If you are to get a hair transplant surgery soon, you may be wondering how it is done and what is waiting for you afterwards the surgery, especially in the course of recovery period. Nevertheless, to further comprehend, it is not a good way to only mention side effects and risks, it should also be mentioned what the surgery is and in which principles surgeons operate.
Hair transplantation is a surgical operation that mainly stems from removing hair follicles from one part of the body, known as the donor site, and transplanting them to another part of the body, generally, bald or balding portion of the body, referred to as the recipient site. The procedure usually wants to treat male pattern baldness. Grafts containing hair follicles that are genetically resistant to balding, such as the back of the head, are transferred to the bald scalp in this minimally invasive treatment. Hair transplantation can also be used to restore eyelashes, brows, beard hair, chest hair, pubic hair, and to fill in scars from accidents or surgery, such as facelifts and previous hair transplants.
As you may see, it is a complicated method which contains several steps and phases. Thus, it is very natural that it has its own risks and side effects. Yes, it is true. There are several side effects and risks of the surgery, nevertheless, if you find a skilled and experienced surgeon, it will be an easy task to get the surgery.
So, here are certain risks and side effects of the hair transplant surgery;
- Infection is extremely unlikely if the surgery is performed in a well-known facility by an experienced specialist. However, there is still a chance. In such a circumstance, a simple antibiotic prescription from a doctor can address the problem. If you do not follow your surgeon’s advice and instructions, the entire procedure may be jeopardized due to the possibility of infection. As a result, you should listen to your surgeon’s advice and be prepared to deal with any minor complications that arise during the procedure.
- Some patients experience discomfort, particularly if they have had FUT hair transplants. For the same reason, surgeons usually prescribe pain killers to treat the pain, which should subside within 2-3 days. If the pain persists, you should contact a doctor because it is both persistent and mild.
- In rare cases, fluid accumulation may cause the patient’s scalp, also known as the recipient area, to swell. This may also cause some pain and discomfort. The swelling should subside in a few days, but if it persists, the patient should consult a doctor. When fluid is produced on the scalp, it can occasionally flow down near the eye, causing bruising or even black eye. This isn’t a big deal because it will heal in a few days.
- When a patient has hair transplantation via FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant), a very thin line of scarring appears in the donor location, although this should diminish over time. Nonetheless, the scar’s visibility is entirely reliant on the patient’s scalp and the healing process. The majority of visible scars can be concealed by short hair growth.
- This may appear to be the exact opposite of why you did the hair transplant treatment in the first place, but it is simply a post-surgery condition for which no measures are required. You would notice the original thickness of your hair in a matter of months.
- This is another item that could catch you off guard. Because of the surgery’s shock, otherwise healthy and unaffected hair begins to fall and may cause concern. However, this is a post-surgical situation, and the hair will regenerate in its natural state.
- Most patients experience hair growth in the recipient area within a few months; however, there have been instances when there was no new hair growth or the development was limited to specific places. In such cases, the patient must go through the entire procedure again.
- Ingrown hairs can occur if the transplanted hair follicle curls under. This may cause the hair to appear out of place in relation to the rest of the hair. It may also induce scalp inflammation and infection.
- Itching may occur if a string of pimple-like bubbles appears on the recipient area. This should be followed by the application of a solution to keep the recipient region wet.
- As this is a surgical operation, there is a chance of some bleeding during and after the procedure. Although the doctor ensures that there is as little bleeding as possible throughout the process, there may be some bleeding in the donor location that should stop if pressure is given to the part. However, if the bleeding is severe, you should see a doctor right away.
So, as you see, there may be several issues that you should keep in mind. To make it easier, here is the list of the issues that you may experience.
Furthermore, you will use some kind of medicine afterwards the surgery, they also may affect you and you may experience;
- Heart rate fluctuation
- Headaches dizziness
- Irritated scalp
- Sexual dysfunction
- Enlargement of the hand, foot, or breast
- Discomfort in the chest
Moreover, anesthetics are a group of medications that can induce negative effects in some persons. Your anesthesiologist will inform you of any side effects you may suffer after receiving a certain type of anesthesia, as well as the steps that will be taken to mitigate them. So, you may also exposure to the side effects of the anesthesia such as;
- Being unwell or feeling sick
- Headaches
- Shivering or feeling cold bruises and discomfort
- Difficulties urinating, dizziness, and a tingling sensation
- Pains and aches
To sum up, hair transplantation is a reasonably safe surgery, with the majority of negative effects being transitory and dissipating with time. Although there is a risk of long-term problems, the likelihood of occurrence is low. As a result, the procedure’s benefits will outweigh all of its drawbacks and risks. On the other hand, you should consult with your doctor or a transplant surgeon before deciding on either hair transplant process; they will give you the best advice and determine whether you are a qualified candidate for the surgery or not.
How Dangerous Is Hair Transplant?
Hair transplant is normally harmless if performed by a competent, knowledgeable board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Individuals’ bodily reactions and healing skills vary widely, and the outcome is never totally anticipated. However, like with any surgical surgery, infection is possible. Some scalp-reduction operations may result in excessive bleeding and/or broad scars, sometimes known as “stretch-back” scars created by stress. On the other hand, there is a chance that some of the grafts will not take in transplant surgeries. As you can see, there is no great deal, and the procedure is not harmful, especially in the hands of a qualified physician.
Are hair transplants safe?
A hair transplant is usually a safe treatment, but there is still a tiny risk of bruising, infections, and an inflammatory response to the anaesthetize, as with any form of operation. Of course, your doctor will be able to fix these issues swiftly, but you are the one in charge. If you suspect something is amiss with the procedure, you will go to your doctor and no one else.
On the other side, there is a slight chance that the transplant may fail and the hair will fall out, or that a visible scar will appear.
So, in general, getting a hair transplant surgery is a safe process.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-hair-transplant-work#side-effects
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/hair-transplant/
