Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) surgery is an effective hair loss treatment to help you regain your appearance and self-confidence. This article contains everything you should know about the potential side effects and complications of this procedure.
Continue reading to discover exactly what you can expect from an FUE transplant, including potential hair transplant side effects.
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros, GMC-registered (7566786)
Before undergoing FUE surgery for hair loss, it’s important to be as prepared as possible. A common starting point is to ask your surgeon, “What are the side effects of hair transplant surgery?”
This article provides details of various side effects you may experience after FUE surgery. Knowing what to expect is both reassuring and lets you properly prepare for your hair transplant recovery process. Additional information about abnormal symptoms and possible complications also helps you know when to consult your hair transplant surgeon.
Dr Bonaros is a leading hair transplant specialist in Glasgow. Book an appointment now for an expert hair loss evaluation and tailored treatment plan.
A modern FUE procedure is minimally invasive and, unlike traditional Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), does not result in a linear scar. This makes it a popular method of hair restoration surgery. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential side effects.
Most FUE side effects are temporary and can be easily managed with proper aftercare and attention. Adhering to post-operative instructions closely and attending all follow-up appointments can help ensure you experience a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Here are some common side effects of FUE hair transplantation and tips on how to manage them.
There are several short-term side effects you can expect after your FUE hair transplantation surgery.
These are completely normal and should subside relatively quickly.
Mild swelling is a common side effect of hair transplant surgery. It typically affects the scalp and forehead and can sometimes occur around the eyes. Swelling generally subsides within the first few days to a week after surgery. You can help reduce swelling by keeping your head elevated.
You are likely to experience some mild pain or discomfort in both the donor and recipient areas (top and back of the head). This usually subsides after a few days to a week. Your hair transplant surgeon may prescribe medication to help you manage any discomfort.
An FUE hair transplant involves making small punctures or incisions in the donor and recipient areas. This can cause minor bleeding for the first few hours after surgery. You can help reduce bleeding by applying gentle pressure to the area.
Small scabs may form around your transplanted hair follicles. This is especially likely if you experience postoperative bleeding. Scabs will typically fall off within a week or two. To help prevent infection and ensure proper healing, it is best to avoid picking at them.
As with most surgical procedures, hair transplant surgery causes inflammation. This often results in visible redness in the recipient area. This usually fades within a few weeks as your scalp heals.
Numbness in the donor and recipient areas is a natural response caused by nerve disruption during hair transplantation. This usually resolves by itself within the first few weeks to months of your recovery process.
The trauma of a hair transplantation can cause temporary shedding in the recipient area. This usually occurs within the first 2–4 weeks after surgery. You should experience new growth within a few months.
Itching often occurs during the first week or two after your procedure and is a good sign that your body is healing. Avoid scratching donor or recipient areas, as this can disturb or dislodge the hair grafts. You can use a mild shampoo to help soothe itching during the healing process.
In extremely rare cases (under 1% of all hair transplant procedures), postoperative patients can experience uncontrollable hiccups. This side effect can last anywhere from several hours to a few days after your procedure.
Inflammation of the hair follicles (also called folliculitis) can occur in the first few weeks after surgery as new hair starts to grow. Mild cases often resolve themselves, but severe cases may require antibiotics or anti-inflammatory treatments. Consult with your hair loss specialist for folliculitis treatment options.
Most patients do not experience many hair transplant side effects in the long term.
Often, a hair transplant surgeon’s skill and technique will impact the severity of any long-term side effects that do occur.
FUE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves individual hair follicle extraction. This results in small, dot-like scars at the donor site. While these scars are permanent, they are usually unnoticeable and easily covered by hair.
Transplanted hair may grow at different rates, causing your hair to look temporarily uneven. However, this usually normalises over 6–12 months with subsequent hair growing cycles.
Although unlikely, you can experience hair transplant complications. As with any procedure, general complications can occur during surgery. There are also some issues to look out for during your recovery process.
A hair transplant-related allergic reaction is possible, but very rare. Patients may be allergic to the local anaesthetic used during the procedure or the medication prescribed for the recovery period. It is important to inform your hair transplant surgeon of all known allergies you have and to report symptoms like severe rashes, itching, or swelling as soon as possible.
