FUE is the better choice for most patients getting a hair transplant in Turkey. It handles larger graft counts (up to 5,000 per session), costs less, and produces the same 90% to 95% graft survival rate as DHI when performed at a quality clinic. DHI holds an advantage for hairline-only work and patients who want to avoid shaving the recipient area. This comparison covers every factor that matters for choosing between the two techniques in Turkey.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Quick Comparison: FUE vs DHI in Turkey
| Factor | FUE (Sapphire) | DHI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per graft (Turkey) | $1 to $2 | $1.50 to $3 |
| All-inclusive package (2,500 grafts) | $2,500 to $4,500 | $3,500 to $6,000 |
| Graft survival rate | 90% to 95% | 90% to 95% |
| Maximum grafts per session | 4,000 to 5,000 | 3,000 to 4,000 |
| Recipient area shaving | Required | Not always required |
| Procedure time (2,500 grafts) | 5 to 7 hours | 7 to 9 hours |
| Recovery time | 7 to 10 days | 7 to 10 days |
| Surgeon skill requirement | Moderate | High |
| Density packing | 40 to 60 grafts/cm2 | 50 to 70 grafts/cm2 |
| Angle/direction control | Good | Excellent |
| Best for | Large sessions, crown, mid-scalp | Hairline, no-shave, precision work |
For a broader technique comparison including FUT, see the FUE vs FUT comparison.
How FUE Works in Turkey
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) in Turkey primarily uses the Sapphire variant. A micro-punch tool (0.6 to 1.0mm) extracts individual follicular units from the donor area. The surgeon then creates recipient channels using a sapphire-tipped blade before placing the grafts.
The process follows three distinct phases:
Phase 1: Extraction
Individual follicular units are harvested from the donor area (back and sides of the scalp). The surgeon or technician uses a motorized micro-punch to score around each follicular unit and extract it. A skilled extractor maintains a transection rate below 5%.
Phase 2: Channel Creation
Sapphire blades create tiny incisions in the recipient area at specific angles, depths, and directions. This phase determines the hairline design, density, and growth direction. Channel creation is where surgical artistry matters most.
Phase 3: Implantation
Grafts are placed into the pre-made channels using fine-tipped forceps. This phase requires precision but follows the pattern established during channel creation.
Key advantage of FUE: Extraction and channel creation can be performed simultaneously by different team members, reducing total procedure time and graft out-of-body time for larger sessions.
How DHI Works in Turkey
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) uses a Choi implanter pen to combine channel creation and graft placement into a single step. The pen holds a graft in its hollow needle, punctures the skin at the desired angle and depth, and deposits the graft simultaneously.
The Choi Pen Process
- Grafts are extracted using the same FUE micro-punch technique
- Each graft is loaded into a Choi implanter pen
- The surgeon inserts the pen into the recipient area at the desired angle
- The graft is deposited as the pen is withdrawn
- Steps 2 through 4 repeat for each graft
Key advantage of DHI: The surgeon controls angle, depth, and direction for each individual graft at the moment of placement. This gives DHI a slight edge in hairline precision where every graft's angle affects the natural appearance.
Cost Comparison in Turkey
DHI commands a premium over FUE because the procedure takes longer, requires more Choi pens (which are expensive), and demands higher surgeon skill.
| Graft Count | FUE Cost (Turkey) | DHI Cost (Turkey) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | $2,000 to $3,000 | $2,500 to $4,000 | +$500 to $1,000 |
| 2,500 | $2,500 to $4,500 | $3,500 to $6,000 | +$1,000 to $1,500 |
| 3,500 | $3,500 to $5,500 | $5,000 to $8,000 | +$1,500 to $2,500 |
| 4,500 | $4,000 to $6,500 | Not recommended* | N/A |
*Most surgeons limit DHI sessions to 3,000 to 4,000 grafts because the procedure time becomes excessively long, and graft viability decreases.
For broader pricing context, see the Turkey vs USA cost comparison.
Graft Survival: Is One Technique Better?
