Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a cutting-edge hair follicle restoration method, expertly performed at Academic Istanbul Clinic Manila, located within the prestigious Centuria Medical. It involves extracting follicles from a donor area and implanting them directly into the recipient area using a specialized implanter pen. This advanced procedure places grafts into the scalp without the need for prior incisions, ensuring maximum precision and density.

There are three main applications of DHI surgery offered at our Manila clinic: standard scalp restoration, facial hair transplants (beard and eyebrow), and combination techniques using the most advanced tools available. The primary advantages include exceptionally high graft survival, minimal bleeding, and a remarkably fast recovery. Potential risks, which are typically minor and temporary, involve swelling, redness, and a brief period of "shock loss."

The average surgery duration is 6 to 8 hours. The results of this hair replacement technique are designed to last a lifetime, although natural aging may affect overall density over many years. The success rate at top-tier clinics like ours is around 92%–95%, a testament to our expertise and technology.

Preparation includes a thorough consultation, blood tests, temporarily stopping certain medications, and specific scalp care. Recovery takes about 7–10 days for scabs to fall off, with visible new growth starting after the 3-month mark. The global demand for high-quality hair transplants continues to grow, and the Philippines, with leading centers like Academic Istanbul Clinic Manila, is at the forefront of providing these sophisticated procedures.

A DHI Hair Transplant is a direct implantation method where individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area and then implanted directly into the recipient area using a specialized tool called a Choi Implanter Pen. This instrument allows our specialists to place hair follicles directly into the scalp without creating prior incisions. This technique provides complete control over the natural direction, angle, and depth of each implanted graft.

This method offers greater precision and a faster recovery compared to older techniques. Unlike standard Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), where channels are created before implantation, the DHI method skips this step, implanting follicles immediately after they are extracted. This crucial difference leads to higher follicle survival rates due to the reduced time the grafts spend outside the body, a finding confirmed by a 2022 study in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

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. The entire process begins with a detailed consultation, where our specialists designs a natural-looking hairline and calculates the precise number of grafts needed. Careful planning ensures aesthetically pleasing results and prevents the overuse of precious donor hair.

1. Consultation and Planning: Our specialists evaluates your hair loss pattern, scalp condition, and donor area density. A custom hairline is designed to complement your facial features, and the required graft count is calculated. This customized planning is shown to lead to a 23% higher patient satisfaction rate.
2. Donor Area Selection: The donor area is selected, most often from the back or sides of the head, where hair follicles are genetically resistant to the hormone that causes hair loss, ensuring permanent results.
3. Extraction Method: Our specialists use a precision micro-motor or manual punch to extract individual follicles with minimal trauma, which is critical for maximizing graft survival rates.
4. Recipient Area Preparation & Implantation: This is where DHI excels. The specialists uses the Choi Implanter Pen to simultaneously create a recipient site and implant the follicle. This allows for precise control over the angle, depth, and direction of each hair for a completely natural look.
5. Follicle Implantation: Because follicles are placed directly into the recipient area immediately after extraction, they spend minimal time outside the body. This reduces dehydration and significantly improves graft survival, with rates often between 92% and 95%.
6. Recovery and Growth: Scabbing forms and falls off within 7–10 days. A temporary shedding phase (shock loss) occurs around week 3, and new, permanent growth begins by month 3. Full density and mature results appear between months 9–12.

Our clinic in Manila has established itself as a leader in DHI Hair Transplantation in the Philippines, offering world-class medical expertise, advanced technology, and comprehensive care packages that provide exceptional value. We deliver all the core benefits of the DHI technique, backed by the experience of our specialists and our location within a premier medical facility.

• Minimally Invasive: At Academic Istanbul Clinic Manila, we use the Choi Implanter Pen, which allows implantation without creating prior scalp incisions, reducing trauma and discomfort.
• Fast Recovery: Most of our patients in Manila return to their normal activities within 5–7 days, thanks to our refined post-operative care protocols.
• High Hair Density: Our specialists are highly skilled in dense packing techniques, achieving fuller, natural-looking hairlines that meet the highest aesthetic standards.
• Minimal Scarring: With our precision micro-extraction tools and the Choi pen, only tiny, dot-like scars remain in the donor area, which are typically invisible once the surrounding hair grows.
• High Graft Survival: Our immediate implantation technique helps us achieve graft survival rates as high as 95%.
• Low Infection Risk: Our clinic at Centuria Medical adheres to the strictest international hygiene and safety standards, significantly reducing the risk of complications and infections.
• No Shaving Required (in some cases): We offer unshaven DHI options for patients with long hair, maintaining privacy and aesthetic appearance during the recovery period.
• Permanent, Natural Results: Follicles are taken from DHT-resistant donor zones, meaning they are permanent and will last a lifetime after transplantation.
• Precise Implantation: The Choi pen gives our specialists complete control over the angle, depth, and direction of each hair, ensuring a realistic and natural growth pattern.
• Suitable for All Hair Loss Types: DHI at our Manila clinic effectively treats scalp hair loss, beard and eyebrow restoration, and female pattern hair loss with tailored approaches.

