Hair transplants are a common medical procedure sought out by those seeking an aesthetic improvement to their balding hair.
In a hair transplant surgery, your own natural hair is transplanted from a place of fullness to a place of balding. Hair transplants are a great tool for those who are seeking a natural-looking solution to balding and hair loss.
In general, hair transplants are safe and effective. But like any medical procedure there are possible risks and complications.
In hair transplant procedures, possible complications include infection, bruising, swelling, scarring, scabbing, inflammation, and hair loss.
How common are these complications and when you should you be concerned with them?
Anytime you’re undergoing a medical procedure you should always make yourself informed of the risks and possible complications. This is good practice as a patient and will help you make informed decisions.
The occurrence of these complications in hair transplants depends on a few key factors: experience of the hair transplant surgeon, location of the surgery, and good aftercare by the patient.
Surgeon experience
The risk of complications such as scarring, infection, bruising, and hair loss can be greatly reduced if a skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeon is conducting the procedure. There are modern techniques and tools which minimize potential risks.
Location of the procedure
There is a trend among those seeking cosmetic procedures to go abroad for their surgeries in an effort to save money. This trend is dangerous and can have unfortunate consequences. The risk of all complications of hair transplantation increase dramatically when you leave the US to get the surgery done. This is because medical doctors in other countries such as Turkey (a popular hair transplant destination) are not held to the same high standard doctors are in the US. A large majority of patients who seek restorative hair transplants are victim of foreign botched hair transplants. We see a high rate of shock hair loss, scarring, and infection, all of which can have permanent, irreversible repercussions.
Patient aftercare
It is very important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions. Keeping the areas clean, avoiding certain medications, incorporating ice, and taking it easy so your body can heal all play a role in post-hair transplant complications.
If you’d like to learn more about hair transplants and if you are a good candidate, give us a call today.
Tag Archives: hair transplant risks
How safe is hair transplant surgery?
With any medical procedure, there is some degree of risk and safety concern involved.
In general, when done in the U.S. by experienced and qualified hair restoration surgeons, hair transplants are safe and effective.
The danger and risk comes into play when regulation, skill, technique, certification, and cleanliness are lacking. While these risks are more common abroad, it’s possible to run into these issues in the U.S. as well.
Some potential issues that could jeopardize the safety and effectiveness of your hair transplant are a botched surgery due to lack of experience and skill, excessive scarring due to punch technique, infection due to unsanitary conditions, and further hair loss due to trauma.
To ensure you have a safe and effective hair transplant surgery, research thoroughly. Below is a list of some things to keep in mind as you’re meeting with hair restoration surgeons and deciding on which facility you’ll go with.
Before and after pictures. Peruse your potential surgeons before and after pictures of other patients. This will be your best indication of their skill and ability level.
Certified by the ISHRS. Make sure your hair restoration surgeon is certified by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. This is one way you’ll know your surgeon is knowledgeable in the field of hair transplants.
U.S. medical doctor in a U.S. facility. Make sure your surgery will be conducted in a clean and sanitary environment. Don’t risk getting your surgery done abroad. Other country’s doctors and facilities are not held to the same high standards as here in the U.S.
Follow all instructions. Heed all after-care instructions carefully. Keeping the area clean will reduce your risk of infections and complications.
