Direct hair implantation (DHI)
A graft-placement technique that may be used with FUE harvesting, with careful control of hair direction, angle and distribution.
What does DHI mean?
Direct hair implantation (DHI) describes the implantation stage of a hair transplant. A specialized implanter can create a recipient site and place a follicular unit in a single maneuver. It is not a separate diagnosis or a guarantee of a better result.
DHI and FUE work together
FUE describes how follicular units are harvested from the donor scalp. DHI describes how those grafts may be placed. In an FUE procedure, grafts can be placed into sites prepared beforehand or with a sharp implanter, depending on the surgical plan.
Dr. Agbai’s approach
In her published explanation of DHI, Dr. Agbai describes using the Lion Implanter as one of the tools for follicular-unit placement. The plan accounts for the size of each graft, the natural angle and direction of hair growth and the density distribution.
The device is one part of a much broader process. Patient selection, donor management, graft handling and hairline design remain essential.
Who may be considered?
DHI may be used in appropriately selected patients undergoing transplantation for stable hair loss. Patients with inflammatory or scarring conditions require medical evaluation and stabilization before any surgical approach is considered.
Your consultation reviews the diagnosis, scalp health, donor supply, hair caliber, curl pattern and long-term goals.
Choosing a technique
There is not strong evidence that DHI is universally superior to carefully performed FUE with other placement methods. Some procedures may use more than one placement technique. The aim is to select a medically appropriate approach for your individual situation.
Read Dr. Agbai’s full article in Media & Insights for a detailed explanation of direct implantation and how it fits into modern hair restoration.