Hair loss is a common problem for both men and women. It can happen due to age, genetics, stress, or health conditions. For many people, losing hair affects their confidence. That is why more people are turning to hair transplant surgery to get their hair back.
There are many types of hair transplant methods. Some of the well-known ones include FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). These methods have been used for years with good results. However, new techniques are always being developed to improve results and make the process easier for patients.
One of the newer techniques that has caught people’s attention is the “tubes hair transplant.” It sounds different, and it is. But what is a tubes hair transplant and is it better? Is it safe? And most importantly—does it work?
In this article, we’ll explore what a tubes hair transplant is, how it works, what makes it unique, and whether it might be the right option for you.
What Is a Tubes Hair Transplant?
The term “tubes hair transplant” refers to a method that uses a specialized tool called a tube implanter or tube punch to assist with the transplant process. This tool allows doctors to extract and implant hair follicles in a more controlled and precise way.
Unlike traditional FUE, where the surgeon uses a sharp tool to manually make incisions and insert hair follicles, the tubes method uses a hollow needle-like tool. The tool is shaped like a small tube and helps place the follicle into the skin without the need for pre-made cuts.
This method is often considered more advanced because it combines extraction and implantation into one smoother process. The goal is to reduce trauma to the scalp, shorten healing time, and improve the survival rate of the transplanted hairs.
Some clinics may refer to this method by different names, like “DHI” (Direct Hair Implantation) or “pen implanter technique,” but the core idea is the same: using a tube to help insert the follicle more gently and accurately.
How Does the Tubes Technique Work?
Let’s break down the steps of a typical tubes hair transplant:
1. Shaving and Preparation
First, the donor area is shaved. This is usually the back or sides of the head, where hair is thicker and more resistant to falling out. The doctor will clean the area and may apply local anesthesia to prevent pain.
2. Extraction of Hair Follicles
Using a small, hollow punch (often between 0.6 to 1 mm in diameter), the surgeon gently extracts individual hair follicles. These punches are part of the tubes system and are designed to minimize damage to the follicle.
3. Sorting and Storing
The extracted hair follicles are sorted and stored in a special solution that keeps them healthy until they are implanted. The doctor may choose follicles with one, two, or more hairs depending on where they will be placed.
4. Implantation Using Tube Implanters
This is where the tubes method shines. The surgeon loads each follicle into a tube implanter, sometimes called a Choi pen. The pen allows the doctor to insert the follicle directly into the skin at the right angle, depth, and direction in one step.
This is different from traditional FUE, where the doctor first makes cuts in the skin and then inserts the follicles by hand. The tubes method makes this a one-step process, which can save time and reduce bleeding and trauma.
What Are the Benefits of the Tubes Hair Transplant?
Many people choose this method because of the advantages it offers. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. More Natural Results
Because the tool controls the angle and direction of each hair, the final result can look more natural. The doctor can match the natural flow of your hair more easily.
2. Faster Healing Time
Since the skin is not cut as much and the tool is gentle, your scalp may heal faster. You may see less swelling, redness, or scabbing compared to other methods.
3. Less Risk of Scarring
The small size of the punch and the lack of large cuts mean less chance of visible scars. This is especially helpful for people who like to wear their hair short.
4. Better Follicle Survival Rate
Some studies suggest that placing follicles directly into the skin using a tube implanter helps protect them. This may lead to more successful growth over time.
5. Comfortable Experience
Patients often report that the procedure is more comfortable. The surgery may also take less time overall, depending on how many grafts are needed.
What Are the Downsides?
While the tubes method offers many benefits, it’s not perfect for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Higher Cost
This method may be more expensive than regular FUE or FUT. The tools used are more advanced, and the process requires more skill.
2. Surgeon Skill Matters
Success with this method depends a lot on the surgeon’s experience. Not all clinics offer this method, and not all doctors are trained in using the tools correctly.
3. Not Ideal for Large Areas
For people with large bald areas, the tubes method may not always be the best choice. It can take longer to implant thousands of grafts using this method.
4. Longer Surgery Time
Although the healing time may be faster, the actual surgery may take longer because each hair is placed carefully by hand.
Is Tubes Hair Transplant the Same as DHI?
You may have heard of DHI, or Direct Hair Implantation. It is a brand name for a technique that uses an implanter pen—just like the tubes method. In most cases, these terms refer to the same or very similar processes.
However, not every clinic uses the DHI brand, so they might call it “tubes transplant,” “pen method,” or “direct implantation.” What matters most is the tool used and how skilled the surgeon is in using it.
So, while the terms may differ, the approach is quite similar. It focuses on implanting hairs directly using a pen or tube to reduce trauma and improve accuracy.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Tubes Method?
Not everyone needs this technique, but it may be the best choice for:
People who want a natural-looking hairline
Those with smaller areas of hair loss
Women who want to avoid shaving their entire head
Patients who want faster recovery and less downtime
Anyone looking for minimal scarring
A consultation with a hair transplant doctor is the best way to know if this method is right for you. The doctor will look at your hair type, scalp condition, and expectations.
What Is the Recovery Like?
After a tubes hair transplant, you will still need to care for your scalp. The first few days are very important.
Most people return to work within a week. Redness and swelling may last a few days, but it should improve quickly. You will need to avoid heavy exercise, sweating, or touching the scalp during the early healing phase.
The transplanted hairs will fall out after a few weeks. This is normal. New hairs usually start growing after 3 to 4 months, and full results can be seen in 12 to 18 months.
Your doctor may give you special shampoos and aftercare tips to help with healing and growth.
Conclusion
The tubes hair transplant is a modern, advanced technique that can offer excellent results—especially for people who want a gentle, precise, and natural-looking procedure.
It is not the cheapest option, and it may not be right for every case. But for those who are a good fit, the method can bring better outcomes and higher satisfaction.
As with any medical procedure, the skill of the surgeon matters the most. Always choose a qualified, experienced clinic that can show real results from past patients.
If you are thinking about getting a hair transplant and want something gentle, accurate, and effective, the tubes method may be worth considering.
Related topics:
- How about the Hair Transplant Industry in Turkey?
- Does Planted Hair Grow? The Science Behind Hair Transplant Success
- How Painful Is Fue Hair Transplant? A Surgeon’s Honest Breakdown
