Short-term complications after hair transplant
With the advancements in modern medicine, minor surgical procedures such as hair transplantation have become exceptionally safe, and significant complications are exceedingly rare. Prospective patients should always be thoroughly informed about both the benefits and potential risks of the procedure before they commit to the operation.
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Over time, continued hair loss makes the mirror a constant reminder of diminished self-esteem and can negatively impact various aspects of life. For some, a point is reached where enough is enough, and solutions for this problem are actively sought.
As is common with many patients, the ultimate goal was a full head of hair. While this is achievable for some, expectations must be adjusted, sometimes significantly, for others.
Common Short-term complications
1. Dislodged Hair Grafts
One of the initial and most concerning short-term complications following a hair transplantation is the potential loss of a newly implanted hair graft. Most patients are diligently careful to handle their precious grafts very gently during the first few weeks, but occasionally, accidents can occur. Newly implanted grafts may not have anchored firmly, and thus, a simple rub or scratch can easily cause a graft to become dislodged. When a hair graft becomes dislodged, it needs to be quickly immersed in cold saline water and re-implanted within hours, or as soon as possible, for it to remain viable.
2. Shock Loss
Shock Loss refers to the phenomenon where your natural hair (non-transplanted hair) falls out within the first few weeks after the procedure. This can manifest in areas adjacent to either the donor or recipient region and may affect more than one spot on a patient’s scalp. Statistically, this can occur in up to 5% of patients, and at Hair Transplant Centre Malaysia, it has been observed in as low as 3% of patients. Hairs lost due to shock loss are expected to regrow over a period of 3-6 months after the procedure and will typically appear normal, just as they did before.
3. Folliculitis and Red Areas
Following a hair transplantation, the oil-producing glands within the hair follicles may encounter difficulty in releasing their oil, leading to blockages and subsequent inflammation. This condition is known as folliculitis (which should not be mistaken for acne) and is, in fact, often a positive sign that your hair follicles are alive and continuing to function well within their transplanted area. Folliculitis can occur for up to 3 months after the procedure, and patients should treat it similarly to how acne is managed, by using a clean, sterile needle and clindamycin at Hair Transplant Centre Malaysia.
Hair transplantation is widely considered a very safe procedure with only a few important complications, as detailed above. Although these potential issues may seem daunting, it is vital to remember that most of these complications are either treatable or will resolve on their own without the need for extensive intervention.
