3,000+ DHI Hair Transplants: 10 Things You Must Know
After performing more than 3,000 DHI hair transplants over the years, we’ve seen just about everything—what works, what doesn’t, and what most people never hear about until it’s too late.
This isn’t theory. These are real lessons from real patients, learned day by day, graft by graft. If you’re considering a transplant, these insights might just save you time, money, and disappointment.
1 – Hairline Design Is More Important Than You Think
To date, we have seen many transplants with nearly 100% graft survival. However, another factor just as important as graft survival is the correct design of the hairline.
Techniques such as drawing the hairline with tiny zigzags and placing single grafts at the front directly affect how natural the final result looks.
While designing the hairline, many factors such as the patient’s age and expectations must be taken into account.
This point is just as important as the number of grafts to be transplanted, yet it is often underestimated by patients.
2 – DHI vs. FUE: One Is Not Better Than the Other
Many prospective patients focus too much on which technique will be used, but as long as a modern method is applied, the specific technique is not the most critical factor.
DHI, being newer, offers some advantages over FUE, but in terms of results, the differences are often minor.
What truly matters is the experience of the hair transplant team and the doctor who will be in charge of your care.
We have successfully used the FUE technique for years. In recent years, we’ve used DHI more often—but we’ve achieved excellent results with both.
3 – Patience Is Key: Results Take Time
While most patients begin to see results after three months, it usually takes 12 months to see the final outcome. In some cases, particularly for the crown area, this period may extend to 15 months.
However, some patients panic after just one or two months, thinking the transplant has failed.
That’s why patience is essential—early panic and unrealistic expectations can negatively affect one’s mental wellbeing during recovery.
4 – Hair Transplants Are an Investment, Not a One-Time Fix
Although many people don’t realise it, a hair transplant is an investment—not just a cosmetic procedure.
Many of our patients report that their hair restoration had a positive impact on both their personal and professional lives.
Studies also show that people who undergo hair transplants often experience reduced depression and anxiety levels.
On the other hand, some patients may require a second or even third session, depending on their needs and the progression of hair loss.
5 – Choosing the Right Clinic Makes All the Difference
Today, a flawless Instagram feed, impressive adverts, and influencer endorsements can make any clinic look top-tier.
But truly high-quality clinics operate ethically and medically, putting the patient’s needs first—not just sales.
Patients should remember they are not buying a product—they are receiving a medical service.
Ask how long the clinic has been operating, who the responsible physician is, and how transparently they answer your questions.
Choosing the right (and legal) clinic directly impacts your results and your health.
6 – Hair Transplant Success Relies on Proper Post-Op Care (More Than You Think)
Just like any other surgical operation, post-op care is essential. Proper care reduces the risk of infection, speeds up wound healing, and improves comfort.
For example, correct bandaging helps control swelling, and early signs of folliculitis can be quickly addressed with appropriate antibiotics.
Educating patients about hygiene minimises complications and improves both graft survival and overall results.
At our clinic, post-op care is explained thoroughly by Prof. Dr. Ümit Kemal Şentürk, and patients receive a detailed guide to follow at home.
They are also instructed to wash their hair correctly for 15 days. This process is explained in detail in a YouTube video we’ve prepared.
7 – Hair Transplant Isn't for Everyone
Some people are not suitable candidates for a hair transplant, including:
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Those with a poor donor area and a large balding area
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Young individuals whose hair loss pattern is still developing
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A significant proportion of women (depending on the type of hair loss)
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Individuals who are psychologically unready or hesitant
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People with unrealistic expectations
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Those with untreated health conditions causing hair loss
If any of these apply to you, be cautious of clinics that promise miracles without considering your personal situation.
8 – Your Donor Area Has Limits – Overharvesting Is a Risk
Unfortunately, more and more clinics try to attract patients with claims like "record graft numbers" or "6,500 grafts in one session."
This creates pressure on ethical clinics that prioritise patient health.
We often hear: "Another clinic told me they could do 5,000 grafts."
But in many cases, such numbers aren’t realistic—and overharvesting can lead to visible thinning in the donor area.
While it’s technically possible to extract large numbers in rare cases, this can bring serious long-term consequences.
We always aim to raise awareness, even if some patients choose short-term promises over long-term safety.
9 – Your Sleeping Position Affects Graft Survival
During the first few days post-op, any physical pressure on the grafts can be damaging.
You should avoid bumping your head while getting into a car or brushing against a wall or bed frame.
But the most critical risk comes from sleeping posture.
We provide a pillow that helps prevent contact with your grafts—but you must use it properly.
If your head touches the bed or pillow directly, the pressure may damage or dislodge grafts.
We recommend sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated and placing a clean towel on the pillow—changing it daily to reduce bacteria and dust exposure.
10 – You Might Need a Second Session, Even If You Think You Won’t
Patients with large bald areas and limited donor supply often need two sessions, spaced one year apart.
This is more common than many think—around half of our patients eventually undergo a second transplant.
While this may come as a surprise to some, additional sessions can help increase density or cover newly thinned areas, and in certain cases, even a third or fourth session may be considered if needed.
