Hair implant surgeries are considered safe as long as they are performed by an experienced and professional surgeon and medical staff. Since anesthesia is used during this procedure, complications based on it are always possible. Every patient reacts differently to anesthesia and its outcomes. Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, itchiness, headaches are possible side effects of anesthesia. Besides this, patients could also be allergic to it. So, it is always recommended to take an allergy test before undergoing any kind of surgery. Apart from these effects, complications during the recovery period can also emerge. Infections, blood clots, shock loss are problems patients can face. It is important to use all the prescribed medications and follow every instruction the doctor recommends. It is advised not to wear any kind of hat or other protection that could damage the newly implanted hair follicles. 

The method of hair implantation that will be used depends on the type of hair loss the patient suffers. For patients who have a degrading hairline or have more linear balding, the follicular unit transplant method is more suitable. In contrast to this, follicular unit extraction is recommended for patients who have spotted balding. Both of these methods are widely used, however the doctor and medical team will decide which one is suitable for the patient. Every patient has an individual background, health conditions, hair type, quality of hair, etc. So it is always best to consult the doctor before doing any research on hair implantation. The doctor should answer every question about the surgery and aftercare as detailed as possible. It is important that patients go through the hair implantation process without any doubts or questions. Finding the right surgeon is an important step in the hair implantation process. 

Types of hair implantation surgeries

Follicular Unit Transplant: This type of hair implantation is used on patients who want to lower their hairline or suffer from balding in linear areas. During this process, a piece of skin is cut out from an area of the head that bears many healthy and normal hair follicles. Local anesthesia is used on the patient during this procedure. The piece of skin that has been cut out, will be parted into many smaller sections. One piece of these parts contains about around 3-4 hair follicles. Then, these small units are implanted into the balding area. The spot from which the piece of skin has been cut out will be covered by the remaining hair in the area. The medical team and surgeon will place every piece according to the direction the follicles are growing out from. It is important to achieve a very natural-looking appearance.

Follicular Unit Extraction: During this procedure, every single hair follicle is carefully parted from the donor site. The donor site is the part of the head that contains the most healthy and normal hair. The area that is prone to balding and is planned to get rid of, is called the ‘recipient site’. After the extraction of the hair follicles, every single one of them will be carefully implanted into the balding area. Every follicle will be implanted according to direction and vibrancy of the area. It is very important to trust a professional medical team for this procedure. One single follicle that is implanted wrong can change the whole appearance of the implantation. In order to achieve a natural appearance in the area, every step has to be cone very cautiously. Follicular unit extraction is a newer technique in contrast to the follicular unit transplant method.

More information about the hair implantation procedure

Anyone who wants hair implantation can undergo this procedure. However, patients who have health conditions such as staged cancer, serious heart conditions, liver conditions, etc. are not suitable for this type of cosmetic surgery. Patients who have an already weakened immune system should avoid surgeries that are not totally necessary. Even though hair implantation surgeries are considered safe, there is no guarantee that patients will see no side effects. Risks always exist and anesthesia is more risky for patients who have chronic illnesses. It is best to take allergy tests and go through a check-up. This way, patients can find out if they are physically suitable to go through surgery. Hair implantation surgeries are outpatient surgeries, which means that patients will not stay at the hospital after the surgery. Patients will complete their recovery time at home by themselves. 

Since hair implantation surgeries are outpatient surgeries, patients are responsible for their recovery. It is very important that patients are very careful and cautious about their newly implanted hair follicles. Follicles are very fragile and can be damaged easily. If anything happens to the hair follicles while the patient is outside of the hospital, all progress might be lost. The damage can be permanent until the patient arrives at the hospital. Thus, it is important that patients follow every instruction set by their doctor. Hats, helmets, and other protective wear are completely forbidden in the first month. Similarly, direct sunlight should be avoided. It is recommended for patients to stay inside as much as possible to avoid sunlight in the summertime. The area that has been operated on might swell after the surgery, which is completely normal. Necessary medication will be prescribed to decrease any possible pain as much as possible.

Shock loss

Shock loss is a side effect of hair implantation surgeries that patients may face. Sometimes not all implanted hair follicles hold on to their place and start to fall out. This can happen even if the patient does everything right during the recovery process. The recipient area might not accept the new hair follicles. In situations like these, it is best to inform the doctor. The doctor may prescribe medication that hinders this type of loss. If the shock loss affects a very large percentage of the implanted area, further sessions may be necessary to achieve the intended appearance.