FUE Hair Transplant
Side Effects & Complications

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.

Side Effects of FUE Hair Transplant Surgery

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.

FUE Hair Transplant Common Side Effects

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.

Short Term Side Effects of A Hair Transplant

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.

Swelling

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.

Pain And Discomfort

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.

Bleeding

An FUE hair transplant involves making small punctures or incisions at 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.

Scabbing

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, and you should avoid picking at them to help prevent infection and ensure proper healing.

Redness

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

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.

Shock Loss

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

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.

Hiccups

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.

Folliculitis

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.

Long Term Side Effects of a Hair Transplant

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.

Minimal Scarring

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.

Uneven Growth

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.

Potential Complications of an FUE Hair Transplant

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.

Allergic reactions

A hair transplant-related allergic reaction is possible, but very rare. Patients may be allergic to the local anaesthetic used during the procedure or 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

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.

Keloid Scarring

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.

Chronic Pain

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.

Cysts

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.

Donor Area Thinning

Over-harvesting of hair follicles can lead to visible thinning in the donor area. Surgeons are specially trained to extract hairs evenly, minimising the risk of this happening. Donor hair thinning can be permanent depending on how many follicles are extracted from a concentrated area.

Unnatural Results

An inexpert 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about FUE transplants for hair loss and their side effects.

How can I ensure I get the best results from my hair transplant surgery?

Follow these simple steps to get the best results from your hair transplant surgery and reduce your risk of side effects and complications.

Choose The Right Surgeon: Before undergoing a hair transplant procedure, you want to ensure you choose the right surgeon for your needs. This process involves having an in-depth first consultation to discuss your desired outcomes and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Follow Postoperative Instructions: It’s essential to carefully follow all postoperative care guidelines to ensure your recovery period goes as smoothly as possible. This includes taking any medication you’re prescribed to help prevent infection.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol consumption can delay your hair transplant healing process and increase the risk of potential complications. Generally, your surgeon will recommend you avoid cigarettes and alcohol for at least a week before and after your procedure.
Maintain Good Hygiene: During your recovery period, make sure to keep the surgical sites clean to help prevent infection. Gently wash the recipient and donor areas according to your surgeon’s instructions, and stay away from dusty or unhygienic environments.
Have a Balanced Diet: It’s important to eat well and stay hydrated during your hair transplant recovery period. This can help promote healing and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. Make sure to eat lots of nutrient-rich foods and drink enough water.

Are hair transplant side effects permanent?

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.

Can hair transplant surgery affect my existing hair?

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.

What are signs of infection after a hair transplant?

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:

Redness And Warmth: Increasing redness around the recipient or donor area. This is often accompanied by skin that’s warm to the touch.
Itchiness And Swelling: Significant itchiness and swelling that goes beyond the expected mild side effects of hair transplant surgery.
Pain: Severe or increasing pain that is not relieved by prescribed painkillers.
Burning: A burning sensation at the recipient or donor area.
Pus: Oozing pus or any unusual discharge from incisions.
Systemic Side Effects: Various non-localised side effects, including a fever or painful, persistent headache.

What should I do if I experience severe hair transplant side effects?

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 take all your medication 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.

What medication can be prescribed after a hair transplant?

After surgery, your hair transplant specialist may prescribe a number of different medications to aid in your recovery process. Commonly prescribed medications include:

Antibiotics: These can be prescribed to proactively combat infections in the donor and recipient areas. For this medication to work effectively, It’s important to complete the entire course as directed.
Painkillers And Anti-Inflammatories: These are often used to help manage pain or discomfort and to reduce swelling and inflammation around the donor and recipient sites. This helps ease your recovery process and promotes healing.
Minoxidil or Finasteride: Commonly used to treat hair loss, these medications can promote transplanted hair growth for more satisfactory results. They also work to prevent further hair loss, helping decrease the risk of shock loss and maintain your overall head of hair. Finasteride and Minoxidil are available in both topical and oral forms.

When will I see the final results of my FUE hair transplant?

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.

Dr Bonaros: Your Trusted Hair Restoration Specialist in the UK

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.

FUE Hair Transplant
Side Effects & Complications

Table of Contents

Side Effects of FUE Hair Transplant Surgery

FUE Hair Transplant Common Side Effects