Common Hair Transplant Side Effects

Common Hair Transplant Side Effects:

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Pain and Discomfort

It’s normal to experience some discomfort in the first few days following your hair transplant. The procedure can leave the scalp feeling tender, and as the anaesthesia wears off, you may experience mild pain or bruising around the donor and recipient areas. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate this discomfort. This pain usually subsides within a week and shouldn’t interfere with your day-to-day activities for long. If the pain persists or worsens, it’s important to contact your surgeon.

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Itchiness

Itchiness on the scalp is a common side effect, often occurring within the first week after surgery. This is due to the healing process as the transplanted hair follicles regenerate. While it may be tempting, it’s crucial not to scratch the area, as this can dislodge the newly implanted grafts.

To help with the itchiness, your clinic may provide a saline spray to soothe the area for use in the first few days post surgery. If the itching persists beyond a week, it could be a sign of an infection, such as folliculitis, which may require antibiotics.

Scabbing and Crusting
Scabs and crusts forming around the transplanted hair and donor sites are common in the first 7-10 days after surgery. This is a positive sign that the body is healing itself by forming protective clots to prevent infection. However, picking at these scabs can disrupt the healing process and potentially lead to infection or damage to the new grafts.

It’s best to let the scabs fall off naturally. Most clinics will advise against washing the scalp too vigorously during the first week to avoid dislodging the grafts prematurely.

Swelling

Swelling around the scalp, forehead, or even the eyes can occur in the first few days after the procedure. This is usually caused by the local anaesthetic used during the surgery. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s generally harmless and will resolve on its own within a few days. Reputable clinics usually provide a bandana or similar to isolate the swelling to the top of the head and stop gravity bringing it down into the face where it can be more uncomfortable.

Swelling shouldn’t last beyond the first week, and it won’t typically prevent you from returning to work or your regular routine. If swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like redness or increased pain, it’s a good idea to consult your surgeon.

Redness
A red or pinkish hue to the scalp after hair transplantation is quite normal. This occurs due to increased blood flow to the area as the body works to heal the small wounds left by the transplant. The redness typically resembles sunburn and fades within two to four weeks.

As long as the redness is not accompanied by severe pain or swelling, there’s no need to worry. It’s simply part of the body’s natural healing process. It is advisable to avoid sunbathing and swimming during this time s the area will be more sensitive and ten to burn more easily than usual, and harsh chemicals like chlorine found in swimming pools may cause irritation.

Numbness
Temporary numbness in the scalp can occur after a hair transplant. This is usually due to the minor nerve damage caused by the procedure or the lingering effects of the anaesthetic. The numbness generally fades over time, but in rare cases, it can last for several weeks or even months. If numbness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s wise to consult your surgeon to ensure everything is healing as it should.

Keloid Scarring
Keloids, which are raised, thick scars that extend beyond the original wound, can occasionally form after a hair transplant. They’re more common in people with a predisposition to excessive scarring. You will generally know  if you are susceptible to keloid scarring as it isn't a one-off event, and if so should have a test before surgery for suitability. While keloids are generally rare in hair transplants compared to other types of surgery, they can occur at either the donor or recipient sites. If you notice abnormal scar tissue forming, speak to your surgeon about potential treatments to minimise its appearance.

Shock Loss
One of the more surprising side effects of hair transplantation is "shock loss," which typically occurs about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Shock loss refers to the temporary shedding of the newly transplanted hairs. This can be alarming, as it may seem like the procedure has failed, but it’s actually a normal part of the healing process.

Once the transplanted follicles have shed their hair, new hair growth will begin. Over the next few months, the transplanted hair will grow back, resulting in a fuller head of hair.

Infection

Although rare, infections can occur after any surgical procedure, including hair transplants. Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge from the transplant site. Infections are typically minor and can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics. It’s important to follow your aftercare instructions closely to minimise the risk of infection. If you notice any signs of infection, contact your surgeon immediately for advice.