Safety & Risks
Atlanta Hair Restoration Experts
Hair transplants are primarily safe when being performed by a surgeon who is both experienced and qualified. However, with any type of procedure, potential risks and concerns can arise that you should be aware of.
Safety of Hair Transplant:
Compared to the older strip hair transplant method, FUE procedures have greatly forwarded hair transplants. Although FUE is minimally invasive and causes minimal pain, the procedure itself can be quite lengthy, lasting around 8 hours. However, there is now an alternative treatment available called the ARTAS robotic system. This treatment is approved by the FDA and provides extreme precision for follicular unit extraction. The use of this system results in less trauma during graft harvesting and ultimately promotes better hair.
Qualified Surgeon and Clinic
Hair transplants are safest when done by a board-certified physician, who has experience in hair transplant procedures and has undergone specialized training. A physician can manage possible complications that can occur during or after a surgery, medically assess if a patient is suitable for the procedure, create and customize a treatment plan, and ensure smoothness of the entire procedure.
Clinics must adhere to proper safety protocols, which include maintaining a sterile environment, utilizing the correct tools and equipment, and ensuring staff are properly trained.
Pre and post-operative assessments, as well as patient care information must be provided to patients to reduce complications.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Procedures like Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) are invasive, while Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are considered as minimally invasive techniques.
With these procedures, local anesthesia is given, where the patient is awake but their scalp is numbed. This ensures a quicker recovery time and patients can return home the same day of the surgery.
Common Side Effects
Swelling
Swelling can occur on the scalp. To treat the issue, sleep elevated for three nights and use ice packs if necessary. You will be prescribed steroids to assist with the swelling.
Itching
Itching may occur after a few days. To treat the issue, patients can take an antihistamine.
Numbness or Tingling
This symptom can occur because of cutting small nerve endings during the course of the surgery. The issue is temporary and will disappear in a few months.
Additional Side Effects:
Bleeding
Apply direct pressure with gauze for 5 minutes to stop. If bleeding continues, apply the same pressure again and call the office.
Graft Comes Out
If clean, put in saline solution (available at pharmacy) and call for an appointment (must be within 1 - 3 days) for reinsertion. If soiled or lost or dried out, let the site heal and use ointment.
Raised Or Red Area
If pimple-like appearance occurs 3 - 5 days after surgery, do not pick. Apply over-the-counter Bactroban ointment to the area and keep clean.