DHI

Hair Transplant

The DHI hair transplant method is an advanced technique that uses a specialized instrument known as the Choi Implanter Pen (DHI Pen). This instrument allows hair follicles to be directly implanted into the desired area without the need for prior canal creation or incisions. This results in minimal tissue damage and faster recovery.
DHI Hair Transplantation Process

The DHI method consists of two main steps: extraction and implantation of hair follicles.

1. Extraction

Hair follicles are carefully extracted from the donor region, from the back (occipital) part of the head, using a micro motor or a hand punch tool. The size of the punch tool can vary from 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm.

2. Implantation

The extracted follicles are placed in the Choi implanter pen. Using this tool, follicles are directly implanted in the desired area on the scalp, controlling the depth, angle and direction of implantation. This process is minimally invasive and allows denser hair implantation.

Advantages of the DHI Method

More natural appearance:

Due to the precise control of the angle and direction of implantation, the results look more natural.

Less damage to the grafts:

Without the need to make canals, the tissue remains less damaged, which reduces the risk of bleeding and infections.

Faster recovery:

Patients recover faster compared to other hair transplant methods.

Higher percentage of follicle survival:

A shorter time outside the body increases the chances of survival of the transplanted follicles.

Less scarring:

The DHI method does not require cutting the entire head, which is more suitable for patients with longer hair.

Disadvantages of the DHI Method

Higher cost:
Due to the specialized tools and additional training for surgeons, the DHI method is usually more expensive than other methods.

Longer procedure duration:
The implantation process can be longer due to the precision required for each follicle.

Candidates for the DHI Method

The best candidates for DHI hair transplantation are people with androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common form of hair loss. It is also recommended for people under the age of 35, as the results are usually better for them. It is important to have realistic expectations and good hair density in the donor area. People with smaller areas of hair loss and those who want lower hairlines or sideburns are also good candidates.

The DHI Method: Step by Step

Two weeks before the procedure

•Avoid consumption of acetyl-salicylic acid and its derivatives (Aspirin, Bospyrin, Andol, Cardiopirin, Midol), vitamin supplements, products that stimulate blood flow or contain vitamin E. We advise you to consult with our experts before taking any medicine, either with with or without a prescription, during this period.
•If you feel fever, cough, difficulty breathing or body pain before the procedure, contact us immediately.
•Stop using topical hair care products that stimulate blood flow to the scalp, such as minoxidil.
•Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 7 days before the procedure, as alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding.
•Our staff will give you other important instructions for this period if necessary and which correspond to your specific needs, lifestyle or psychophysical condition.

•Refrain from strenuous physical activity or training to prepare for surgery.

•You will be invited by our team, and receive the necessary documents to sign before the operation.
• In this step, blood tests, a COVID test, HIV and HBV tests will be performed.
• Wash your body and hair with a mild daily shampoo.
Take all prescribed medications with you.

• In the morning, have a light meal for breakfast.
•Choose a shirt that is easy to put on and take off.
•When you arrive at the clinic, a hair transplant assistant will meet you.
•When you arrive at the clinic, a hair transplant assistant will meet you.
•Our experts plan the procedure and determine the line of hair growth.
•Local anesthesia is applied before the procedure itself to reduce pain.
•In this step, blood tests, tests for HIV, HBV and HCV will be performed.
•After taking the follicles from the donor area and the phase of opening the ducts, the follicle implantation phase follows, and the whole process takes 4-6 hours.

The recovery process after FUE hair transplantation takes place in several stages:
•Pain may be present for the first few days, but painkillers can help.
•Redness and swelling may occur in the transplant and donor areas during the first 10 days after the hair transplant.
•Itching disappears after a few days, and in case of itching, avoid touching the surgery area.
•First hair wash it is done the first day after the operation, and the same is done in our Polyclinic, where the professional staff of the Dijamant Polyclinic will give you detailed written and oral instructions on how to care for your hair after the procedure itself. It is important to follow the instructions of the Dijamant Polyclinic team on proper hair washing and care in the next 10 days.
•Avoid contact, impact, or friction on the transplant area , support your neck when lying down , and avoid physical activities that could be challenging for the next two weeks.
By protecting the transplant area from direct sunlight in the first weeks after the procedure, you will enable a better and faster healing process.

Read the answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our patients or contact us!

What is DHI hair transplantation?

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is a hair transplant method where grafts (follicular units) are directly implanted after extraction using a special implantation “pen” tool. At the in Sarajevo, DHI is used for precise placement of grafts, especially in the front line and regions where the growth angle is important.

