Achieving a natural hairline requires precision, not just growth. The Choi Implanter Pen transforms Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) by allowing surgeons to control angle and depth simultaneously. This advanced tool minimizes trauma and maximizes graft survival, offering a dense, seamless look without the need for extensive shaving.
What Is the Choi Implanter Pen?
The Choi Implanter Pen is a sophisticated medical instrument originally developed at Kyungpook National University in Korea. Unlike standard surgical forceps, this device features a hollow needle attached to a plunger mechanism. The needle diameters typically range from 0.6mm to 1.0mm, allowing for the accommodation of different hair follicle sizes, from single to multiple grafts.
This variability is crucial for surgeons. It enables the precise handling of delicate follicular units without direct manual contact, significantly reducing the risk of mechanical trauma. By protecting the hair bulb during the transfer, the Choi Pen helps ensure higher viability rates for the transplanted hair, which is a cornerstone of modern Hair Transplant Turkey procedures.
The DHI Difference: How the Choi Pen Works
The primary distinction of the Choi Pen lies in its ability to combine two surgical steps into one. In traditional methods, a surgeon must first create recipient channels (incisions) and then manually insert grafts using forceps. The DHI technique streamlines this process efficiently. The extracted graft is carefully loaded into the hollow needle of the pen by a specialized technician, and the surgeon implants it directly into the scalp.
As the needle pierces the skin to the predetermined depth, the surgeon depresses the plunger, depositing the graft simultaneously. This “stick-and-place” method allows for complete control over the direction and angle of hair growth. Consequently, clinics performing DHI can achieve higher density packing—often exceeding 50 to 60 grafts per square centimeter—creating a fuller and more natural appearance compared to older techniques.
Key Advantages of Using the Choi Implanter Pen
The adoption of the Choi Pen in Hair Transplant clinics has surged due to its tangible benefits for patients. The most significant advantage is the preservation of the recipient area’s integrity. Since the pen creates the micro-incision and implants the follicle simultaneously, there is significantly less bleeding and trauma compared to traditional channel opening methods.
- Enhanced Graft Survival Rates: By reducing the time grafts spend outside the body (ischemia time) and minimizing handling, survival rates often exceed 95%.
- Faster Recovery Time: The micro-incisions created by the pen heal rapidly. Patients typically experience minimal scabbing and can often return to their daily routines within 1 to 3 days.
- No-Shave Procedures: The Choi Pen is the gold standard for unshaven hair transplants. Surgeons can implant between existing hairs without damaging them, making it the preferred choice for women and men wanting to keep their hair long during the process.
DHI vs. FUE Sapphire: Which Method is Best?
While both techniques are effective, understanding the difference between DHI (using the Choi Pen) and Sapphire FUE is vital for making an informed decision regarding Hair Transplant Cost and results. Sapphire FUE utilizes a blade made from sapphire gemstone to open channels before implantation, whereas DHI implants directly.
For patients requiring extensive coverage (4,000+ grafts), Sapphire FUE is often more time-efficient. However, for high-density requirements on the hairline or crown, the Choi Pen offers superior precision.
Here is a breakdown of how these two leading techniques compare:
Feature | DHI (Choi Implanter Pen) | Sapphire FUE |
Implantation Method | Direct (Stick-and-Place) | Two-step (Channel opening then placement) |
Shaving Requirement | No Shave options available | Usually requires full shaving |
Procedure Duration | Longer (Requires more precision) | Faster (Ideal for mega-sessions) |
Bleeding & Recovery | Minimal bleeding, faster healing | Low bleeding, standard recovery |
Ideal Candidate | High density, hairline, women | Large balding areas (Norwood 4+) |
Cost | Generally higher (Labor intensive) | More economical for high graft counts |
Why Choose Hair Transplant Turkey for Your DHI Procedure?
Turkey has firmly established itself as the global capital of hair restoration, attracting over 1 million medical tourists annually. The primary driver is not just affordability, but the unparalleled level of specialization. In our clinic, teams perform thousands of DHI procedures yearly, honing a level of dexterity with the Choi Pen that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Clinics like Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic are at the forefront of this industry. Dr. Aygin, a pioneer with over 25 years of experience, was among the first to integrate the Choi Implanter Pen into standard practice. This high volume of cases translates to predictable, high-quality outcomes. When you choose Turkey, you aren’t just buying a medical service; you are accessing a mature healthcare infrastructure designed specifically for international patients, ensuring safety and satisfaction.
Hair Transplant Before and After: What to Expect with Choi Pen
Visualizing the journey is crucial for patient satisfaction. When looking at Hair Transplant Before and After photos involving DHI, pay close attention to the hairline design and density. Because the Choi Pen allows for specific angulation, the “after” results should show hair growing in a completely natural direction, indistinguishable from your native hair.
The timeline for results follows a specific biological process:
- Days 1-10: Healing period. Scabs form and fall off.
- Months 1-3: The “Shock Loss” phase occurs. Transplanted hairs shed, which is a completely normal part of the cycle.
- Months 4-6: New, permanent growth begins. You will see thin hairs sprouting.
- Months 12-18: Final maturation. The hair thickens, and the full density is achieved. Patience is key, but the high-density results of the Choi Pen are worth the wait.
Understanding Hair Transplant Cost with the Choi Pen
One of the most common questions involves the price difference between Turkey and Western countries. The Hair Transplant Cost in the US or UK for a DHI procedure can range from $10,000 to $15,000. In contrast, premium clinics in Turkey offer the same high-standard procedure for approximately 70% less.
This disparity is not due to a lack of quality, but rather lower operational costs and currency exchange rates in Turkey. Furthermore, Turkish clinics typically offer “all-inclusive packages.”
These usually cover:
- The DHI operation with maximum grafts.
- VIP transfers between the airport, hotel, and clinic.
- Accommodation in a 4 or 5-star hotel.
- Pre-operative blood tests and post-operative medication.
- Follow-up support.
This transparency ensures there are no hidden fees, making world-class hair restoration accessible to a wider demographic.
FAQs
Is the Choi Implanter Pen procedure painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Additionally, many clinics now use needle-free anesthesia (dermojet) to numb the skin before any injections, ensuring a virtually pain-free experience.
Can women undergo hair transplants using the Choi Pen?
Yes. The Choi Pen is the ideal tool for women because it allows for placement between existing hair strands without the need to shave the entire head (unshaven hair transplant).
How long does the surgery take?
A DHI session typically takes longer than standard FUE due to the precision required. Depending on the number of grafts (usually up to 3,500 for DHI), it can take between **6 to 8 hours**.
Are the results permanent?
Yes. The hair follicles are extracted from the donor area (usually the back of the head), which is genetically resistant to hair loss (DHT). Once transplanted, they retain this resistance for life.
What is the maximum number of grafts with Choi Pen?
While DHI is excellent for density, it is typically capped at around 3,500 to 4,000 grafts per session due to the time-intensive nature of the implantation. For higher numbers, a two-day session or a hybrid method might be recommended.
Take the first step toward a permanent solution. Schedule your free online consultation with Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic now to receive a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.




