Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a hair follicles restoration method in Turkey, Istanbul. It involves extracting follicles from the donor area and implanting them directly into the recipient area using a special implanter pen. The procedure places grafts into the epidermis and dermis without prior incisions.
There are three types of DHI surgeries in Turkey: standard scalp, facial (beard and eyebrow), and combination techniques using advanced tools. The main advantages include high graft survival, minimal bleeding, and fast recovery. Risks involve temporary swelling, redness, and shock loss. The average surgery duration is 6 to 8 hours. Hair replacement results typically last a lifetime, although individual aging affects density. The success rate is around 92%–95%, depending on clinic expertise.
Preparation includes blood tests, stopping certain medications, and scalp care. Recovery takes about 7–10 days for scabs to fall off, with visible growth starting after 3 months. Turkey performs over 30,000 hair transplants monthly, with DHI representing 38% of procedures according to ISHRS 2022 statistics. T. Market growth for hair transplant surgeries in Turkey is projected at 25% annually according to Statista, 2023.
DHI in Istanbul, Turkey is done on the frontal hairline, crown, mid-scalp, or facial areas. Hair grafts are the building blocks of the procedure, each containing 1–4 follicles. The growth timeline is 0–3 months (shedding and rest phase), 4–7 months (new growth), 8–12 months (maturation), with final results visible after 12 months. Growth speed depends on age, scalp health, and graft quality.
| What is it? | DHI uses an implanter pen to place hair follicles directly into the scalp without pre-made incisions |
|---|---|
| How long does it take? | 6–8 hours |
| Healing time? | 7–10 days (scabs fall off), full results after 12 months |
| When does hair grow? | Shedding in 0–3 months, visible growth from month 4, full result by month 12 |
| Success rate? | 92–95% (clinic-dependent) |
| Is the hair permanent? | Yes, though density may reduce with age |
| Why choose it? | High graft survival, minimal bleeding, faster recovery |
| Any risks? | Temporary swelling, redness, and shock loss |
| Before surgery? | Blood tests, stop certain medications, prep scalp care |
| Application areas? | Frontal hairline, crown, mid-scalp, beard, or eyebrows |
| How common in Turkey? | ~38% of 30,000 monthly transplants are DHI (ISHRS, 2022) |
| Market insight? | Hair transplant market in Turkey grows by 25% annually (Statista, 2023) |
Can anyone get a DHI hair transplant?
No. Not everyone qualifies. Suitable candidates are typically men with stable hair loss, healthy donor regions, and realistic expectations. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, scalp infections, or heavy smoking habits are usually excluded after clinical evaluation.
What are the criteria to accept patients?
Doctors assess donor density, hair loss stability (typically Norwood stage 3 to 5), scalp elasticity, and overall health. Blood tests and a consultation help determine if the patient has realistic goals and is medically fit for surgery.
Does DHI hair transplant work?
Yes, DHI is highly effective as its approved with a 94% graft survival rate by Dermatologic Surgery (2021). Consistent density improvements are documented by Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (2022) and 90% of patients were satisfied in long term according to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2023).
What Is a DHI Hair Transplant?
A DHI Hair Transplant is a direct implantation method where individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area and implanted into the recipient area using a Choi Implanter Pen. The tool allows hair follicles to be placed directly into the epidermis and dermis without prior incisions. This technique maintains the natural direction and angle of each graft.
The method was developed in collaboration with Dr. Kyungpyo Kim in South Korea according to DHI Global Medical Group. It offers greater precision and faster recovery compared to older techniques like strip surgery. Unlike standard Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), the DHI Hair Transplant method skips the channel creation phase. Instead, it implants follicles immediately after extraction.
DHI yields higher follicle survival rates due to reduced time between extraction and implantation as the 2022 study in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery confirms.
Is DHI Hair Transplant different for men and women?
Yes. The DHI procedure principles for women and men remain the same, but the design differs. Men typically require coverage in the frontal hairline, mid-scalp, and crown areas. Women often need increased density without lowering the hairline. The angle, direction, and density patterns are customized for female hairlines.
How Do DHI Hair Transplants Work?
DHI Hair Transplants work by extracting healthy hair follicles from the donor area and implanting them directly into the scalp using a Choi Implanter Pen. It starts with consultation, where the doctor designs the hairline and calculates graft needs. Careful planning ensures natural results and prevents overuse of donor hair, as proven by a 2022 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery study. The donor area, usually the back of the head, is chosen for its resistance to hair loss — a concept established in 1959 by Dr. Orentreich.
