Hair transplant infections are relatively rare, affecting less than 1% of patients. According to detailed studies, the risk of infection after a hair transplant is very low.
The general success rate of hair transplants is 95 – 98%, especially when using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique. Top-rated hair transplant surgeons usually have a close to 100% success rate.
Tips for Avoiding Infection
Do not pick at or remove scabs along the donor area. Keep the scalp sanitary by following post-op care instructions. Attend follow-up visits with the hair transplant surgeon as scheduled. Avoid smoking, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages during recovery.
Folliculitis is one of the most common hair transplant side effects. One study found that folliculitis occurred in 1% of hair transplant patients [1]. So while it's relatively rare, you still need to recognise the signs and symptoms of this condition if you've had or are considering FUE or FUT surgery.
Scalp necrosis is always considered a potential complication of hair transplantation, but has a very low incidence. The outcome after scalp necrosis can be devastating. The commonly involved area was the center of the scalp.
The incidence of low and serious infections is rare (<1%), which may be due to poor hygiene, excessive crust formation, or a preexisting medical risk factor. [4] A high-tension closure at the donor site leading to circulatory compromise and pronounced crust formation can increase the risk of infection.
In some cases, necrosis may become apparent shortly after surgery, within the first few days or weeks, due to immediate complications such as compromised blood supply or surgical trauma.
Conclusion: Hair transplantation is associated with minimal systemic complications, but in rare cases, sepsis is possible and can result in intraocular seeding causing endophthalmitis.
Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care. More-serious or repeat infections may need prescription medicine. Left untreated, severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.
Three months after a hair transplant, the appearance of comedones, or small white pimples, is a fairly common phenomenon and is generally considered normal and benign. These small pimples are often the result of new hair growth, particularly when the hair is still very fine.
Pus or drainage: discharge from the transplanted area, especially with a strong odour, is a clear indicator of an infected hair transplant. Headaches after hair transplant: mild discomfort is common, but persistent headaches combined with other symptoms could be a sign of a deeper issue.
Around three months following your hair restoration procedure, you may observe abrupt hair shedding in the transplant area. Called “shock loss”, this condition affects 60 to 80% of transplant patients. It can be alarming to lose hair again after your transplant suddenly.
Few studies have objectively measured the survival rate. Umar S[4,12] reported overall graft survival of 95% for scalp and 75–8% for body hair. We almost found the same survival rate of 75% in chest hair and exceptionally higher survival rates in beard hair (94%).
Hair transplant procedures aren't a one and done thing, since hair loss will continue even after the transplant. So if you feel like you may just give up and shave your head, then a hair transplant could be a bad idea. Both methods of hair transplant procedures, FUT and FUE, will leave scarring on your scalp.
What happens 10 years after hair transplant? After 10 years the transplanted hair will (or should) still be present and growing strong. The length results will last depend on factors like surgeon expertise, and if you followed the post-operative instructions.
There are many different types of folliculitis — each one unique based on the cause, the infectious organism and its impact on the skin. Folliculitis can happen as a result of daily activities like shaving, getting in a hot tub, and excess sweating from exercise or outdoor work.
Hair loss or thinning: A damaged hair follicle will be unable to create a strong piece of hair. Consequently, hair will become thin, brittle, and weak. You might notice that it's breaking more frequently than it would or altogether falling out. Breakage can be a direct result of this.
You can prevent scalp yeast infections by practicing good head hygiene and keeping your scalp clean and dry. If you have itchy patches on your scalp, call your healthcare provider. They'll be able to determine if you have a scalp yeast infection. They can recommend an appropriate treatment option for you.
Within the first 30 days after transplantation, the patient is at greatest risk for healthcare-associated infections, often due to antibiotic-resistant organisms and often polymicrobial in etiology.
During the recovery period, the patients must make sure that they do not touch their scalp with dirty hands as that can lead to a complicated situation. Being watchful- While recovering from a hair transplant, it is crucial to monitor your progress very carefully, and you must also inspect the treatment site daily.
A hair transplant is a relatively safe procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are general risks, but these are minimised in a good clinic by an experienced specialist. Can you die from a hair transplant? To date, no deaths due to complications from a hair transplant are known.
The skin may look pale at first but quickly becomes red or bronze and warm to the touch and swollen. Pain is intense. Later, the skin turns violet, often with the development of large fluid-filled blisters (bullae). The fluid from these blisters is brown, watery, and sometimes foul smelling.