Three methods — one clinical decision
Modern hair transplant surgery uses three primary techniques: FUE, DHI and FUT. Understanding how each works enables patients to have informed conversations with their surgeon and understand the recommendation they receive.
FUE · DHI · FUT — the essential comparison
| Technique | How it works | Scarring | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUE | Individual follicle extraction + sapphire channel creation + implantation | Tiny dot scars | Most cases — highest versatility |
| DHI | Individual extraction + Choi pen simultaneous channel and implant | Tiny dot scars | Thinning zones, women, unshaved, hairline precision |
| FUT | Strip removal + suture + microscopic dissection | Linear scar (permanent) | Historical — not recommended at Hairmedico |
Dr. Arslan's technique recommendation framework
The technique decision at Hairmedico is always case-specific: FUE (Sapphire) for most first-session cases with bald or near-bald recipient zones; DHI for women, unshaved procedures, thinning zones with existing hair, and high-precision hairline work; hybrid FUE+DHI for cases where different zones require different approaches. FUT is not performed — the linear scar disadvantage is unacceptable when FUE achieves equivalent or higher yields without scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) uses a Choi implanter pen that creates a recipient channel and places the graft simultaneously in one motion. Unlike FUE where channels are pre-created, DHI combines these steps, offering superior angle control and enabling placement between existing hairs without shaving.
DHI is best for: patients with existing hair in the recipient zone (thinning rather than fully bald), women with diffuse thinning, patients who cannot shave (unshaved DHI), and anyone requiring very high-precision hairline density work.
No. DHI is performed under local anaesthesia — the scalp is fully numb throughout. At Hairmedico, the Comfort-in needle-free injector eliminates the needle sting of anaesthetic administration, making the entire procedure pain-free.
DHI takes longer per graft than standard FUE because each graft is loaded individually into the Choi pen. A 2,000-graft DHI session typically takes 7–9 hours. Dr. Arslan performs the entire procedure personally.
- International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Practice census — global hair restoration statistics.. 2022. fue-europe.com
- Onda M et al. Follicular unit extraction: a systematic review. J Plastic & Aesthetic Chirurgie. 2020. doi.org
- NHS. Hair loss — overview. National Health Service UK. 2023. nhs.uk
- MedlinePlus NIH. Hair transplantation — clinical overview. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 2024. medlineplus.gov
- Bernstein RM. Follicular unit transplantation. Dermatologic Cliniques. 2013. doi.org
All references are peer-reviewed medical literature or official health authority publications. No commercial sources included.
Dr. Arslan Musbeh
- ✓ FUE Europe — Full Member
- ✓ Ministry of Health accredited
- ✓ 17+ years · 3,000+ cases
- ✓ One patient per day
- ✓ Algorithmic FUE™ creator