Like any medical procedure, a hair transplant is not without potential side effects. While most of these side effects are temporary and manageable, it’s important for patients to be fully informed before undergoing treatment.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common – and some rare – side effects associated with hair transplants, why they occur, and how they can be minimized or treated for a smooth recovery and optimal results.
How Frequently Do Hair Transplant Side Effects Occur?
Hair transplant side effects are generally mild, temporary, and quite common, especially in the early stages of recovery. Most patients experience at least one or more side effects during the first few weeks after the procedure. These side effects are a normal part of the healing process and typically resolve on their own without complications.
The most frequently reported side effects include swelling, redness, itchiness, scabbing, and mild pain or discomfort, all of which usually occur within the first week. [1]
Numbness and temporary hair shedding (shock loss) are also relatively common but tend to appear later, typically within the first month. These effects are not typically a cause for concern and are experienced by the majority of patients undergoing either FUE or DHI hair transplant techniques. [2]
Here is a common recovery period timeline:
More serious side effects, such as infections or keloid scarring, are rare, especially when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon and proper aftercare is followed. The overall incidence of major complications is estimated to be less than 2%.
Ultimately, the frequency and severity of side effects vary from person to person and depend on factors like individual healing ability, surgical technique, and adherence to post-operative instructions. Most patients recover smoothly with proper care.
What Are Common Side Effects After a Hair Transplant Surgery?
Hair transplant procedures are generally safe when performed by qualified surgeons. However, as the procedure involves creating hundreds or thousands of micro-incisions on the scalp, some side effects are part of the natural healing process.
The most commonly reported 9 side effects
Pain and Discomfort (0-1 Week)
Mild pain and discomfort on the scalp are the most common side effects experienced after a hair transplant.
Over 90% of patients report mild to moderate pain, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery. This discomfort affects both the donor area – typically the back or sides of the scalp – and the recipient area where the grafts have been implanted. [3]
Pain is usually well-controlled with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers. By the third or fourth day, most patients notice a significant decrease in discomfort.
Avoid scratching or putting pressure on the scalp, as this can worsen the irritation and delay healing.
Itchiness on the Scalp (0-1 Weeks)
Itchiness is another very common side effect, affecting nearly 70 to 90% of patients during the first week. As the micro-incisions begin to heal, the skin may become dry and irritated, leading to an itchy sensation. It may occur at both the recipient and donor sites. [4]
While itching is a sign that your scalp is healing, it’s important not to scratch the area. Scratching can dislodge the newly placed grafts and introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
Surgeons typically recommend using a saline spray or a gentle, non-medicated moisturizer to soothe the scalp and reduce itchiness.
Scabbing or Crusting After Hair Transplantation (0-1 Weeks)
After each graft is inserted, the tiny wounds left behind begin to clot and heal, forming small scabs around the base of each follicle. So, almost all patients undergoing a hair transplant develop some degree of scabbing or crusting in the first few days following surgery.
These scabs typically begin to fall off naturally between 10 – 14 days post-op. [5]
Gently soaking and washing the scalp can help loosen the scabs without disrupting the grafts. It’s important to follow your doctor’s washing instructions carefully. Most importantly, you should never pick at them as this can damage the follicle, lead to scarring, or even cause the transplanted hair to fail. Click here to watch how to get rid of scabs after hair transplant.
Swelling of the Eyelids and Forehead (0-2 Weeks)
Swelling is a fairly common side effect, occurring in 30 to 50% of patients, especially those who undergo large transplant sessions involving a high number of grafts. Swelling generally appears on the forehead and around the eyes and usually starts between day two and day five following surgery. [6]
While the swelling may look alarming, it’s almost always temporary and not painful. It usually subsides within a week.
To minimize it, sleep with your head elevated on pillows, avoid bending over or engaging in strenuous activity, and apply cold compresses as advised by your surgeon. Read more about swelling after hair transplant.
Redness on the Scalp (0-2 Weeks)
Redness is a normal part of the healing process and is due to inflammation and increased blood flow to the surgical area. It affects about 80 to 90% of patients and can persist for up to two weeks, although it tends to fade sooner in individuals with darker skin tones. In people with fair skin, the redness may be more pronounced and linger a bit longer.
Mild redness is not a cause for concern. However, if it’s accompanied by increasing pain, warmth, or pus, it could be a sign of infection and should be assessed by your doctor.
Numbness on the Scalp (0-2 Weeks)
Temporary numbness is a common side effect, occurring in approximately 40 to 60% of patients. Patients may also notice tingling or a complete loss of sensation in either the donor or recipient area. These side effects are caused by the small sensory nerves in the scalp being disrupted during the procedure.
The good news is that this numbness is almost always temporary. Most patients regain normal sensation within a few weeks, although in rare cases it may take a few months. It does not affect the success of the hair transplant or the growth of new hair. [7]
Shock Loss After Hair Transplantation (4-6 Weeks)
Shock loss is a temporary side effect where some of the existing (non-transplanted) hair around the transplant site falls out. It usually begins within 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery and can be distressing to patients. It is the result of trauma to the scalp and hair follicles due to surgery. [9]
This condition is common and affects about 30 to 50% of patients.
It’s important to know that shock loss is not permanent – the lost hairs usually start growing back within three to six months. Doctors may recommend minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia) to minimize the risk of shock loss and encourage regrowth. Read more about shock loss after hair transplant.
Keloid Formation (2-6 Weeks)
Keloid formation is a rare complication, affecting less than 5% of patients. Keloids are raised, thickened scars that develop as an excessive response to wound healing. People with darker skin or a genetic predisposition to keloids are at higher risk. [8]
While FUE significantly reduces the risk of visible scarring, keloids can still form in some cases.
If you’ve had keloids in the past or are concerned about scarring, it’s essential to discuss this with your surgeon prior to the procedure. Treatments such as corticosteroid injections, silicone gel sheets, or laser therapy may help prevent or reduce keloid formation.
Infection (0-6 Months)
Infection after a hair transplant is rare, occurring in less than 2% of patients. However, when it does occur, it can lead to complications such as delayed healing, scarring, or failed grafts. Infections are typically caused by bacteria entering the micro-wounds, often due to poor hygiene or not following post-op care instructions.
Some signs of infection to watch out for include: Persistent pain, Redness that worsens instead of improving, Pus or fluid discharge from the scalp, and Swelling accompanied by fever
Most infections respond well to oral antibiotics. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your surgeon immediately. Adhering to proper aftercare is critical to preventing infection, especially during the first two weeks.
Conclusion
While hair transplant side effects are generally mild and temporary, understanding what to expect can make your recovery more comfortable and reduce anxiety. From swelling and scabbing to numbness and shock loss, most side effects are part of the body’s natural healing process and typically resolve within a few days to weeks.
Choosing an experienced and reputable surgeon, following all pre- and post-operative care instructions, and maintaining realistic expectations are key to a successful outcome. By staying informed and proactive, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying fuller, natural-looking hair with confidence and peace of mind.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9625220/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38362247/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19774754/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25041108/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16767798/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353603073_An_Overview_on_Coconut_Water_As_A_Multipurpose_Nutrition
