Hair transplantation is a surgical operation, albeit minimally. Therefore, those who will undergo this procedure want to find answers to questions such as what are the harms and side effects of hair transplantation. We think that you will find the answers to all the questions you are curious about in our article.

Is Hair Transplant Harmful?

It is estimated that an average of 1500-2000 hair transplants are performed per day in Turkey. Of course, there may be some negative situations in such a high number of applications. Due to these negativities, it would not be right to generalize that hair transplantation is a harmful procedure. With the development of the FUE method, the side effects of hair transplantation have also decreased considerably. Therefore, questions such as whether hair transplantation is harmful to health have decreased considerably.

We have stated that hair transplantation is a minor surgical procedure. In this procedure, there will be some interventions with needles to the scalp. Many holes will be opened while the hair follicles are taken and transplanted. Therefore, pain will occur in this procedure where needles are used. In order to prevent pain, anesthesia and some medications will need to be applied before the procedure. Even a simple painkiller we take may have side effects and risks such as allergies. Complications that may occur in other surgical procedures are also possible in hair transplantation.

What are the risks of hair transplantation?

Complications that may occur in other surgical procedures are also possible in hair transplantation. These are general surgical risks that can be controlled with very simple precautions. We can collect the risks of hair transplantation under a few main headings. They are mostly risks that may be related to anesthesia.

Hair transplantation is generally performed with local anesthesia. Rarely, the patient is put to sleep with sedation. Although local anesthetics are generally safe, allergic reactions can occur.

  • Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure: It may develop due to local anesthesia. The vascular access must be open. By keeping the head down or feet up, it usually returns to normal in a short time.
  • Anesthesia-Related Pain Shock and Vomiting: During anesthesia, sudden blood pressure drops and temporary loss of consciousness may occur due to pain shock. Reflex vomiting and respiratory tract obstruction due to aspiration may occur. This is a rare condition. As a solution, it is recommended to have a light breakfast before the transplant. The stomach should not be overly full. In addition, if anesthesia is to be performed with sedation, the person should fast for 6 hours beforehand.
  • Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions may occur due to local anesthetics. In addition, some local anesthetics contain adrenaline. Adrenaline is a drug used in vital situations that can also cause heart rhythm disorders. As a solution, an experienced doctor or an anesthesiologist must be at the beginning of the procedure. If there is no doctor in the operation control, we recommend that you stay away from hair transplantation. Serious symptoms such as simple symptoms such as redness and itching, up to shortness of breath, may be observed. Before starting the hair transplantation procedure, vascular access must be open. If necessary, intravenous intervention may be required for emergency intervention.
  • Infection Risk: While investigating the harms of hair transplantation, the risk of infection should not be forgotten. As with other surgical procedures, sterilization must be taken into consideration. It must be ensured that the surgical materials to be used in the operation are sterile. If these rules are not followed, it is possible for an abscess to form in the transplanted areas after the transplant. Therefore, hair growth cannot be expected in these areas. In addition, necessary precautions should be taken against infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, C, and HIV.
  • Bleeding: In the Dhi method bleeding is not common and does not cause any problems. More bleeding than expected may occur in the FUE method. If the person is using blood thinners, it should be decided whether or not to stop the medication before the transplant.

What are the Side Effects of Hair Transplantation?

In fact, it is not quite right to call these side effects of hair transplantation. It is more accurate to consider them as normal situations that may occur after hair transplantation. Many of these side effects can pass without intervention. In some cases, intervention may be necessary.

  • Post-transplant swelling: Post-hair transplant swelling is an expected condition. It usually goes away on its own and can be overcome with simple measures.
  • Shock Shedding: We explained the subject in detail in our article titled Shock Shedding. It is a normal situation.
  • Post-Transplant Pain: There may be pain after the transplant, but it can be easily controlled with simple painkillers. Complaints of pain after the transplant are rare.
  • Itching: Itching is completely normal after transplantation. It is an indicator of wound healing. If itching is very bothersome, medication can be used.
  • Acne and Redness: After the transplant, there may be acne and redness in the donor area and the transplant area. Unless it is excessive, there is no need to do anything. It usually goes away on its own.
  • Head Trauma After Transplantation: The days after transplantation are important for the health of the roots. Especially in the first 10 days, a blow to the transplantation area can damage the hair roots.

Hair Transplant Damages Due to Faulty Procedure

In fact, when it comes to the harms of hair transplantation, this is the first and most important situation that should come to mind. We have examined this issue in detail in our bad and faulty hair transplantation topic. Anyone who wants to have a hair transplant does so to make themselves happier. Many hair transplants end in disappointment due to faulty applications. Most of these are permanent and irreversible procedures. In this case, the person who has the transplant is faced with spending the rest of his life unhappy. Therefore, the following points should be clarified before hair transplantation.

Hair transplant risks
  1. Is the person suitable for hair transplantation or not? In our opinion, it is very important to clarify before hair transplantation. Age, graft capacity, hairless area (in cm2), person’s expectations, etc. After all these are examined, the doctor will decide whether the person is suitable for hair transplantation or not. A person who is not suitable will not benefit from hair transplantation, but will suffer. The negative results of hair transplantation will also negatively affect the person’s psychological state.
  2. Natural Appearance After Transplantation: The transplanted hair has grown, but due to the incorrectly made front hairline, an unnatural appearance occurs. In our opinion, this should be understood when it comes to the harm of hair transplantation. The appearance should be natural and should not be understood by anyone else.

In conclusion, hair transplantation is not a harmful procedure for health. However, it must be done by a doctor and under his/her supervision. If it is done in accordance with medical rules, the risks that may occur in hair transplantation will decrease.

Does Hair Transplant Damage the Brain?

This is not possible in technique and practice. Our work is only with the scalp and is entered to a depth of 4-5 mm. The brain tissue is protected by a sheath called periosteum and is inside the skull. In short, hair transplantation has nothing to do with brain tissue.

Has anyone died from hair transplantation?

Yes, unfortunately there is. We definitely recommend that you have your hair transplant done at a place where a licensed physician is at the helm. Hair transplant is not a hairdressing procedure. It is a surgical intervention, albeit a minor one. Every surgical procedure can have some risks.

Will there be a fever after hair transplantation?

Although rare, fever may occur. If you develop a fever after the transplant, we recommend that you contact your doctor.

Does hair transplantation affect sexuality?

There is absolutely no relationship between hair transplantation and sexuality. Hair transplantation itself does not affect sexuality. If hormone drugs such as Propesia are used after transplantation, a decrease in sexual functions may occur due to these drugs.

In conclusion, hair transplantation is not a harmful procedure for health. However, it must be done by a doctor and under his/her supervision. If it is done in accordance with medical rules, the risks that may occur in hair transplantation will decrease.

Resources

Complications of Hair Restoration Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis https://www.ijtrichology.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7753;year=2014;volume=6;issue=4;spage=168;epage=172;aulast=Loganathan