Hair transplantation is an increasingly popular method of combating baldness, which can significantly improve a patient’s appearance and self-esteem. However, like any medical procedure, it carries certain risks. In this article, we will answer the question of what can go wrong during the procedure. It’s worth being aware of potential complications to make an informed decision and increase the chances of success.
What can go wrong during the procedure?
1. Reactions to medications
Hair transplantation is performed under local anesthesia. Although it is a safe method, some patients may react abnormally to anesthetic drugs. Dizziness, nausea, palpitations or in extreme cases, allergic reactions are some of them. Therefore, a medical consultation must take place before the procedure to determine if the patient is eligible for the procedure.
2. Infection and inflammation
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Although hair transplantation is relatively minimally invasive, bacteria can enter the injured scalp, causing inflammation.
Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor site and at the hair implantation site. The office must comply with sanitary requirements, and the medical staff must ensure that the instruments are clean and that sterility is maintained during the procedure. Improper sterilization of instruments or lack of proper sterility can lead to infection. Of course, it is impossible to take care of complete sterility at home, so doctors usually prescribe antibiotics prophylactically.
Symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain and purulent discharge. Proper hygiene and the use of antibiotics can minimize this risk.
3. Bleeding
Bleeding may occur during the procedure, which is normal, but excessive bleeding can be a problem. The most common causes are health problems related to blood clotting or the use of medications that reduce blood clotting prior to surgery. Again, it is crucial to consult with your doctor, who will decide whether you are eligible for the procedure based on your blood test results and medical history.
4. Damage to hair follicles
Both during follicle harvesting and during implantation, the delicate tissue of the hair follicle can be damaged. Grasping hair follicles with tweezers too low, near the hair follicles, leads to their destruction. Such a follicle will no longer produce hair.
5. Storage of follicles
Between collection and in grafting, the hair follicles lie outside the patient’s body. They need to be given the right conditions to survive for several hours until they are implanted in the scalp. Adequate tissue storage solutions and the right temperature are key to ensuring the survival of the hair follicles.
6. Implanting the follicles
If hair follicles are not implanted properly, they will either not grow back at all or will grow in the wrong direction. If the follicles are implanted too shallow or too deep in the skin, the follicle will not be properly supplied with blood and will die. Implanting the hair at too high or low an angle and in the wrong direction will cause the hair to go bad. Hair implanted too infrequently, on the other hand, will not give proper density and adequate coverage of the scalp. All of this can be due to the doctor’s inexperience or the procedure being performed by unqualified individuals.
7. Swelling
Swelling after hair transplantation is quite common, especially in the first few days after the procedure. It usually appears first on the forehead and can also appear under the eyes. It does not interfere with the skin regeneration itself and does not threaten the hair follicles.
8. Abnormal healing and scarring
Some patients are prone to excessive scarring. Depending on the transplant technique, scarring can occur, especially with the FUT technique, which involves taking a strip of skin from the back of the scalp. The FUE technique is less invasive and does not leave linear scars in the harvest area.
9. Sensory nerve damage
Small sensory nerves in the scalp may be damaged during the procedure, which will manifest as a feeling of numbness or decreased sensation in the area of the procedure. Usually such symptoms subside within a few weeks or months, but in some cases they may last longer. They are often a natural consequence of the procedure and are due to the need to make incisions into the hair follicles.
10. Undiagnosed diseases
Sometimes some transplanted hair does not grow back properly, which can affect the final density and appearance of the hair after the procedure. This can be due to problems with blood supply to the scalp, improper care after the procedure, and most often due to undiagnosed diseases before the procedure. Some diseases do not produce symptoms before the hair transplant procedure, and the procedure itself may cause them to surface.
Follicular lichen planus or autoimmune diseases can “attack” the hair follicles and lead to poor regrowth. If you don’t see any new hair after three months, it’s a good idea to go for a consultation with your treating physician to see if healing and regrowth are going well. The earlier treatment is implemented, the better the results will be.
11. Post-traumatic shock – hair loss after transplantation
After a hair transplant procedure, so-called post-traumatic shock hair loss can occur, when the transplanted and surrounding hair falls out as a result of the procedure. This is a temporary condition and the hair grows back within a few months. In some cases, hair loss can be more severe and last longer than standard. To minimize the risk, it is a good idea to choose experienced specialists and reputable clinics, and to follow the pre- and post-treatment instructions.
12. Unsatisfactory aesthetic results
Even if the procedure is technically successful, not every patient is satisfied with the end result. It may turn out that the hair is too sparse, the hairline looks unnatural, or the result deviates from the patient’s expectations. Not all transplanted hair follicles may survive. This can result in uneven hair growth, making the hairstyle look unnatural. Sometimes another procedure is necessary to achieve a satisfactory result.
How to minimize the risk?
Choose an experienced specialist – the success of the procedure depends largely on the skill of the doctor.
Attention to hygiene and care – after the procedure, it is important to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations for scalp care.
Realistic expectations – it is advisable to discuss possible results with the doctor and be aware that full results will be visible only after several months.
Summary
Hair transplantation is an effective method for regaining a thick hairstyle, but it is worth being aware of possible complications. However, a well-conducted procedure and proper aftercare can significantly reduce the risk of problems.
It is worth remembering that the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery regularly warns against facilities that perform the procedure illegally, without the proper permits and without qualified personnel. Unfortunately, there are facilities around the world where you can’t count on the presence of any doctor. Always check who is going to perform the procedure because it is important to choose an experienced specialist and a clinic with a good reputation that uses proper techniques and adheres to surgical standards.
You can read more about hair transplantation HERE. If the problem concerns you, we invite you to CONTACT us. You can also schedule a visit ON-LINE. Visit us on Instagram and TikTok.
See the effect of a hair transplant at Kierach Medical Clinic:
