Have you noticed patches of thinning hair? Are you concerned about hair loss? Hair loss affects more than 100 million Americans every year. Nearly 85% of men experience thinning hair by the age of 50 and more than 50% of women also report noticeable hair loss after the age of 45. Fortunately, there are several hair transplant treatment options available to those who wish to regrow lost hair. At Balanced Health Medical Center, we are proud to offer DHI and FUE hair transplant options for men and women seeking a solution to hair loss that is minimally invasive and produces natural-looking results.

What is FUE?

Follicular unit extraction, FUE, is a hair transplant treatment that helps to treat men and women who struggle with hair loss or thinning hair. This method harvests grafts more efficiently, safely, and quickly compared to traditional methods. 

Prior to treatment, your head is shaved, and a local anesthetic is applied for patient comfort. Using state-of-the-art technology, individual hairs are safely extracted and then stored in environmentally sound containers that are temperature controlled in a solution. This process increases the chance of graft survival for implantation and improves their ability to regrow successfully. 

Once extraction is completed, microchannels are created to assist in hair implantation. The micro-grafts are then implanted along the designed hairline and targeted treatment area for a natural, full appearance.

What is DHI? 

Direct hair implantation, or DHI, is a new innovative treatment option that is considered a modified version of FUE treatment and provides natural results with no visible scarring.

The main difference between FUE and DHI treatment is in the method of implantation. During the procedure, the hair follicles are extracted similarly to the FUE treatment, but instead of being placed in a solution until ready, the hair follicles are directly implanted into the recipient area. Using a pen-shaped tool, known as an implanter, the hair follicles can be directly implanted after harvesting without the needing to manually make microchannels.

How are these options different from other hair transplants?

Traditional hair transplants involve the FUT method, in which a surgeon cuts a long and narrow strip of skin from the back of your scalp to harvest the hair follicles. The hairs are then implanted along your hairline. Though this method is quicker, it can leave a noticeable scar. 

DHI and FUE methods may take longer, but significantly reduce the risk of scarring, and often if a scar is present, they are not noticeable. Both treatment options are considered outpatient procedures and can be performed in-office. Though the procedure is often out-patient, we recommend patients arrange for someone to bring you home as the anesthesia may prevent you from driving home safely. The average length of treatment is between 6 to 8 hours but will vary depending on your condition and the area being treated. 

Benefits

The benefits of DHI and FUE for hair restoration include:

  • Minimally invasive
  • Natural-looking results
  • No visible scarring
  • Quick recovery
  • Reduced graft trauma
  • Shorter procedure time

These treatment options are ideal for all hair types in men and women. 

Results and Recovery 

Your doctor will inform you of how to care for your scalp and hair in the weeks after your transplant, this may include recommending certain hair care products and washing methods for optimal results. Most patients can resume normal activities and routines within two days.

It can take anywhere from 2-3 months to notice changes as your grafts begin to grow thicker and fuller. At six months, significant improvements can be seen with full results expected to appear 12-14 months after treatment.

If you struggle with hair loss, thinning hair, adult-pattern baldness, or alopecia, these treatment options may be right for you. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office at (240) 389-5734.