Hair transplant is a very safe procedure; most complications are uncommon and easily managed. Here we list the possible complications.
After doing hundred of cases, we are capable of prevent and manage all these problems. The earlier our doctor can attend to, the quicker your recovery.
Intraoperative Emergency
This is extremely rare in our level I office Procedure, when only local anesthesia and conscious sedation are used.
Our Prevention
- All patients are personally examine by our doctor
- General health, allergy, medication are all noted
- Careful selection of patients
- Close monitoring during procedure
- Standby equipment & well trained staff
- Doctor is in office at all time
Swelling around the Eyes
tumescence fluid is injected to prevent pain and bleeding during extraction and implantation of the graft . After procedure when you resume the upright position this tumescence will drain down to your face and eyes, usually on the third day and lasts a week. This is harmless but unsightly and, once happens, nothing really helps.
Our Prevention
- Our tumescence is specially formulated to prevent swelling
- Avoid bending and eating salty food
- Massage any forehead swelling sideways
- Cool pack placed over the forehead for 15 minutes
- We provide special headband to avoid this
Wound Infection
In our center the infection rate is close to 0%.
Our Prevention
- The routine use of antibiotic
- Antiseptic hair wash before surgery
- Operate under an aseptic environment
- Follow-up on day 1 after procedure
- Meticulous wound care
- Avoid sweating from strenuous exercise
- Frequent hair wash at home
- Prompt recognition and treatment
Numbness over the Transplanted Area
Making incisions temporarily traumatize the very superficial nerves. This may lead to numbness or pins-and-needles sensation. In a sense it is good as you won’t feel any pain in the transplanted area. The course varies amongst patients, lasting from weeks to months. It does not affect your daily activities, felt only when touched. Full recovery is the rule.
Our Prevention
- The generous use of tumescence
- Set a depth guard to the implanters to avoid too deep penetration
- Keep the entry angle of the implanter rather flat to the skin
- Avoid overdose of local anesthesia
- Reassurance of full recovery
Pustules & Pimples
Small pimples or pustules are commonly found at 1 month and the 4 month after surgery. This is a benign condition and would not affect the final result. The old hair shaft detached from the graft and causes the problems :
- Irritating the skin (foreign body reaction)
- Blocking the new hair from coming out
- Ingrown hair
Our Prevention
- Treatment is rather simple
- Squeeze out the pus and cleaned with alcohol or betadine
- Remove any hair spicule if loosen
- Maintain good hygiene with daily hair washing
- Avoid tight cap, hat, helmet, or hairpiece
- Apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed
- On rare occasion oral antibiotic may be needed.
Hair Loss around the Donor area
Shedding of hair usually occurs 2-4 weeks after procedure. This is extremely unpredictable. Full recovery is the rule but may take 4 months to re- grow.
Our Prevention
- Every patient is informed
- Apply Minoxidil to the area after surgery may help
- Reassurance of full recovery
Hair Loss around the Transplanted Area
This is the well known Shock Loss with shedding of existing hair within and around the transplanted area.
Usually affects women with weak miniaturized hairs. Hair loss begins about 1 month and continue for 2-3 months. Appearance improves when the transplanted hairs start to grow.
Our Prevention
- Apply Minoxidil to the area after surgery.
- In men shaving the transplanted area is the best prevention.
- Avoid transecting pre-existing hair follicles during implantation.
Summary
Reviewer
Gaurav Daksh
Review Date
Reviewed Item
Side effects of hair transplant and its prevention
Author Rating
