Hair Transplantation Techniques: FUE, DHI, and Stick & Place

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure developed to provide natural and permanent results for individuals experiencing hair loss. Today, the most commonly used techniques are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), and Stick & Place. Each method has distinct advantages, application procedures, and suitability based on patient characteristics

1. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Technique

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a technique that involves extracting individual hair follicles and transplanting them to the recipient area. Unlike the traditional Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method, FUE does not require incisions or stitches.

FUE Procedure Steps;

1. Preparation of the Donor Area:

The donor area, typically the occipital region (back of the head), is shaved for better extraction.

2. Extraction of Hair Follicles (Grafts):

Hair follicles are extracted one by one using a micromotor or manual punch (0.6–1.0 mm in diameter).
Each graft may contain 1 to 4 hair follicles.

3. Preparation for Transplantation:

The recipient area is numbed with local anesthesia.
The recipient area is numbed with local anesthesia.

4. Channel Opening & Hair Transplantation:

Tiny incisions (channels) are created using a needle or a sapphire blade in the recipient area.
Hair follicles are then carefully implanted at a specific angle and direction to achieve a natural look.

Advantages of the FUE Technique

Faster recovery time compared to older techniques.
Natural-looking results due to precise implantation.
Low risk of complications such as scarring.

FUE is a time-consuming procedure due to the individual extraction of grafts, but it ensures high aesthetic satisfaction.

2. Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) Technique

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is a modified version of the FUE technique, where hair follicles are implanted directly into the recipient area using a Choi Implanter Pen without the need for pre-opened channels.

DHI Procedure Steps;

1. Extraction of Hair Follicles:

Just like in the FUE method, grafts are extracted one by one using a micromotor or a manual punch.

2. Loading Grafts into the Implanter Pen:

Each follicular unit is placed inside a Choi Implanter Pen, ensuring precise control over implantation.

3. Direct Implantation of Hair Follicles:

The recipient area is numbed with local anesthesia.
The recipient area is numbed with local anesthesia.

4. Channel Opening & Hair Transplantation:

Unlike FUE, where channels are created beforehand, the DHI method inserts the grafts directly into the scalp while simultaneously making the incisions.
The implanter pen allows for precise angle, depth, and density, ensuring natural results.

Advantages of the DHI Technique

Higher graft density – ideal for hairline and crown areas.
Faster healing – less trauma to the scalp
Reduced bleeding risk – no need for pre-opened incisions.
No need for shaving – suitable for women and men who prefer to keep their existing hair length

DHI is especially beneficial for dense packing in the frontal hairline and cases requiring minimal downtime. However, due to the specialized instruments and expertise required, it is typically more expensive than FUE.

3. Stick & Place Technique

Stick & Place is a hybrid technique that combines the advantages of FUE and DHI, ensuring better graft survival and natural hairline design. The key principle of this method is immediate graft placement after channel opening to minimize exposure time and maximize survival rates.

Stick & Place Procedure Steps;

1. Extraction of Hair Follicles:

Grafts are harvested from the donor area using the FUE method.

2. Simultaneous Channel Opening & Implantation:

Unlike traditional FUE, where all channels are pre-opened before implantation, the Stick & Place technique creates a channel and immediately places the graft in it.

3. Angle & Direction Control:

The real-time implantation process allows for better control of graft orientation, leading to more natural hair growth patterns.

Advantages of the Stick & Place Technique

Reduced bleeding and trauma, as the channels do not remain open for long.
Higher graft survival rate, as follicles are placed immediately after extraction.
More precise control over hair angle and direction, ensuring an ultra-natural result.
Particularly effective for hairline and crown areas, where aesthetics are crucial.

Stick & Place is especially suitable for patients seeking high-density implantation with a focus on natural appearance.

Comparison & Summary

Technique	Graft Extraction	Channel Creation	Implantation Method	Key Benefits
FUE	Extracted one by one	Opened before implantation	Manually placed	Stitch-free, fast healing, natural results
DHI	Extracted one by one	No separate channel opening	Direct implantation with Choi Implanter	High density, reduced bleeding, no need to shave
Stick & Place	Extracted one by one	Opened and implanted simultaneously	Manual placement	Reduced trauma, higher survival rate, precise angulation

Hair Transplantation Supported by Exosome Therapy

Exosomes are nanovesicles that play a crucial role in cellular communication and tissue regeneration. Exosome therapy is increasingly being used in hair transplantation to accelerate the healing process and promote stronger growth of transplanted hair follicles.

Advantages of Exosome Therapy in Hair Transplantation:

Enhances Cellular Regeneration:

Exosomes contain growth factors, proteins, and RNA molecules that stimulate cell repair and tissue regeneration, speeding up the healing process after a hair transplant.

Promotes Faster Hair Growth:

By improving blood circulation and nourishing hair follicles, exosomes help newly transplanted hairs grow faster and healthier

Strengthens Existing Hair:

Exosome therapy not only benefits transplanted follicles but also improves the density and quality of existing hair, reducing shedding and enhancing overall scalp health.

This advanced regenerative approach is revolutionizing hair restoration by maximizing graft survival, reducing post-procedure inflammation, and ensuring more natural and long-lasting results.

Conclusion

Under the expertise of Dr. Musa Balta, the selection of a hair transplant technique is meticulously determined by factors such as the patient’s hair loss pattern, donor area capacity, and personal preferences. A comprehensive analysis of the patient’s medical history, hair characteristics, and desired density is conducted to ensure optimal results.

As a boutique clinic, we prioritize personalized care, dedicating ample time and attention to each patient. This approach enhances both the precision of the procedure and the overall experience. From the moment patients arrive until their full recovery, every detail—including accommodation, transportation, and even dietary preferences—is carefully planned to ensure a seamless, stress-free journey.

With advancements in modern hair restoration techniques, combined with Dr. Musa Balta’s specialized approach and the advantages of a boutique clinic, achieving natural, permanent, and aesthetically satisfying results has never been more attainable.

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