Hair transplants have gained widespread popularity, with thousands of Brits, including celebrities, opting for the procedure. Whether it’s restoring a receding hairline or filling in bald spots, the procedure promises a new look and increased confidence. However, despite the growing trend, many people are unaware of the potential risks and complications that can arise.
In 2023, the UK’s hair transplant market generated £101 million, and it’s projected to grow to £335 million by 2030. The global market for hair restoration is expected to hit $23.32 billion. With costs ranging from £1,000 to £30,000, depending on the clinic and the extent of hair loss, many Brits also travel abroad, particularly to Turkey, where the procedure is available for a fraction of the cost.
Celebrity endorsements from the likes of Wayne Rooney, Calum Best, and Jake Quickenden have only fueled the trend, turning hair transplants into what some are calling the “new BBL for men.” However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved. Dr. Ed Robinson, an aesthetic doctor with extensive experience in hair transplants, highlights 10 side effects that are often overlooked.
Swelling of the Scalp
A common side effect, swelling occurs around both the donor and recipient sites. Dr. Ed explains that mild swelling can affect the forehead and eyes, lasting a few days post-procedure. The swelling may spread to the nose, eyelids, or cheeks but usually subsides with ice and painkillers.
Temporary Scabbing or Crusting
After the procedure, small scabs or crusts form over the micro-incisions as part of the healing process. These can take up to three weeks to heal completely. While scabbing is normal, patients should avoid manually removing the scabs to prevent complications.
Itching
Itching is a common experience as the scalp heals. Dr. Ed notes that this discomfort is typically caused by dry skin or the healing process itself and can be alleviated with proper scalp care. It usually resolves within a few weeks.
Hair Loss
Although the goal of a hair transplant is to restore hair, temporary hair loss often occurs a few weeks after the procedure. This is due to “shock loss,” a common side effect that affects both the transplanted hair and the donor area. Fortunately, the hair usually regrows after a few months.
Infection or Folliculitis
Infections, particularly folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), can occur post-procedure. While rare, Dr. Ed advises that it’s often treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory care. Folliculitis presents as small, red bumps filled with pus and is usually caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
Fatigue
Patients may experience fatigue due to the discomfort during the recovery process. Dr. Ed notes that the need to sleep sitting up to avoid pressure on the scalp can lead to physical exhaustion. Additionally, the inflammation caused by the procedure may contribute to fatigue.
Unnatural-Looking Hairline
One of the risks of a hair transplant is that the hairline may be designed too low or fail to respect natural anatomy, which can result in unsatisfactory, “unnatural” results. Dr. Ed warns that this can lead to patient disappointment.
Scars
Although scarring is less common with the modern Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method, some patients may still experience scarring, particularly from the donor or recipient areas. Dr. Ed points out that scars were more common with the older Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method, but the FUE procedure typically leaves minimal scarring.
Nerve Damage and Reduced Sensation
Incisions made during the procedure can sometimes lead to nerve damage, which may result in reduced sensation in the treated areas. Dr. Ed assures that while the sensation usually returns within a few weeks, some patients may experience a permanent reduction in sensitivity.
Anaphylactic Shock
While extremely rare, some patients can experience a severe allergic reaction to local anaesthetics used during the procedure, leading to anaphylactic shock. Dr. Ed emphasizes that although this is an unlikely outcome, it’s essential for the clinic to be properly equipped with an emergency anaphylaxis kit to manage such situations.
Conclusion
Hair transplants can offer life-changing results, but it’s important for patients to be aware of the potential side effects that come with the procedure. Dr. Ed advises that anyone considering a hair transplant should seek guidance from a qualified professional to ensure that they are fully informed and to determine if the procedure is right for them. Whether opting for surgery or exploring non-surgical options, understanding the risks is crucial to making an informed decision.
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