Follicles are then carefully extracted, as minimal damage keeps survival rates above 90%, according to Dermatologic Surgery (2021). The surgeon prepares the recipient area, creating precise sites that determine growth direction, supported by findings in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020). Follicles are immediately implanted to avoid dehydration, with DHI Global data showing 92% to 95% survival. Recovery starts within days, with growth becoming visible after three months and full results by twelve months.
1. Consultation and Planning
The surgeon evaluates hair loss patterns, scalp condition, and donor area density. A custom hairline is designed, and the number of grafts needed is calculated.
Why it’s important: Without proper planning, the hairline looks unnatural, and donor areas are over-harvested.
Customized planning leads to a 23% higher patient satisfaction rate according to “Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Perception of Age Following Hair Transplantation,” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2019.
2. Donor Area Selection
The donor area is chosen, most often from the back or sides of the head, where hair follicles are genetically resistant to hair loss.
Why it’s important: Strong donor follicles ensure lasting results.
The concept of donor dominance was established in 1959 by Dr. Norman Orentreich and remains the foundation of hair transplant techniques.
3. Extraction Method
Surgeons use a micro-motor or manual punch to extract individual follicles.
Why it’s important: Minimizing trauma during extraction increases graft survival rates.
Lower transection rates directly increase graft viability, reaching up to 95% according to Avram MR, Rogers NE. PRS Global Open, 2017.
4. Recipient Area Preparation
The surgeon uses the Choi Implanter Pen to create small sites at precise angles and depths.
Why it’s important: Correct site creation is crucial for a natural look and proper hair growth direction.
Precise site preparation reduces post-op shock loss by 17% according to Avram MR, Rogers NE. PRS Global Open, 2017 and Chaudhry HM, Mendiratta V. StatPearls, 2023.
5. Follicle Implantation
Follicles are placed directly into the recipient area using the same implanter pen.
Why it’s important: Immediate implantation reduces dehydration and improves graft survival.
Survival rates of 92%–95% when follicles are implanted directly without delay as it is in data of DHI Global Medical Group.
6. Recovery and Growth
Scabbing forms in 7–10 days, shedding (shock loss) occurs around week 3, and new growth begins by month 3. Full density appears between months 9–12.
Why it’s important: Following post-op care is critical for long-term success.
90% of patients following recommended aftercare see complete density within 12 months according to Wang et al., BMC Surgery, 2024.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Turkey for a DHI Hair Transplant?
Turkey, especially Istanbul has become a global leader in DHI Hair Transplantation, offering medical expertise, advanced technology, and cost-effective packages that attract thousands of patients every month. The country provides all the core benefits of DHI—combined with experienced surgeons, regulated clinics, and medical tourism infrastructure—backed by research and real-world results.
- Minimally Invasive: The best clinics in Turkey, such as Vera Clinic use the Choi Implanter Pen, which allows implantation without scalp incisions, reducing trauma and pain (Kong SH et al., Ann Dermatol, 2012).
- Fast Recover: Most patients in Istanbul return to normal activities within 5–7 days thanks to refined post-op care protocols and same-day discharges (Kim HJ et al., Dermatol Surg, 2014).
- High Hair Densit: Surgeons in top Turkish clinics are trained in dense packing techniques, achieving fuller hairlines with natural aesthetics (Park JH et al., J Cutan Aesthet Surg, 2015).
- Minimal Scarrin: With micro-extraction tools and the Choi pen, only small dot-like scars remain, typically hidden by surrounding hair (Kong SH et al., Ann Dermatol, 2012).
- High Graft Surviva: Immediate implantation techniques practiced in DHI clinics across Istanbul help reach graft survival rates as high as 95% (DHI Global Medical Group Clinical Report, 2021).
- Low Infection Risk: Clinics follow strict hygiene standards under Turkey’s Ministry of Health regulations, reducing complication and infection risks (Hakan Leblebicioğlu et al. "The organization of hospital infection control in Turkey.." The Journal of hospital infection, 51 1 (2002)
- No Shaving Require: Many Turkish clinics offer unshaven DHI for long-haired patients, maintaining privacy and flexibility (Sahinoglu Z et al., Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2016).
- Permanent Natural Results: Follicles from the donor zone (usually the occipital scalp) are DHT-resistant, meaning they last a lifetime after transplantation (Orentreich N, Ann NY Acad Sci, 1959).
- Precise Implantatio: With Choi pens, Turkish surgeons control angle, depth, and direction for realistic growth (Park JH et al., J Cutan Aesthet Surg, 2015).
- Suitable for All Hair Loss Type: DHI in Turkey covers scalp, beard, eyebrow, and female pattern hair loss with tailored approaches (Sahinoglu Z et al., Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2016).
