Hair transplantation (hair implantation, hair transplant) is a surgical procedure, and as such, it can come with complications. However, their occurrence is rare and usually mild. This primarily refers to inflammatory changes, which are minimized thanks to the excellent blood supply of the scalp. Inflammations may appear as small pimple-like changes around the transplanted grafts, which heal spontaneously after being drained (or simply wiped off). If there is redness or minor swelling on the surface of the scalp, external treatment or possibly the administration of antibiotics may be necessary, which can effectively manage the inflammation and ensure it subsides safely. After timely and appropriate treatment, the functioning of the hair follicles remains undisturbed, and the later hair growth occurs as expected, regardless of the superficial inflammation. In rare cases, temporary thinning of existing hairs in the transplant or donor area may occur, but these hairs will regrow along with the transplanted hair. This phenomenon is caused by surgical stress, and the situation resolves spontaneously as the scalp’s blood circulation regenerates.
With sufficient expertise, it can be well avoided, but rarely (especially in cases of multiple hair transplants), the donor area scar may widen after strip harvesting, in which case scar revision may be necessary. Minor hypersensitivity or numbness, or hair thinning, can occasionally occur around the donor scar, but these issues fully recover within 1-2 months.
The death or failure of grafts to take hold can be entirely avoided with proper gentle and refined techniques. Additionally, the creation of a natural-looking frontal hairline is extremely important, which requires the operating doctor’s adequate expertise. In the absence of this, it can be quite bothersome if the hairline does not achieve the desired natural effect. An insufficient-looking hairline can be effectively restored with a minor procedure.