Infection is a potential risk for all surgical procedures, including hair transplants. This is often a result of poor hygiene and wound care. Germs and bacteria can enter incisions at the donor and recipient sites, causing localised infections to develop.
Generally, infection rates after FUE transplants are low. However, patients with pre-existing medical conditions may be at a slightly higher risk level. To help prevent infections, you should keep your grafts clean and avoid touching or scratching your scalp after surgery.
During the healing process, some patients may develop keloids (thick, raised scar tissue). However, this is rare and usually influenced by genetic predispositions. Consult your surgeon for advice if you or your family members have a history of keloid scarring.
In rare cases, permanent nerve damage can occur during hair restoration surgery. This can result in chronic pain and hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity) in the donor or recipient areas.
Subdermal (below the surface of the skin) cysts can form when implanted hair follicles become trapped under skin cells. These fluid-filled sacs often subside without treatment after a few weeks or months. However, persistent or painful cysts may require medical attention.
Over-harvesting of hair follicles can lead to visible thinning in the donor area. Surgeons are specially trained to extract hair evenly, minimising the risk of this happening. Donor hair thinning can be permanent, depending on how many follicles are extracted from a concentrated area.
An inexperienced hair transplant can lead to unnatural-looking results and hair growing irregularly. Common examples can include a hairline that is too low down on the forehead or follicles which are transplanted at unnatural angles or directions. This can lead to patient dissatisfaction and, in some cases, can even necessitate further procedures.
Start your hair restoration journey with an expert FUE hair transplant. Book an appointment with Dr Bonaros now or request a quote using our Online Assessment Form.
Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about FUE transplants for hair loss and their side effects.
Follow these simple steps to get the best results from your hair transplant surgery and reduce your risk of side effects and complications.
As with any surgery, typical hair transplant side effects should subside within a few days to weeks after your procedure. Common examples include mild swelling, pain and redness. Other side effects, such as shock loss, may last slightly longer, as your hair needs a few months to regrow.
Poor-quality transplants can lead to some potentially permanent complications, including extensive visible scarring, donor hair depletion, unnatural-looking hair and chronic pain. However, choosing a trusted, reliable and qualified surgeon can help ensure your procedure goes smoothly.
Yes, while not a permanent side effect, hair transplants can affect your existing hair. This is especially true for the recipient area (usually the hairline or crown) and can come as a shock to patients who are not expecting it.
The trauma of surgery can cause some patients to shed existing hair in the recipient area. Luckily, this condition (known as shock loss) is only temporary. Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, and healthy hair follicles will regrow after a few months.
The FUE hair transplant at our clinic in Glasgow generally takes four to eight hours, depending on the number of follicles needed. The whole experience can be pretty relaxing, so many of our clients choose to listen to music or even take a nap during this time.
Contracting an infection after your hair transplant can increase your risk of poor growth and unsatisfactory final results. It’s important to be aware of what signs to look out for, so you can treat any potential infections as quickly as possible. Common symptoms include:
It is necessary to act quickly if you experience any severe side effects after your hair transplant procedure. Immediately reach out to your surgeon if you experience intense pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection, or any other concerning symptoms.
Your treatment plan will vary based on your unique case. However, it is always important to follow aftercare instruction and get adequate rest. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments so that you can effectively monitor your healing and address any issues or concerns.
It can take up to 18 months before you see the final results of your hair transplant. Initial hair growth may be noticeable within a few months, but full density and thickness will take longer to achieve.
Transform your appearance and regain your confidence with high-quality treatments at our leading hair transplant clinic. Contact us for more information and expert advice, or schedule an online consultation with Dr Bonaros below.
Based at his state-of-the-art hair loss clinic in Glasgow, Dr Bonaros is Scotland’s only full member of the International Society of Hair Restoration (ISHRS). He is also a full member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS), an organisation dedicated to upholding high professional standards amongst hair transplant surgeons.
When you visit our Glasgow hair loss clinic, you can rest assured you will receive top-quality service. Our team prioritises a patient-centric approach that is designed to support your hair restoration journey. In line with this, Dr Bonaros provides every patient with an individual treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
Make an appointment with Dr Bonaros now to discover if FUE surgery is right for you. Your initial consultation includes a specialised treatment plan and an overview of any hair transplant side effects you should be aware of.
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