Hair transplantation is a very safe treatment option for people who have a hair loss problem or are experiencing hair loss, with few risks or complications. However, it does carry some risks, as does any surgical procedure. So what exactly are these dangers?
Possible side effects or complications
There are some minor and temporary side effects, including pre-existing hair thinning. Some pre-existing hair may become thinner after surgery in rare cases. However, there is nothing to worry about moving forward. Because pre-existing hair will grow back a few months after the surgery.
Risk of bleeding
Some bleeding is normal during and after the procedure and can be stopped with simple methods. Persistent bleeding is extremely rare, occurring in about one in a few hundred cases. Also, additional stitches to stop the bleeding are rarely needed.
You may have pain
Hair transplant surgery causes very little pain and the severity of the pain is very low. Half of the patients do not require pain medication, but those with a low pain threshold can take mild pain medication for a few days. Of course, these medications are under the supervision of a physician.
Conflicts may occur
The area where the procedure is performed is usually numb for a short time. This can last from 3 to 18 weeks.
May have hiccups
Yes, you read that right… Hiccups are a common side effect of surgery. Although the cause is unknown, it is thought that hiccups are more common after hair transplants due to the procedures performed on the scalp. The chance of it occurring on its own is about 5%. It can last from a few hours to several days.
Itching may occur
Itching may occur, but it is rare and lasts only a few days. Keeping your hair clean and washing it daily will help relieve the discomfort.
Swelling may be observed
Swelling is rare after a hair transplant. Swelling of the forehead and around the eyes is common and may last for 1 to 2 days. In about 1% of cases, a “black eye” may develop.
The infection can develop
The infection is rare, occurring in only one in ten thousand people and is easily treated with antibiotics.
Scars may remain
Human skin heals through a process known as fibrosis when it is cut. This fibrosis is commonly referred to as scarring, and it is the skin’s way of self-healing. The areas of scarring in hair follicle transplants are usually so small that the fibrosis is almost imperceptible, if not undetectable. The goal of hair transplantation is to achieve a completely natural appearance. In the vast majority of cases, micro technologies are used to make the restored hairline virtually undetectable. One thing that people who wish to undergo the procedure should be aware of is that scarring occurs in genetically predisposed individuals, and scarring can cause a supportive effect even more rarely (one in a thousand cases).
Cysts can occur
One or more cysts may form in the recipient area due to the large number of grafts placed during the procedure. Of course, this condition usually disappears on its own after a few weeks, either spontaneously or with some simple treatments. They are usually no more than 2 or 3 mm in diameter or the size of small pimples.
In general, the hair transplant risks we have discussed are not situations that will cause extreme fear and panic. Hair transplantation has few risks as long as it is performed by widely recognized doctors with proven competence. As previously mentioned, the majority of these risks are risk-free situations that only last a few days or hours.
Side effects and follow-up of hair transplantation
Hair transplantation is a procedure that does not pose any significant risks to the patient. However, some minor side effects are observed in some people. These include edema, itching, crusting, scalp numbness, etc. In very rare cases, infection may occur due to lack of hygiene. These side effects resulting from hair transplantation can be avoided with careful monitoring.
Pain may occur in the days following your hair transplant. Your plastic surgeon will give you medication to relieve them. Post-operative monitoring is mandatory and will help accelerate the healing process. The professional will also ensure that the hair grows back as soon as possible. During the healing phase of the micro-injuries, you must gently pass your hand over the treated area to wash it. You can use shampoo two or three days after the operation.