With FUE, grafts are harvested from the donor area, after which recipient channels are created before implantation. In contrast, DHI involves direct implantation of grafts using a specialized implant pen, allowing for a single-step procedure. At Poliklinika Dijamant in Sarajevo, the most suitable method is recommended based on the patient’s individual goals, including hairline design, desired density, and scalp characteristics.

DHI is performed under local anesthesia. The most common discomfort is during the application of anesthesia, and during the implantation itself pressure is usually felt, not pain. Discomfort after the procedure is usually mild.

The duration usually depends on the number of grafts and the region being filled. In practice, DHI hair transplantation in Sarajevo usually takes several hours (6-8 hours) and can be comparable to FUE, especially for larger procedures.

DHI is often an excellent choice for patients who value high precision in the frontal hairline, filling in small to medium areas, and working between existing hair. At Poliklinka Dijamant Sarajevo, candidate evaluation is done by examining the scalp and donor area by our hair transplant experts led by Adem Kazan.

DHI may be a less suitable option for very large areas requiring a high number of grafts or for problems with the donor region.

Androgenetic alopecia in men and women with stable hair loss; small to medium areas of thinning where greater precision of implantation is required; shaping the hairline region; corrective procedures and zones where a natural look is especially important

The same general contraindications as for FUE, as DHI is essentially a variant of the FUE implantation method; active scarring alopecia; alopecia areata in the active phase; weak donor area; unrealistic patient expectations; poorly controlled systemic diseases and conditions with an increased risk of bleeding or poor healing

The required number of grafts is determined by the characteristics of the donor area and the desired density. At Poliklinika Dijamant in Sarajevo, each treatment plan is individually tailored based on the size of the area, hair quality, and realistic expectations, rather than relying on standardized, one-size-fits-all packages.

DHI still involves the extraction of grafts from the donor region (most often FUE extraction), so small, point-like scars may appear as with FUE, which are barely visible immediately after the procedure, and a few weeks after the procedure are almost impossible to notice at all.

The first growth is often seen around the 3rd month, more significant progress around the 6th month, and the final result usually 9–12 months. In some patients (especially scalp/crown) it can take longer, up to 18 months.

Yes. There is often a “shedding” phase in the first few weeks when the transplanted hair falls out, but the follicle remains and enters a resting phase. After that, a new cycle of permanent hair growth begins.

Shock loss is the temporary loss of existing hair around the treated area due to stress on the follicles. It can also occur with DHI, especially if it is done in an area where there is already thin, weakened hair. This is a normal and expected, but temporary process.

In the first few days, redness, mild swelling, and scabs are common. The scabs are gradually removed with proper washing and care according to the protocol of the Poliklinka Dijamant Sarajevo. Most patients appear without noticeable changes after 7–14 days.

Washing is often introduced very early, using a special technique (without rubbing or strong jets). At the Dijamant Sarajevo Polyclinic, you will receive precise instructions for washing and care by day.

Many people return to office work after 2–5 days, depending on the visibility of the scabs. For physical work and heavy sweating, a break of 7–14 days is often recommended.

Light walks are usually possible soon, but intensive training, gym and activities with heavy sweating are usually paused for about 10–14 days. Contact sports and swimming are usually postponed for longer, 2–3 months.

In the early days, pressure on the grafts is avoided. After the initial recovery phase, a wide, clean cap that does not constrict or scratch may be allowed – according to the advice of the Dijamant Sarajevo Polyclinic.

Transplanted hair from the donor region is long-lasting, not affected by androgenic hormones, and does not fall out during life, but existing hair may continue to fall out if the cause is androgenetic alopecia. Therefore, a long-term care and monitoring plan is important.

The most common side effects are redness, swelling, itching, temporary numbness and occasional folliculitis (small pimples). Infections or more pronounced scars are very rare.

It is possible, but the key is to assess the cause of hair loss in women (diffuse thinning requires special caution). At the Poliklinka DijamantSarajevo , a scalp examination and assessment is recommended before deciding on DHI.

Look for: team experience, realistic “before/after” results with time points, clear recovery protocols, transparent graft plan, follow-ups and realistic expectations. Poliklinka Dijamant Sarajevo provides all this clearly and transparently, which can be checked on our website in the Experiences section, as well as on our social networks (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), where you can also contact our patients.

Yes.Poliklinka Dijamant Sarajevo issues a written and certified lifetime guarantee for hair transplantation. The guarantee is designed to provide the patient with maximum security and a transparent framework of what it covers, in accordance with medical standards and individual recovery factors.