How to Find the Best DHI Clinic
Choosing the right DHI clinic is the single most important decision in your hair transplant process. The surgeon's skill, the clinic's protocols, and the support team directly determine whether you get the 90% to 95% graft survival rate that makes DHI effective, or a poor result that requires costly revision.
Patients who research their options thoroughly report 60% fewer post-operative surprises. This guide walks you through every step of evaluating DHI providers.
Step 1: Verify Surgeon Credentials
The person performing your DHI procedure should have verifiable medical qualifications and hair transplant experience.
Check for these credentials:
- Board certification in dermatology or plastic surgery
- Membership in ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) or equivalent national body
- Specific training in DHI technique using the Choi Implanter Pen
- Minimum 5 years of hair transplant experience
- Verifiable patient before-and-after galleries
Red flag: If the clinic cannot provide the operating surgeon's name and credentials before booking, walk away.
Step 2: Evaluate Before-and-After Photos
A reliable clinic publishes extensive before-and-after photo galleries. Here is how to assess them properly.
What to look for:
- Photos taken at 12+ months post-surgery (earlier photos do not show final results)
- Consistent lighting and angles across before-and-after pairs
- Patients with similar Norwood stages and hair types to yours
- A minimum of 20 to 30 documented cases
- Multiple angles: front, profile, top-down, and hairline close-up
Red flags:
- Stock photos or photos without case details
- Only showing best outcomes (no range of results)
- Heavy photo editing or filtering
- All photos taken at 6 months or earlier
Step 3: Assess the Clinical Environment
The physical clinic and its operating procedures directly impact graft survival and infection risk.
During your consultation or virtual tour, evaluate:
- Dedicated surgical suite (not a regular exam room)
- Sterile instrument handling protocols
- Graft storage solutions (Hypothermosol or ATP-supplemented saline indicates serious quality)
- Team size (DHI typically requires 3 to 5 trained technicians)
- How they handle the Choi Implanter Pen (preloaded by technicians or surgeon)
Red flag: Clinics that do not allow you to see the operating environment or meet the surgical team before booking.
Step 4: Understand the Pricing Structure
DHI costs vary significantly by region. Knowing the typical range helps you identify both overcharging and suspiciously cheap offerings.
Typical DHI cost per graft by region (2026):
| Region | Cost per Graft (USD) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $1 to $2 |
| India | $0.50 to $1.50 |
| Thailand | $1.50 to $3 |
| Europe | $2.50 to $4.50 |
| UK | $3 to $5 |
| USA | $4 to $6 |
| South Korea | $3 to $5 |
What should be included in the price:
- Pre-operative blood tests and consultation
- The procedure itself with all medical supplies
- Post-operative medication (antibiotics, painkillers, anti-swelling)
- At least one follow-up appointment
- Emergency contact line for post-op concerns
Red flags: Prices far below regional averages with no explanation, hidden fees revealed after booking, or pressure to add unnecessary extras.
Step 5: Check Reviews and Patient Testimonials
Independent reviews provide insight that clinic marketing cannot.
Where to look:
- Google Reviews (minimum 4.0 stars with 50+ reviews)
- RealSelf.com for hair transplant-specific ratings
- Trustpilot
- Hair loss forums (HairRestorationNetwork, Reddit r/HairTransplants)
- Social media patient groups
What to look for in reviews:
- Comments about the 12-month result, not just the day-of experience
- How the clinic handled complications or concerns
- Whether the final graft count matched what was promised
- Communication quality during the months-long recovery process
Step 6: Ask the Right Questions During Consultation
Your consultation is your opportunity to evaluate the clinic from the inside.
Essential questions to ask:
- Who will perform the actual extraction and implantation? (Surgeon vs. technicians)
- What is your average graft survival rate, and how do you measure it?
- How many DHI procedures does the surgeon perform per month?
- What graft storage solution do you use, and how long are grafts outside the body?
- What happens if I am not satisfied with the results?
- Can I speak with previous patients who had a similar Norwood stage?
Step 7: Compare Multiple Clinics
Never book with the first clinic you consult. Comparing at least three clinics gives you a baseline for quality, pricing, and communication.
Create a comparison checklist:
| Criteria | Clinic A | Clinic B | Clinic C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon credentials | |||
| Years of DHI experience | |||
| Number of cases shown | |||
| Cost per graft | |||
| Included in price | |||
| Review score | |||
| Graft survival rate claimed | |||
| Follow-up policy |
Know Your Needs Before You Visit
Walking into a clinic without knowing your Norwood stage and estimated graft count puts you at a disadvantage. Clinics may under-recommend grafts to lower the quoted price, or over-recommend to increase revenue.
Get your free AI hair loss assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to identify your Norwood stage and graft needs before your first consultation. Having this data lets you evaluate whether a clinic's recommendation matches evidence-based guidelines.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always verify clinic credentials independently and consult with qualified medical professionals before undergoing any procedure.