The cost of a DHI hair transplant in the Philippines varies depending on the clinic's reputation, the number of grafts required, the specialists expertise, and the technology used. At Academic Istanbul Clinic Manila, our pricing is competitive and reflects the premium quality of our services. This includes the use of high-grade Choi implanter pens, sterile consumables, anesthesia, any supplementary therapies, and personalized surgical planning.

DHI is a more meticulous and time-intensive procedure than standard FUE, as each follicle is implanted individually. This requires a higher degree of precision and longer surgical hours, which is factored into the cost. Our packages are comprehensive, often including aftercare supplies and follow-up consultations. For a detailed and personalized quote, we invite you for a consultation at our clinic in Centuria Medical.

For DHI transplants performed at our Manila clinic, hair is primarily taken from the back of the head (the occipital scalp). This area is genetically resistant to hair loss, providing strong, permanent follicles. This principle is known as "donor dominance."

If the scalp donor area is insufficient, beard hair (usually from under the chin) is an excellent secondary source. Beard follicles are thicker and are ideal for adding density to the crown or mid-scalp. In rare cases, chest hair can be used as a supplementary option to improve overall density when both scalp and beard donor areas are limited.

A DHI hair transplant follows a structured 12-month growth timeline:

• Days 1-7 (Immediate Post-Op): The scalp will appear red and slightly swollen. The Choi implanter minimizes trauma, so bleeding is minimal.
• Weeks 2-4 (Shock Loss): The newly transplanted hairs will temporarily shed. This is a normal and expected part of the hair growth cycle.
• Months 3-4 (New Growth): Fine, new hairs will begin to emerge from the scalp.
• Months 6-9 (Maturation and Thickening): The hair will become noticeably denser and thicker as it grows and matures.
• Months 9-12 (Final Results): The final, mature results will be visible, showcasing full density and a natural appearance.

Preparing for your DHI hair transplant at our Manila clinic begins at least 7–10 days before your procedure. You should stop taking blood-thinning medications (like aspirin), and avoid alcohol, smoking, and excessive caffeine, as these can affect healing. It is crucial to inform our clinical team about any chronic conditions or medications you are taking.

On the day of your surgery, your scalp must be clean and free of any styling products. We recommend wearing comfortable, front-button clothing to avoid disturbing the grafts after the procedure. Proper hydration and getting a good night's sleep are also important for ensuring an optimal surgical experience.

After your DHI hair transplant, immediate aftercare is critical. For the first 72 hours, avoid touching or rubbing the transplanted area, and sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling. Our clinic will provide a special saline spray to keep the grafts hydrated.

By day 3 or 4, you will be instructed on how to perform a gentle wash with a prescribed medical shampoo. In the long term, you should avoid smoking, alcohol, direct sun exposure, and heavy exercise for at least two weeks. Continued scalp care, hydration, and avoiding harsh chemical products are essential for the best results.

Yes. To protect the newly implanted grafts and ensure proper healing, several temporary restrictions are necessary.

• Physical Activity: Avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for at least 10–14 days.
• Hair Washing: Restricted for the first 48–72 hours. Afterward, only gentle washing is permitted.
• Sleeping Position: Sleep in a semi-upright position for the first 3–5 nights.
• Sun and Heat: Avoid direct sun exposure, saunas, and swimming for 3–4 weeks.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Refrain for at least 7–10 days post-surgery to support blood flow and healing.
• Touching the Scalp: Avoid touching or scratching the recipient area for the first 10 days.
• Hats: Avoid wearing tight hats or helmets for 7–10 days unless approved by your specialists.

The success rate of DHI hair transplants at a premier clinic like ours in the Philippines ranges between 91%-95%. This depends on factors like specialists expertise, graft survival, adherence to aftercare, and patient-specific characteristics. The most successful outcomes are often seen when DHI is combined with supplementary treatments like PRP therapy, which can boost graft survival rates to over 95%.

Clinical studies consistently support these high success rates. The use of the Choi Implanter Pen allows our specialists to precisely control the angle and depth of implantation, which reduces trauma and improves follicle placement, leading to superior, long-term success.