DHI Hair Transplant in Riga

What is a DHI hair transplant?

DHI, or Direct Hair Implantation, is a direct-implantation technique. Follicular units are extracted one by one from the donor area (usually the back of the head) using FUE, and then placed into the recipient area with a Choi implanter pen — a pen-shaped instrument whose hollow needle is loaded with one graft at a time.

The implanter creates the channel and places the follicle in a single motion, so separate pre-made channels are not required. The surgeon precisely controls the depth, angle and direction of each hair. This control makes DHI well suited to detailed work, such as designing a natural hairline.

How does DHI differ from FUE?

Both methods use the same FUE principle to extract grafts — the difference is in the implantation step:

• Channels: in classic FUE the surgeon first creates small channels in the recipient area and then places the grafts; in DHI the channel and placement happen in one motion with the Choi implanter.
• Density: the implanter allows grafts to be placed precisely and densely, which can be an advantage along the hairline and in smaller areas.
• Shaving: with DHI the recipient area may not need to be fully shaved, which suits many patients, including women.
• Time: DHI is more time-consuming technically and may therefore cost more per graft.

Both are minimally invasive, with no stitches and no linear scar. Learn more about FUE on our hair transplant pillar page.

DHI vs FUE — which suits whom?

The most suitable method is chosen by the surgeon at the consultation, based on your hair, donor area and goals. In general:

• DHI works well for precise hairline design, densifying smaller areas, and cases where full shaving is undesirable.
• FUE is often more practical for larger areas and high graft counts (for example, more extensive thinning).

The two approaches are also frequently combined. Read more about the FUE method on the pillar page.

Who is DHI suitable for?

DHI may be suitable if:

• you have a receding hairline or want to shape it precisely;
• you need a limited area densified;
• you prefer not to fully shave the recipient area;
• you have a sufficient, healthy donor area.

Assessing suitability requires a diagnosis of the causes of your hair loss. The final decision on method, graft count and timing is made by the surgeon after a personal examination at your free consultation.

How the DHI procedure works

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and usually lasts several hours, depending on the graft count:

• Consultation and planning: the surgeon assesses the donor and recipient areas and designs the hairline.
• Graft extraction: follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area using FUE.
• Implantation: grafts are loaded into the Choi implanter and placed into the recipient area at a set angle, direction and depth.
• Recovery: you go home with aftercare instructions; most patients return to everyday activities within a few days.

Results and timeline

The result develops gradually and is individual:

• 2–4 weeks: natural temporary shedding of the transplanted hairs — this is part of the normal cycle.
• 3–4 months: the first new hairs appear.
• 12 months: a denser, more mature result.

Correctly transplanted follicles generally grow permanently. The goal is a natural, lasting result, though final density depends on individual factors.

DHI hair transplant cost

The price is calculated by graft count. The clinic's calculator is based on €2–3 per graft; for DHI the price may differ due to its technical complexity. Approximate ranges by recipient-area size (from):

• NW2 (800–1200 grafts): from ~€1,600–3,600;
• NW3 (1200–1600 grafts): from ~€2,400–4,800;
• NW4 (1600–2000 grafts): from ~€3,200–6,000.

The final price is set by the surgeon at the free consultation, based on graft count, area size and method. See also our hair transplant cost page.