Nowadays, hair replacement system is very commonly used to treat baldness in both men and women. Hair transplant services are relatively a much safer option with minimum risk of side effects and complications.
However, as in the case of any other kind of surgery, some casualties at the hands of the doctor or the patient itself can result in numerous postoperative complications.
Asymmetrical patches of transplanted hair
Generally, asymmetry is due to false frontal hairline or uneven density at the left and right sides of the head. The asymmetrical hair pattern can look very awkward and untidy. If you want to avoid such a disaster, then check your design markings carefully in front of and a few meters away from the mirror right before the transplant.
Emergence of cysts
A few cysts can protrude out of the recipient portion of the scalp, where an increased number of grafts have been inserted. These cysts are generally the size of pimples, that is, 2-3 mm in diameter and disappear after a few weeks of the treatment.
Development of skin necrosis
This condition is comparatively scarce but the most dangerous complication of a hair transplant. It is a result of planting an increased number of grafts on a particular scalp portion. This causes the premature death of cells and tissues forming that particular scalp portion.
Doctors advise the patients to quit smoking for at least two months after the hair transplant, as it can also induce necrosis.
Development of infections
Although postoperative infections are very rare, they can be very irritating with an itchy, extremely dry or extremely oily scalp. These have happened to only 1% of patients so far and have most of the time resulted due to poor hygiene conditions.
A few simple measures like decontaminating the operating room and using sterilized and disposal materials can help prevent such complications.
Scarring in the donor portion of the scalp
Visible scarring at the donor portion of the scalp is the most common side-effect of a hair transplant. The two different types of transplant procedures, which are follicular unit transplant and follicular unit extraction, result in different patterns of scars.
However, these scars can be easily cured by visible scar revision and micro-pigmentation.
Formation of crusts
Generally, crusts are formed in the epidermis layer of the scalp skin after 2-3 days of transplantation. It is advisable to wash your head after three days of the procedure to get rid of the dry crusts. You can also apply some moisturizer on the affected area to soften the crusts.
The crusts generally disappear after 8-10 days of the treatment, but if they are persistent even after that, then you need to see your doctor again.
Numbness in the scalp area
Nearly all the patients experience a temporary loss of sensation after a hair transplant. This is a result of the shock that the donor and recipient nerves bear during the procedure. This numbness can last for 6-12 months and is rarely troublesome.
Hiccups
The cause of post-surgery hiccups is unknown. They are quite uncommon; only 5% of patients have experienced them after a hair transplant. Generally, they last for about 2-3 days, and that is not very troublesome, but if you experience them for a longer period, then you should see your doctor.