What Is the Cost of a DHI Hair Transplant in Turkey?
The cost of a DHI hair transplant in Turkey, Istanbul ranges from €3,000 to €5000, depending on the clinic, graft count, surgeon expertise, and medical technology used. This includes high-grade Choi implanter pens, sterile consumables, anesthesia, PRP therapy, and personalized planning.
DHI is more time-intensive than FUE, as each follicle is implanted directly without channel incisions, requiring higher precision and longer surgical hours (Kong SH et al., Ann Dermatol, 2012). Clinics factor in aftercare, accommodation, and translator services, which are often included in the package. DHI yields graft survival rates up to 95% due to reduced trauma and immediate implantation (Avram MR et al., PRS Global Open, 2017).
Can DHI Hair Transplants Be Covered by Insurance or Financing?
No, DHI hair transplants are typically considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. However, many Turkish clinics offer 0% interest financing plans or flexible payment options to support international patients.
Where Do They Get the Hair for a DHI Hair Transplant in Turkey?
In DHI transplants in Turkey, hair is usually taken from the back of the head, known as the occipital scalp. This area is genetically resistant to hair loss and provides strong, permanent follicles. This concept, called donor dominance, was first introduced by Orentreich in 1959 (NY Acad Sci).
If the scalp donor area is weak, beard hair (usually from under the chin) is a common secondary source. Beard follicles are thicker and suitable for filling the crown or mid-scalp. Good survival and natural blending are confirmed by a 2021 study in Dermatologic Surgery when beard grafts are used properly.
In rare cases, chest hair is used when both scalp and beard areas are insufficient. Though its texture and growth rate differ, it helps improve density that is supported by Poswal in Indian J Plast Surg, 2015.
| Donor Area | Definition | Key Advantages | Research Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occipital Scalp | Back of the head, genetically DHT-resistant | Long-lasting results, high density | Orentreich N, NY Acad Sci, 1959 |
| Beard Area | Under the chin or jawline | Coarse texture, good for crown density | Dermatol Surg, 2021 |
| Chest Hair | Thoracic region of the body | Supplementary option for low donor supply | Poswal A, Indian J Plast Surg, 2015 |
What Is the DHI Hair Transplant Timeline in Turkey?
A DHI hair transplant follows a structured 12-month growth timeline in Turkey:
How Should I Prepare for a DHI Hair Transplant Surgery in Turkey?
Preparing for a DHI hair transplant in Turkey starts at least 7–10 days before the procedure. Patients should stop taking blood-thinning medications (like aspirin or ibuprofen) and avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, as these affect healing and blood flow. It's important to inform the clinic about any chronic conditions or medications.
Doctors request blood tests to rule out infections or underlying issues. On the day of surgery, the scalp must be clean—free of styling products, oils, or lotions. You should wear comfortable, front-button clothing to avoid disturbing the grafts after the procedure. Proper hydration, good sleep the night before, and following the clinic’s personalized pre-op checklist all help ensure optimal graft survival and a smoother surgical experience.
What Is the DHI Hair Transplant Surgery Process in Turkey?
The DHI Hair Transplant process in Turkey begins with a one-on-one consultation, where the surgeon examines the patient’s hair loss pattern, donor area density, and scalp health. A personalized plan is created, including hairline design and estimated graft count.
On the day of surgery, the medical team prepares the donor area—usually the back of the head—and administers local anesthesia. Using a micro-punch, individual hair follicles are extracted one by one. These grafts are immediately implanted into the recipient area using a Choi Implanter Pen, which allows precise control of angle, depth, and direction without creating incisions beforehand.
The procedure lasts between four to eight hours, depending on the number of grafts. Once completed, the scalp is cleaned, and aftercare instructions are provided. Patients typically leave the clinic the same day with a recovery kit, and follow-up begins within the first 48–72 hours.
How Long Does a DHI Hair Transplant Procedure Take in Turkey?
DHI procedures in Turkey typically last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the number of grafts, the complexity of the hairline design, and the experience of the medical team. The Choi Implanter Pen technique requires individual placement of each follicle, which is more time-consuming than traditional FUE.
DHI takes longer per graft but results in greater placement accuracy and higher follicle survival rates according to a 2021 review published in Dermatologic Surgery. The average procedure involving 2,500 to 3,000 grafts generally falls within the 6–8 hour range (Avram MR, PRS Global Open, 2017). Clinics in Turkey perform the procedure in a single day, with short breaks between extraction and implantation phases to maintain graft vitality.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects Associated with DHI Hair Transplants in Turkey?
