Hair Transplant Risks: Understanding the Concerns and Pseudo Side Effects

Although hair transplant surgery is typically considered safe, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and side effects that can occur. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the possible complications associated with hair transplant surgery, ensuring that you can make an informed decision before proceeding with the procedure.

Potential Side Effects of Hair Transplant Surgery

While hair transplant surgery is generally a safe procedure, it is not without its risks. Here is a comprehensive list of potential side effects and complications to consider:

Bleeding

Bleeding is a common occurrence during and after hair transplant surgery. However, your surgeon will take measures to control bleeding during the procedure and provide post-operative care instructions to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding. This is typically not a cause for significant concern.

Infection

Infection is a minor risk during and after hair transplant surgery. Proper sterilization techniques and the use of antibiotics prescribed by the surgeon can help reduce the risk of infection.

Scarring

Hair transplant surgery involves removing hair follicles from the donor site and transplanting them to the recipient site. Small round scars may develop at the donor site in FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or a linear scar in FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation). It is important to note that there is a misconception that FUE is scarless. In reality, FUE leaves many small round scars, which can be noticeable if the hair is cut very short. Overextraction with FUE can make these scars more prominent.

Swelling

Swelling is common in the scalp and forehead after surgery and usually subsides within a few days to a week. This is a normal post-operative phenomenon.

Pain and Discomfort

Some degree of pain or discomfort can be expected after the surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help manage any discomfort during the recovery period.

Itching

Itching in the transplanted area is normal during the healing process. It is important to avoid scratching or picking at the grafts to prevent damage or infection. Your surgeon may provide instructions and medications to alleviate itching.

Shock Loss

Some existing hairs in the recipient or donor area may temporarily shed as a response to the trauma of the surgery. This is known as shock loss and is usually temporary.

Uneven Hair Growth

In some cases, the transplanted hair may not grow uniformly, resulting in uneven hair growth or density.

Numbness or Lack of Sensation

Temporary numbness or lack of sensation in the donor or recipient areas is possible after the surgery. This usually resolves over time but can persist in rare cases.

Cysts

Small cysts may form at the transplant site but are usually benign and resolve on their own. Your surgeon can drain or remove them if necessary.

Hiccups

Some patients may experience temporary hiccups immediately after surgery due to irritation of the diaphragm. This usually resolves on its own.

Death Due to Hair Transplant

There have been rare cases of patients dying following hair transplant surgery, which are usually associated with medical negligence. It is crucial to choose a reputable center with certified medical practitioners and avoid shady places or unqualified technicians.

Pseudo Side Effects of Hair Transplant

One common pseudo side effect of hair transplant is the failure of results over time. Many patients experience good results for 6-8 months after the procedure, but the results may vanish, and in some cases, baldness may progress further.

This pseudo side effect is often due to patients being taken off finasteride prematurely, which is prescribed to reduce the risk of hair loss. The results seen post-transplant are mainly due to the effects of finasteride. It is critical to fully understand the temporary nature of finasteride results. If the medication is stopped, the hair will revert to its previous state.

Take Home Message: To avoid any complications, always seek a certified doctor or dermatologist, choose a reputable place with high standards of operating theater sterilization and hygiene, and only start finasteride after visible transplant results. Be prepared to continue taking the medication long-term to maintain the best possible outcome.