When we look at modern hair transplant surgery at one of the top clinics, the methods used, the equipment available, and the skill and experience of the surgeons practically guarantee a successful recovery and worry-free experience.
However, when done poorly by unskilled professionals or when the patient doesn’t follow the strict aftercare routine, this cosmetic procedure can lead to some side effects. We will go over all the basics of what makes a good candidate and the risks involved with different types of surgery to give you a better idea of what to expect. If you’re considering Hair transplant Turkey options, it’s important to understand the potential risks as well as the benefits.
Why a Good Consultation is Crucial
Hair transplant procedures are tailored to fit the specific needs of each patient, so the most important part is the initial assessment. Initially, just sending pictures of your hairline from different angles can allow doctors to determine what stage of male pattern baldness you are at on the Norwood scale.
This, along with some additional information about your medical history, helps the experienced professionals at the clinic decide on the number of grafts needed to ensure the best long-term results. An additional in-person assessment is performed to create a natural-looking hairline and determine the proper approach for optimal hair growth.
Are You a Good Candidate for Hair Transplant Surgery?
As long as you are below stage 7 Norwood, almost completely bald, and have enough hair in the donor area, you can get the operation. It’s best to wait until you are in your early 30s, as that’s when it’s easy to see exactly where your existing hair is thinning and falling out, and at what rate. However, younger patients can be good candidates if they have experienced severe balding. Curious how results turn out? Take a look at some Hair Transplant Before and After galleries to see what’s realistically achievable.
Now, let’s look at what different hair transplants involve and the associated risks for the different methods.
The Common Risks Involved
While the greatest concern is usually the percentage of the donor hair that will survive, anything over 95% is considered a success; there is some risk of complications with the two most common methods. For both of these, the head is first cleaned and the recipient and donor areas shaven, though there are no-shave versions for FUE, and the patient is given a local anaesthetic.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
This older technique that has fallen out of favor with modern clinics involves cutting a strip of skin from the donor area, separating the individual hair grafts, then making incisions in the bald spots and implanting them. It is also sometimes called Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) because of the way it is performed.
The patient will be left with a long, straight scar on the back of the head, and there is a slightly greater risk of infection due to the more invasive nature of the procedure. The new hair may also look patchy, like a doll’s hair.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Here, the surgeons use several specialized tools to ensure greater precision and minimal scarring. A micro-motor punch allows them to extract singular hair follicles, which are preserved in a special solution. Tiny incisions are then made in the scalp using a metal blade or a super-sharp sapphire one that minimizes tissue damage, where the grafts are implanted.
There is a DHI variation, where the hair is loaded into a special Choi Pen that allows doctors to simultaneously pierce the scalp and implant the graft. The main risk is that the inexperienced surgeon can damage the follicles while collecting them or that they can be improperly stored, leading to lower survivability rates.
What to Look Out For
A common side effect after the surgery is bleeding, which is normal in small amounts initially, but can be a cause of concern if it persists. There may also be plenty of inflammation and redness, or even an infection if the patient notices any pus.
The good news is that you can effectively resolve these issues with a course of antibiotics, and they won’t affect the final results if you address them right away.
What Are the Signs of Hair Transplant Complications?
Despite being effective, these treatments for hair loss can go wrong and lead to more serious issues. Here is how to spot them:
- The transplanted hair isn’t growing
- There are larger, clearly visible scars
- The hairline is not uniform and centered
- There is necrotic (dead) tissue on the scalp
- The wounds are opening up
Some of these can lead to further complications, at which point you may need to go to a doctor.
When to Contact a Doctor
If you notice any of the following complications of hair transplant surgery, contact a medical professional at once:
- You develop a rash or cysts on the scalp (infection)
- The FUT incision has opened up
- Your skin has gotten darker and become crusty (necrosis)
- There is profuse bleeding that won’t stop
- Your face has swollen, and you have trouble breathing (allergic reaction)
As we mentioned, as long as you opt for a high-end clinic like Asli Tarcan, the risk is minimal, but you should keep an eye out for these symptoms post-op, just in case.
