Man dies after hair transplant: These are the most common risks and side effects

The most common risks and side effects of hair transplants are something to consider before undergoing a hair transplant. It was learned Tuesday that the death of a 38-year-old British man , Martyn Latchman , who died after traveling to Turkey for a hair transplant is under investigation. The clinic said in a statement that the patient "fell unexpectedly unwell for reasons that are still unknown " while preparing for surgery, adding that he fell ill "before the hair transplant procedure began."

In Spain, more and more people of different sexes are choosing hair transplants as a definitive solution for hair loss, alopecia, or baldness . It's a very safe, minimally invasive, and outpatient procedure.

Although it offers positive results in most cases, like any medical procedure, it may also be associated with some risks and side effects, including:

Bleeding

Bleeding during hair transplant procedures is very common and is controlled by applying pressure and using vasoconstrictor medications.

A proper medical evaluation that explains the preoperative guidelines, as well as conducting laboratory tests, helps reduce the risk of bleeding. In some cases, some bleeding may occur in the postoperative period , so it is important to follow medical instructions on how to care for the donor and recipient areas to avoid complications.

Infection

Infection is a common risk with any surgical procedure, so it can also occur after a hair transplant. Although precautions are taken to minimize the risk of infection, it is essential to follow post-procedure care instructions to minimize the chances of infection. If infection occurs, it can be controlled by cleaning the area and prescribing antibiotics.

Allergic reaction

It is very rare, but to avoid it, it is important to have a medical consultation before the procedure, where the patient is assessed for possible side effects from the medications administered during and after surgery, as well as taking into account any previous medications and any possible interactions they may have.

Pain and discomfort

Although most forums and search engine reviews describe the procedure as painless, I like to be honest with my patients and explain that a hair transplant requires local anesthesia, which is painful, although it only lasts a few minutes compared to the overall duration of the transplant.

After the graft, any pain or discomfort you may experience is easily controlled with conventional first- and second-level analgesics. It's unusual for patients to complain of pain after the surgery. However, if they do experience these symptoms, they are usually temporary.

Scars

There are currently two techniques for extracting follicular units from the donor area. The oldest of these is known as the "Strip Method" (FUSS—Follicular Unit Strip Surgery). This involves removing an entire piece of scalp, leaving a longitudinal scar at the back of the head that is unsightly. Therefore, in order to minimize this scar, it has evolved and is now used in most cases.

The other, more advanced technique is known as the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique , which involves making small cylinders in the scalp, with the aim of extracting follicular unit by follicular unit, thus leaving scars smaller than a millimeter, which become practically imperceptible when the extraction is performed by an experienced surgeon.

These scars are usually minimal and become less visible over time, but it is important to have realistic expectations about the results.

Telogen shock

After a hair transplant, you may experience a period of temporary hair loss , known as telogen shock. This occurs due to the physical stress caused by the procedure and can last for several weeks or even months.

However, it is important to note that this is part of the healing process and new hair will begin to grow in its place.

Asymmetry or results different from what was expected

Before performing a transplant, a design is made. At this point, both the doctor and the patient must make a joint decision regarding the design, the area to be treated, and its extension.

It's very important to have realistic expectations. We often find marketing offers that "promise" certain numbers of follicles, which in many cases aren't possible to extract due to insufficient donor sites or simply aren't necessary for the patient.

Changes in sensitivity

It's very common for patients to experience loss of sensation or hypersensitivity in the treated area of the scalp after a transplant. In some cases, this can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. If this bothers you, it's recommended that you contact your doctor to find the best treatment for your case.

Folliculitis

When the transplanted hair begins to grow 3-4 months after the transplant, it's common for some follicles to become inflamed and cause small bumps on the scalp, known as folliculitis. In cases where these appear repeatedly, the application of antibiotic ointments prescribed by your doctor is recommended.

In conclusion, if you are considering a hair transplant, my recommendation, without a doubt, is to always consult with an experienced hair surgeon , if possible before making the decision, to discuss your options and determine if you are a suitable candidate for this type of procedure.

It's essential to have a clear understanding of your type of alopecia if hair transplantation is your best option based on the type of alopecia you suffer from. The risk-benefit ratio, associated side effects, and possible adequate adherence to postoperative care are all very important to ensure the success of the transplant.