination
What is included in the DHI package?
The full package contents are listed under “Personalised treatment plan” and the 2-year follow-up schedule under “Follow-up after returning home” on this page; the treating doctor decides whether PRP and mesotherapy are suitable for you, and no advance payment is taken. Updated: 14.10.2026 · Source: AVAN AESTH package and follow-up terms
Can DHI be used for women?
Yes, DHI can be considered for women who are found suitable, particularly when grafts need to be placed at the hairline or between existing hair. The cause of hair loss and the condition of the donor area are assessed first; a transplant may not be recommended for diffuse thinning. The treating doctor decides on the method and suitability after the examination. See also our page on hair transplants for women. Updated: 14.10.2026 · Source: NHS – Hair loss; NHS – Hair transplant
Tell us which treatment you are considering, your country and your preferred contact time. We will help you understand what information is needed for an initial assessment.
2-year follow-up: once you are home, AVAN AESTH follows up with you for two years. You send photos at the times the treatment team recommends, and we pass on your questions and the answers. For hair transplants, a daily photo is requested for the first 10 days.
Travelling from the UK, the US or Canada? Entry, insurance and follow-up at home: read our guides for UK patients, US patients and Canadian patients. See also when we say “no”.
Browse the before-and-after photographs. Results vary between individuals; these images do not predict your outcome. Ask which examples relate to the treatment you are considering.
Before booking, discuss your goals, suitability, alternatives and risks with the treating professional. Request a written treatment plan and realistic expectations. The plan should be based on your individual assessment.
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