At quality clinics, both techniques achieve 90% to 95% graft survival. The theoretical advantage of DHI is shorter out-of-body time per graft, since the graft goes directly from the pen into the scalp without sitting in a storage solution. In practice, this advantage is measurable but small.
| Survival Factor | FUE | DHI |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-body time per graft | 1 to 4 hours | Under 1 hour |
| Graft handling steps | Extract, store, place | Extract, load pen, place |
| Transection risk (extraction) | Same | Same |
| Placement precision | Very good | Excellent |
| Overall survival rate | 90% to 95% | 90% to 95% |
The practical difference in graft survival between FUE and DHI at the same quality clinic is typically 1% to 3%, which is within the margin of natural variation between patients. Surgeon skill matters far more than technique choice.
Density and Naturalness
DHI has a measurable advantage in packing density. The Choi pen allows slightly closer graft placement than FUE's pre-made channel method.
| Density Metric | FUE (Sapphire) | DHI |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum density | 45 to 60 grafts/cm2 | 50 to 70 grafts/cm2 |
| Hairline naturalness | Very good | Excellent |
| Crown coverage | Excellent | Very good (limited by session size) |
| Angle control at hairline | Good (set during channel creation) | Excellent (set per graft at implantation) |
For hairline work specifically, DHI's per-graft angle control produces marginally more natural results. For crown and mid-scalp coverage, the density difference is less noticeable, and FUE's ability to handle larger graft counts is more valuable.
Recovery Comparison
Recovery timelines are nearly identical for both techniques.
| Recovery Milestone | FUE | DHI |
|---|---|---|
| Return to desk work | 3 to 5 days | 3 to 5 days |
| Scab removal | 7 to 10 days | 7 to 10 days |
| Light exercise | 2 weeks | 2 weeks |
| Full exercise | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Initial shedding | Weeks 2 to 4 | Weeks 2 to 4 |
| New growth visible | Months 3 to 4 | Months 3 to 4 |
| Final result | 12 to 18 months | 12 to 18 months |
| Flying home | 2 to 3 days post-op | 2 to 3 days post-op |
Both techniques allow flying home 2 to 3 days after the procedure. The 7 to 10 day primary recovery applies equally to FUE and DHI.
No-Shave DHI
One significant DHI advantage is the "no-shave" or "unshaven" option. Traditional FUE requires shaving the entire recipient area (and usually the donor area) before the procedure. DHI can be performed without shaving the recipient area because the Choi pen works between existing hairs.
No-shave DHI considerations:
- Costs 30% to 50% more than standard DHI
- Session sizes are limited to 2,000 to 2,500 grafts
- Procedure takes longer
- Ideal for patients who cannot take extended time off work or want to conceal the procedure
- Not available at all clinics
Combined FUE + DHI Approach
Many quality Turkish clinics offer a combined technique that uses each method where it performs best:
- DHI for the hairline (typically the front 1 to 2 cm): Maximizes angle control and density in the most visible zone
- FUE for the mid-scalp and crown: Covers larger areas efficiently with excellent results
This combined approach costs 10% to 20% more than pure FUE but less than full DHI. It is increasingly popular at mid-range and premium Turkish clinics and offers an excellent balance of precision and efficiency.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose FUE (Sapphire) If:
- You need 3,500+ grafts
- Cost savings are important
- Your primary concern is crown or mid-scalp coverage
- You are comfortable with the shaved look during recovery
- You have Norwood 4 or higher
Choose DHI If:
- Your graft needs are under 3,000
- Hairline precision is your primary goal
- You want the no-shave option
- You are willing to pay a 20% to 50% premium
- You have Norwood 2 to 3 (hairline-focused restoration)
Choose Combined FUE + DHI If:
- You need 2,500 to 4,000 grafts
- You want maximum hairline quality plus efficient crown coverage
- You are willing to pay a moderate premium over pure FUE
- You have Norwood 3 to 5
Assess Your Needs First
Your technique choice depends on your hair loss pattern, graft requirements, and goals. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for a free AI assessment of your Norwood stage and graft needs. Bring this analysis to your consultation to discuss which technique best fits your situation.