Differences Between FUE and DHI Techniques
Hair loss problem is one of the problems faced by both men and women. There is no single reason for hair loss. Causes such as genetic factors, external factors, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, wrong hair care have been revealed. However, regardless of the cause, hair loss occurs as a result. Besides all the factors, the differences between FUE and DHI techniques are taken into consideration. In this way, a decision is made about the procedure to be applied to the area where hair loss is experienced. Although the problem of hair loss is also seen in women, it is much more common in men and creates more noticeable results in daily life.
According to the distribution seen in the hair follicles of men, the temple area and the top of the hairy part are very sensitive to hormonal changes, stress, external factors and other causes of shedding. In addition, the hairy area on the nape of the neck has the roots taken. In the light of this information, we can proceed to learn how the applied methods are decided.
Is the FUE Method Better or the DHI Method?
It will not be right to compare the best or the worst among hair transplantation methods. Each hair transplant procedure is performed considering individual characteristics. Procedures that differ from person to person also vary in the method of application and the chosen method, as individuals have different structures. For this reason, it is not correct to call it the best method or the worst method.
What type of hair loss occurs in the person’s hair, in which areas the hair loss occurs most, the reasons for hair loss and more, determine the technique with which the procedure will be performed. Therefore, it is not correct to give precise information about the method to be used unless it is thoroughly and thoroughly checked.
Due to the fact that the problem of hair loss differs for everyone, different procedures are implemented by experts and expert team. In order to make a clear decision about the differences between FUE and DHI techniques, information must first be gathered. Research is needed on what these techniques are and how they are applied.
What is the FUE Method?
FUE hair transplantation method has been determined as a hair transplantation technique that can be decided according to the type of hair loss and the area of shedding. While applying this technique, the process is applied by collecting hair follicles called grafts from the donor area and placing them in the channels in the area where hair transplantation will be performed.
Live tissue pieces are still present in the root part of the donors taken. In these grafts, not only a single hair, but also 3-4 hairs can be seen in the same area. After the grafts are carefully removed from the donor area, they must be preserved as they still have living tissue pieces on them. The grafts are kept in special liquids and under the appropriate temperature until they are placed in the area prepared for sowing. In this way, the grafts do not lose their vitality. All steps should be followed in the most hygienic way for a healthy process. The fact that the procedure is sensitive and hygienic satisfies the patient both in the healing process and in the advancing processes.
What is the DHI Method?
DHI method is known as Direct Hair Implant. The Turkish equivalent of this is the direct hair transplant method. The graft and donor parts of the DHI hair transplantation method proceed exactly the same way. The same steps are followed. However, the planting part is different. The differences between FUE and DHI techniques also start here. In the DHI method, the grafts are placed in the channels with the help of a device called a choi pen. The feature of this pen is that, unlike the FUE method, it performs the grooving process at the time of sowing. In other words, while the pen opens the canal from the front, the grafts are placed at the same time.
What are the Process Differences Between FUE and DHI Techniques?
The reason for the use of different techniques in hair transplantation methods was first seen to be related to which method the patient would get more precise results with. Considering the differences between the processes, it is personalized to individuals. This distinction is made during pre-process controls. Research is being carried out to determine in which regions the spill occurred and under what conditions. These determinations are taken into consideration by the expert during the control phase. Considering the differences between FUE and DHI techniques at this stage, appropriate selection is made for the patient. Here are the differences between the two techniques:
- Planting Area: DHI method is generally considered appropriate in more limited and small areas. This method is applied to more specific areas, not the entire scalp, due to the opening of the root sockets at the moment the grafts are placed. This method is generally performed in small areas in cases such as small hair openings, wounds, regional spills after an accident, stress, alopecia. The FUE technique, on the other hand, is a preferred method when it is necessary to process larger areas than the whole scalp or DHI technique.
- Number of Grafts: This number differs according to the technique. Since the applied area is much larger, there are 4000-5000 grafts in the FUE method. Due to the small size of the applied area, around 2500-3500 grafts are used in the DHI method. Of course, these numbers also vary according to the scalp of the patient.
What are the Curious Differences Between FUE and DHI Techniques?
Patients want to learn other details about the procedure as well as wondering about the steps during the procedure. Therefore, we can explain other questions about the differences between FUE and DHI techniques as follows:
- • Cost: The primary criterion that patients consider is cost in general. As new equipment is opened according to the patient and almost the same steps are followed in both the FUE technique and the DHI technique, the cost does not differ. In addition, since the two hair transplantation techniques coincide with the same forms, there is no serious difference in cost.
- • Operation Time: Since the DHI procedure is applied to more restricted areas, the operation time is short. It takes approximately 6 to 8 hours. The FUE method takes longer hours due to its steps and the size of the planting area.
- • After the Operation Process: Both methods require expert controls after the operation. After both techniques, it is recommended to fully comply with the diet and the necessary hygiene rules. In addition, since the DHI technique is effective in smaller areas and a different method is used as sowing, bleeding is less. In this way, the recovery time is also very fast. In the FUE method, larger areas are targeted. Since the channels are opened beforehand, bleeding is more. The recovery time is also longer.
How are FUE Techniques and DHI Techniques Used Together?
Let’s consider a male patient who applied for hair transplantation. There are problems such as opening in the forehead and temple areas or ringworm, regional shedding. However, let’s assume that there is a problem of shedding from the top to the nape. Let’s assume that the patient does not want to be planted in this part because the part in between is the hairy part. In this case, hair transplantation using the DHI method is considered appropriate for the openings that occupy a small area in the front parts. However, DHI cannot be applied to the back, as the back part experiences a large spillage. For this reason, the FUE method is used. Partial shedding is not seen in male pattern hair loss. However, they are used together in exceptional cases. Of course, at this point, the differences between FUE and DHI techniques are considered. In this way, it may be appropriate to use 2 different techniques in the same process. Therefore, decisions based on the areas of hair loss seen on the scalp of the patient were not made in the direction of using a single technique. In such an exceptional case, using more than one technique was deemed appropriate by the experts.