Is Hair Transplant Dangerous? Know How To Prepare for Hair Transplant

It is important to know about all the possible risks that can occur after a hair transplant to make sure that the procedure is a successful one. Normally, hair transplantation is a safe procedure when a highly qualified surgeon who possesses the necessary skills performs it. This blog will guide into the risks of the procedure and what to do in order to overcome them.

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Is Hair Transplant Safe?

This is a question that a lot of patients have on their minds whenever they consider undergoing hair transplantation. They are highly concerned about the safety of the whole procedure- both before and after the process.

Hair transplantation, irrespective of any technique, is a safe procedure to undergo. The possible explanation is that doctors have to be highly trained in the technique and that they have to use the effective equipment which makes it safer than other surgical procedures.

However, as with every other surgical procedure, there are some minor side effects that can occur. With the proper care both during and after the procedure, these complications can be cured easily.

At Pristyn Care, doctors are highly experienced in providing hair transplantation procedures. Additionally, the clinics are fully equipped with the necessary tools for providing Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)- considered as the best method for hair transplantation.

What are the Risks of Hair Transplant?

The side-effects that occur after hair transplantation can be divided into two groups- short term and long term.

Short Term Risks that Occur after Hair Transplant

The following side effects cure within a few weeks of the procedure.

Infection
Bleeding
Shock loss
Scars
Itching
Pain
Scabbing
Swelling

Long Terms Risks that Occur after Hair Transplant

In addition to the short-term, there can be some complications that can occur. Fortunately, these can be cured following a set of post-operative instructions judiciously.

Curling of hair- This is the most common long term complication of hair transplant that people experience. This occurs when the transplanted hair follicles curl inside resulting in ingrown hair.
Scalp Laxity- After the hair transplant procedure, especially Follicular Unit Transplantation, the laxity of the scalp decreases. Within 6-8 months, the laxity is restored to normalcy and then again it starts loosening up. A person with a tight scalp is able to experience a more noticeable change than a patient with a loose scalp.
Failed Grafts- In very rare cases, the patient has to undergo the hair transplantation procedure again as the scalp is unable to take the implanted grafts. With the DHI technique of hair transplantation used at Pristyn Care, the chances of failed grafts are almost nil.

How To Prepare for Hair Transplant?

Preparation is key in ensuring that there are no major side effects after hair transplantation. Here’s what a patient needs to do before the procedure-

Stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines.
Do not have a hair cut before the surgery.
Quit smoking at least 24 hours before the procedure.
Do not drink alcohol at least 72 hours before the hair transplantation.
For a month prior to the surgery, massage the scalp daily for 10-30 minutes per day.
Avoid taking anti-depressants, beta-blockers and blood thinners before the surgery.

How To Take Care After Hair Transplant?

Once the hair transplantation procedure is complete, it is important to follow some instructions in order to get the desired results and reduce the chances of any infections developing.

How To Take Care of the Scars after Hair Transplant?

Although hair transplantation is safer than other cosmetic procedures, there can be the formation of scars. These scars need to be taken care off or these can swell and get infected. The scars are wounds in miniature form. In the receiving area, where the hair follicles are grafted, there can be the formation of cysts that fall off over time.

Gently apply 2-3 pieces of gauze with saline solution for the next three days of the surgery in the receiving area (an area where hair follicles are transplanted). You need to keep these gauzes for 30-60 minutes twice a day to keep the area moist and speed up the healing.
In the donor area, apply Polysporin or other soothing ointments after proper consultation with the surgeon.
Do not wash the hair in the first two days of the recovery.
Don’t blow your hair absolutely using dryers in the treated area.

What Activities Are Allowed after Hair Transplantation?

It is important to take great care of the grafts planted on the hair for long-lasting results. Doctors suggest that the first two weeks after the hair transplantation is very crucial to ensure a speedy recovery. Here are some dos and don’t one to keep in mind after hair transplant-

For a month or two, don’t take a dip in the pool. Otherwise, the scalp fills up with salt, dirt and chlorine.
After the surgery, quit drinking absolutely for two weeks.
During a workout, practice only milder intensity postures and exercises to ensure that there is no pressure on the grafts.
Avoid any exercises that require a lot of effort.
Do not lift any heavy weights nor load excessively heavy objects.
Cover the head whenever you are stepping out under the sun. Direct exposure to the sun can cause sweating affecting the hygiene of the hair and scalp.

Conclusion

The hair transplant is a very safe procedure that an individual can undergo. There can be some minor side effects that can be cured with proper instructions. At Pristyn Care, our doctors provide a set of instructions that an individual has to follow to reduce the risk of any possible complications. Book an appointment today to consult with a specialist.