Yes. While DHI hair transplants in Turkey are generally safe, like any medical procedure, they carry some risks.
Common hair transplant side effects include swelling, itching, mild pain, and temporary shock loss (StatPearls, 2023). Potential complications involve infection or folliculitis if aftercare is not followed (Avram MR, PRS Global Open, 2017). Rare risks like necrosis or keloid scarring are extremely uncommon but possible in sensitive individuals (PMC8719980, 2022).
With proper technique and hygiene, complication rates remain below 0.1%.
What Aftercare Tips Should Be Followed After a DHI Hair Transplant Surgery in Turkey?
After a DHI hair transplant in Turkey, immediate aftercare starts within the first 72 hours. Patients should avoid touching, rubbing, or washing the transplanted area, and must sleep with their head elevated to reduce swelling.
A saline spray is typically used every few hours to keep the grafts hydrated and prevent scab formation. By day 3 or 4, clinics usually permit a gentle wash with a special medical shampoo. In the long term, patients should avoid smoking, alcohol, sun exposure, and heavy exercise for at least two weeks, as these slow healing and reduce graft survival. From weeks 4 to 12, continued scalp care, hydration, and avoiding chemical products are essential.
Doctors recommend using minoxidil or PRP therapy to support hair growth. Following both short- and long-term hair transplant aftercare protocols significantly improves outcomes and graft retention, as supported by findings in the International Journal of Trichology (2019) and StatPearls (2023).
Are There Any Restrictions After a DHI Hair Transplant in Turkey?
Yes. After a DHI hair transplant, several temporary restrictions are necessary to protect the grafts and promote proper healing.
Physical activities like intense exercise, gym workouts, or heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 10–14 days, as they increase swelling and disrupt the grafts according to StatPearls, 2023. Hair washing is restricted for the first 48–72 hours. After that, gentle washing with medical shampoo is allowed using a patting motion (International J Trichology, 2019).
Sleeping position should be semi-upright for the first 3–5 nights to reduce swelling and avoid contact with the grafts. Sun and heat exposure must be avoided for 3–4 weeks, as UV radiation and high temperatures damage healing follicles (Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2022).
Smoking and alcohol should be stopped for at least 7–10 days, as both reduce blood flow and impair graft survival (Wong et al., Hair Transplant Forum Int, 2017). Touching or scratching the scalp, especially in the recipient area, must be avoided completely during the first 10 days to prevent dislodging grafts (PRS Global Open, 2017). Swimming and saunas are prohibited for at least 3–4 weeks due to risk of infection and heat-related complications. Wearing hats or helmets should be avoided for 7–10 days unless approved by the doctor, as friction and pressure damage newly implanted follicles.
Medications and supplements like blood thinners, vitamin E, and herbal products should only be resumed after medical clearance, as they interfere with healing or increase bleeding risk (StatPearls, 2023).
These restrictions are temporary but essential for long-term graft survival and optimal results.
What Is the Recovery Timeline for a DHI Hair Transplant in Turkey?
The recovery process after a DHI hair transplant in Turkey is gradual but predictable. In the first 48 hours, patients experience mild swelling, redness, and discomfort in both the donor and recipient areas, as commonly reported in clinical findings from the Annals of Dermatology (2012), which emphasize the importance of inflammation control in early healing.
By day three, small scabs begin to form around the implanted follicles and typically fall off naturally within a week. Most patients resume light activities or return to work within three days, supported by recovery data outlined in BMC Surgery (2024), which highlights fast return-to-function timelines in DHI patients.
Between weeks two and four, it is normal for the transplanted hairs to shed—a temporary process known as “shock loss.” This shedding marks the transition into the follicle’s rest phase, which precedes new growth. Hair usually begins to reappear around months three to four, starting fine and soft before gradually thickening. Early-stage growth typically begins during this window, with density and volume improving significantly between months seven and nine according to The International Journal of Trichology (2019).
Full results (total hair transplant recovery timeline), including mature texture and natural direction, are generally visible between nine and twelve months, confirming DHI’s reputation for stable, long-term outcomes when post-operative care is followed properly.
What Is the Success Rate for DHI Hair Transplants in Turkey?
The success rate of DHI hair transplants in Turkey ranges between 91%-95% depending on factors such as surgeon expertise, graft survival, aftercare compliance, and patient-specific characteristics like scalp health and hair loss stage. The most successful type of DHI is standard DHI combined with PRP therapy, which consistently shows graft survival rates over 95% and improved healing outcomes.
