Generally,  the procedure where a plastic or dermatological surgeon moves hair to a bald area of the head is called hair transplant. The followings are the specific procedures done to perform a hair transplant.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a method of collecting grafts, which are bundles of hair. First, it utilises micromotor tools to open holes and place hair-bearing follicles to a balding area of the scalp. Then, doctors collect grafts one by one through micromotors from the donor zone. By the way, there are no scars after the procedure.

In this method, the doctors open holes in areas where these grafts are to be transplanted. They use micromotor tools for this process. The doctors make slits on the areas to be planted. Once that is done, they insert grafts into the holes one at a time. In order for this to take place, the doctors should make microholes that are slightly larger than the grafts. 

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)

Direct hair implantation (DHI) is a method where doctors collect the grafts and place them in individual implanter tools called Choi pens. Afterwards, they transplant each graft into the area that requires hair growth. These pens form canals that are exactly the size of the graft. Also, Choi pens open smaller canals. 

Comparisons and Contrasts

Here is a thorough comparison and contrast between the two procedures mentioned above. This aims to help you decide on whichever suits your needs or preferences. Of course, your plastic surgeon will help you understand all these more before undergoing any of the procedures. 

Density

The canals are fully grafted in the direct hair implantation. Thus, the method utilises all the space, ensuring density. 

In FUE method, the doctors can add 45–60 square centimetres of hair. On the other hand, in DHI, they can add 80–90 square centimetres. Therefore, if the patient’s hair loss is at a minimal level, direct hair implantation is advised.

Damage

Direct hair implantation method utilises pens that bore smaller holes. Thus, it minimises the damage that will occur during the hair transplant process. This also greatly helps during recovery since smaller holes take less time to heal.

Cost

Follicular unit extraction is a tried-and-tested method for hair transplants. Due to this, the process has been nearly perfected. Also, risks are at an all-time low. On the other hand, it does not involve the same technology as the DHI. Thus, surgeons charge less for this particular service.

Availability

Follicular unit extraction has been around longer, so it is more readily available than direct hair implantation. It does not use newer technology as the latter method does. Moreover, surgeons are more trained and knowledgeable due to longer exposure to it. This greatly raises its availability to patients.

Summary

Naturally, the two methods offer different advantages for the patients. It is up to the hair restoration specialist to decide on which procedure suits the patient best. 

Communication between the patient and the doctor is very important for satisfying results. The patient must disclose the proper information so that the surgeon can perform a well-informed analysis. 

As long as competent staff perform DHI and FUE methods, the results don’t differ that much in terms of how natural it looks. The technologies being utilised in both methods is the only difference.

Patients should decide with their doctors the technique that will be most appropriate for them.