Are there side effects in a hair transplant ?

Hair is a reflection of one’s health and an important attribute of a person’s appearance. If the person suffers from hair loss, he or she will undoubtedly look for various means to grow it back. Some people turn to medications, that may improve one’s hair condition, however, such treatment is insufficient in severe cases of hair shedding.

Hair loss is usually preconditioned by serious factors, like a disease, a genetic propensity or a hormonal disbalance. That means that a person has to resort to a more radical treatment too, like a hair transplant. Hair surgery does not only help to cover the balding areas with hair but also to eliminate the future chances of baldness. However, like any surgery, a hair transplant can entail certain side effects, even though they take place rarely.

Is a hair transplant effective ?

Hair transplantation is a surgical treatment in the course of which hair follicles from one part of the body are moved to another one. It is considered the most effective way to correct pattern baldness. A hair transplant can also be carried out to increase the volume of beard hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. The history of hair transplantation can be traced back to the 1930’s. The first surgery took place in Japan in 1939.

Since that time, the field of hair transplantation has massively evolved. Different techniques of hair transplants have been created, each with its own peculiarities and aim results.

The efficacy of a hair transplant is significantly greater than making use of over-the-counter products for hair restoration. The success rate is impressive and people who undergo this procedure experience noticeable changes as far as hair growth is concerned.

Nevertheless, a hair transplant is not suitable for everybody. The success or failure of a hair surgery largely depends on the level of experience or expertise of the surgeon. It also has to do with how thick or thin the patient’s hair is.

Besides, hair transplantation brings the best results if the causes of hair loss are genetic pattern baldness or an injury. If, for example, you have lost your hair due to a nutrient deficiency, the best treatment for you is correcting your diet and taking medications, instead of undergoing hair surgery.

Are hair implants permanent ?

The short answer is yes. It has been proven that a hair transplant is a lifelong solution to the problem of hair loss. This is because hair follicles from the donor area are implanted into the thinning or balding parts of the body. Dihydrotestosterone (DHD), a hormone that can cause hair loss, does not affect the transplanted hair. Due to this fact, the growth of the transplanted hair is not impeded.

However, if the patient does not ensure proper aftercare or if he or she acquires a certain disease later in their lives, the transplanted hair may fall out. The success of the surgery depends on a range of conditions, like the doctor’s expertise, the patient’s health history and the quality of aftercare. Also, due to ageing, the transplanted hair may thin out, just like the normal hair.

Consequences and possible side effects of hair transplant

Hair transplantation surgeries are considered safe if conducted properly. However, you must make sure you are dealing with a qualified and experienced surgeon. Usually, the whole procedure takes less than a day to complete.

The way and manner every individual reacts to hair surgery are different. Hence, the recovery time and the risk of potential injuries vary from person to person.

How long does it take to recover from a hair surgery ?

After undergoing a hair transplant, you should be able to resume your day-to-day duties in about a week. This doesn’t exclude the fact that your scalp will be tender and sore, so you may have to take some antibiotics during that period. The surgeon may also demand that you wear a bandage to reduce the risk of infection.

Most common side effects of hair transplant

Even though they occur rarely, some side effects may arise after a hair transplant, like after any other surgery. Below are some of the common side effects and how to tackle them.

Infections:: usually they are not severe and can be easily treated with antibiotics or antibacterial cream. Choosing the right clinic with high-quality services reduces the risk of infection, since such complications usually come as a result of poor hygiene. The operating room and surgical instruments must be sterile. Besides, the doctor may use antibiotics as a preventative measure before the procedure.
Bleeding and swelling:: since it is an invasive operation, some blood loss is inevitable. Occasionally, the scalp gets swollen and bleeds, also a few hours or days after the surgery. To minimise the risk, the patient should cease nicotine and alcohol consumption a few days prior to the hair transplant.
Itching:: It is very common to experience some itching after surgeries. It is the response of the body to the healing process. However, no matter how intense the itching is, avoid scratching the scalp at all costs, as it can create microlesions, i.e. a path for infections to get into the body.
Sudden hair shedding:: also called shock loss, it may occur 1-5 weeks after the surgery. Shock loss can be upsetting for patients, however, it is a normal part of the naturalisation of the displaced hair follicles. This does not mean that the treatment has been unsuccessful. The new and healthier hair will grow 3-4 months after the transplant.

Conclusion: ensuring the best results to avoid side effects of hair transplant

Invasive procedures always put a strain on the body, so it is normal for some side effects to occur after a hair transplant. In the end, it is the only treatment that can bring permanent results to those who want to eliminate baldness for good.

That said, to minimise the chances of any side effects, do proper research on hair clinics to be treated by a reliable and professional team. Make sure to consult a specialist to choose the right hair transplant method for you, as this is the key to a successful outcome with minimum risk involved.