Clinical studies support these outcomes. Over 90% of transplanted follicles survived at 12 months, and 85% of patients had a survival rate exceeding 95% according to the 2024 study in BMC Surgery. Surgeons using the Choi Implanter Pen precisely control angle and depth, which improves follicle placement and reduces trauma (Park JH et al., J Cutan Aesthet Surg, 2015). Clinics that follow strict post-operative protocols and offer regenerative support like PRP tend to see higher long-term success (Avram MR, PRS Global Open, 2017).
| Type Name | Success Rate | Key Factors Influencing Success |
|---|---|---|
| Standard DHI (Turkey) | 93% | Surgeon skill, graft survival, aftercare, donor hair quality |
| DHI with PRP Therapy | 95% | Platelet-rich plasma boosts healing and follicle regeneration |
| Unshaven DHI | 90% | Slightly lower due to limited visibility during implantation |
| DHI Mega Session (3000+ grafts) | 90% | Longer sessions increase fatigue and graft exposure time |
Who Is a Good Candidate for a DHI Hair Transplant in Turkey?
A good candidate for DHI in Turkey is someone with stable hair loss, a healthy donor area, and realistic expectations. Specifically, men with androgenetic alopecia (Norwood stages II–V) and women with diffuse thinning, but preserved donor density, are ideal. Candidates must be in good general health, as conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders affect graft survival. Proper patient selection is crucial for achieving high graft survival and long-term success according to Shiell RC, Hair Transplant Forum International (2014).
Can I Undergo a DHI Hair Transplant in Turkey if I Have a Medical Condition?
Yes, but it depends on the condition and how well it is managed. Controlled hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or thyroid disorders typically don't prevent DHI, but active infections, bleeding disorders, or autoimmune diseases (like alopecia areata or lupus) increase risks. A full medical evaluation is essential. Systemic health directly impacts wound healing, follicle viability, and post-op recovery in hair restoration surgery according to StatPearls (2023).
How Many Grafts Are Needed for a Full DHI Hair Transplant?
A full DHI transplant usually requires 2,500 to 4,000 grafts, depending on the level of baldness and desired density. For example, Norwood stage III needs around 2,500 grafts, while stage V–VI requires 3,500 or more. Graft planning depends on hair caliber, scalp laxity, and donor capacity. Strategic planning of graft numbers is essential for achieving natural coverage without overharvesting the donor zone as Bernstein RM et al., Dermatol Surg (2002) found.
Is a DHI Hair Transplant Painful?
No, the procedure is not painful due to local anesthesia. Patients feel mild pressure or discomfort during the injection phase, but the rest of the surgery is pain-free. Post-operative soreness, swelling, or tightness occurs and usually resolves in 2–3 days. Patient-reported pain levels during DHI and FUE procedures remained below 2 on a 10-point scale in most cases reported by Kim HJ et al., Dermatol Surg (2014).
Is DHI Better Than FUE for Hair Density?
Yes, DHI offer higher density in many cases due to precise implantation. The Choi Implanter Pen allows direct control over graft angle, direction, and depth, which supports denser packing and natural results—especially in the frontal hairline. DHI resulted in superior hairline density and direction compared to traditional FUE Hair Transplant according to a comparative study by Park JH et al., J Cutan Aesthet Surg (2015).
How Long Do the Results of a DHI Hair Transplant in Turkey Last?
DHI results in Turkey, Istanbul are generally permanent, lasting a lifetime if proper care is followed. Implanted hair is taken from DHT-resistant zones (occipital scalp), so it retains its genetic strength after transplantation. However, natural aging and progressive native hair loss sometimes affects surrounding areas over time. The concept of donor dominance, proving transplanted follicles maintain their resistance and characteristics long-term, is introduced by Orentreich N, NY Acad Sci (1959).
How does DHI Hair Transplant Look Like Before and After?
DHI offers one of the most natural-looking results. As the Choi Pen allows for a better angle, the hairline inartificial. Here are some DHI hair transplant before and after examples for a better view:
Why Choose Vera Clinic for Your DHI Hair Transplant in Turkey?
Vera Clinic is a leading hair transplant center in Istanbul, Turkey and offers advanced DHI hair transplant procedures. We prioritize using the best tools for safer procedures and more natural results for our patient’s satisfaction.
Vera Clinic offers OxyCure (hyperbaric oxygen tank) treatment, StemCell, and PRP as additional treatments for an accelerated healing process.
Our patients benefit from real all-inclusive packages that no clinic offers. With a team of experienced surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities, Vera Clinic provides high-quality, cost-effective hair restoration solutions.
For further information, check out our homepage and decide on your journey. We are here to care for you!