10 Hair Transplant Side Effects & How To Avoid Them
A hair transplant can be a game-changer for those battling hair loss, but like any surgical procedure, it’s not without its risks. While it’s minimally invasive, choosing the right professional is key to avoiding unwanted complications. Knowing what could go wrong can help you make informed decisions and ensure you get the best possible results.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common side effects of hair transplants and what to look out for before taking the plunge—so you can restore your hair with confidence and peace of mind.
10 Things that can go wrong with a hair transplant
1. Donor-Site Wound Opening
Although rare, donor site can reopen due to slow healing. It's more common in people with diabetes or if stitches are removed too early. It's more likely with FUT (strip method) than FUE, which is less invasive. Proper care and avoiding strenuous activity can prevent this.
2. Tissue Damage (Necrosis)
Necrosis occurs when the tissue near the incision dies due to poor blood flow, often from too much tension on the wound. This can cause permanent hair loss in the affected area. It’s more common with FUT because of the larger incisions, but good surgical techniques can help prevent it.
3. Infection
Although rare, infections are possible complications of hair transplant surgery. They can occur when the procedure is performed in non-sterile conditions or post-operative care instructions are not followed properly. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is required to manage an infection.
4. Scarring
Both FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) techniques can leave some form of scarring. FUT, known for leaving a linear scar at the donor site, and FUE, which can cause tiny dot scars, might be noticeable depending on the haircut and healing quality. Good surgical techniques help minimise scarring in both methods.
5. Damage to Healthy Follicles
A hair transplant can sometimes result in the damage or death of existing healthy hair follicles. This can temporarily thin the surrounding hair, although it usually recovers over time if the scalp heals properly.
6. Poor Hair Regrowth
Improper handling of follicles, inadequate post-operative care, or a poorly designed hairline can lead to unsatisfactory hair regrowth. This might result in uneven density or an unnatural appearance, necessitating further corrective procedures.
7. Numbness
Deep incisions during a hair transplant can damage important nerves in the scalp, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. In rare instances, improper healing of these nerves can lead to the formation of neuromas—painful, benign lumps of nerve tissue that develop at the site of injury. This can occur in both FUT and FUE.
8. Folliculitis
Although hair transplants are safe procedures, it is vital that they are performed by an experienced hair transplant surgeon. One of the causes of folliculitis after hair transplant is poor graft placement or badly dissected grafts. In both FUE & FUT types of hair transplant, this can leave the incision sites wider than needed (1.2mm to 1.5mm), leading to large scabs (excessive crust formation). As a result, this can increase the chances of folliculitis after a hair restoration surgery.
9. Un-natural Looking Results
One of the most noticeable risks of a hair transplant is achieving an unnatural-looking result. This can happen if the new hairline is not appropriately planned or if the angle and direction of the transplanted hair do not match the natural hair growth.
10. Cysts
Sometimes, hair grafts can get pushed too deep into the skin during FUE, causing cysts. This happens when too much fluid is used to inflate the scalp or if the tools aren’t aligned properly. These cysts may need surgical removal.
Is Hair Transplant Safe?
Yes, a hair transplant is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. It is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of serious complications. The two main methods—FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)—both involve extracting hair follicles from one part of the scalp and transplanting them to areas of thinning or baldness.
At The Éterne Clinic, we offer FAASTTM FUE (Follicle-Activated Advanced Synchronised Transplant). In this advanced FUE method, follicles are carefully implanted into incisions on the recipient area just as they are extracted to minimise the time follicles spend outside the body, enhancing their viability and overall survival rate.
How to Minimise the Risk of Hair Transplant Side Effects?
To minimise the risk of hair transplant side effects, careful planning and professional expertise are key. Here are some essential steps to reduce complications:
1. Choose an Experienced Surgeon
Ensure your surgeon has specialised training and a strong track record in performing hair transplants. The more experienced they are, the less likely complications will arise.
2. Undergo a Detailed Consultation
A thorough pre-surgery consultation will help the surgeon assess your scalp, hair type, and medical history. This ensures that the procedure is customised to suit your needs and limits the chance of side effects like scarring or poor healing.
3. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions
Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain medications can increase the risk of complications. Make sure to follow your surgeon's pre-surgery guidelines strictly.
4. Post-Surgery Care
Proper aftercare is critical. Follow your surgeon’s advice on wound care, physical activity restrictions & medications to promote healing and avoid infections or scarring.
5. Avoid Aggressive Harvesting
In FUE, overharvesting of donor hair can lead to thinning in the donor area. Ensuring a balanced extraction plan is essential to maintain the health of both the donor & recipient sites.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Hair Transplant?
Here’s a checklist to see if you are a suitable candidate for a hair transplant:
- - You are over 25 years old (younger candidates may still experience hair loss progression).
- - You have a stable pattern of hair loss (ideally diagnosed as male or female pattern baldness).
- - You have sufficient donor hair available, typically at the back or sides of the scalp.
- - You are in good overall health, without conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or severe scalp disorders.
- - You have realistic expectations regarding results (a hair transplant can restore hair but won’t prevent future hair loss).
- - You have consulted with a specialist to understand the best procedure for your unique hair loss condition.
If you meet these criteria, you’re likely a good candidate for a successful hair transplant!
Takeaway
Hair transplants can significantly improve one's appearance and self-confidence, but it's important to go into the process informed about the potential risks and realistic about the possible outcomes. Consulting with a reputable hair restoration specialist who can provide a thorough assessment and tailored advice is essential.
If you’re considering a hair transplant, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. Book an appointment with our leading hair restoration expert who can guide you through your options and help ensure the best possible results for your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a hair transplant, the donor area may experience some discomfort and tenderness as the anesthesia wears off. This pain is typically mild and can be managed with prescribed pain relievers. It usually subsides significantly within a few days as the healing process progresses.
Ten years after a hair transplant, the results can still be visible and maintain the enhanced appearance if the procedure was performed correctly. However, natural hair loss might continue to occur, which could affect the overall density. Regular follow-ups and potential touch-up procedures might be necessary to maintain the desired look.