‘A hair transplant is generally a safe procedure’, notes the NHS. Why, then, is the safety of hair transplant procedures so often debated?
The truth is that hair transplants can be a very safe (and highly effective) way to combat hair loss, although the bargain hair transplants offered abroad can affect the reputation of these safe procedures. One report found that the risks of bargain surgeries is often greater because of less involvement from the trained surgical team.
The good news is that, here in the UK, a good hair transplant clinic will take all the necessary measures to minimise risk and facilitate excellent outcomes.
However, if you’re considering a hair transplant, it’s important to understand that a hair transplant is, at the end of the day, a surgical procedure. And, like all surgical procedures, there are some small risks.
What type of hair transplant is safest?
There are two main types of hair transplant. The first is a follicular unit transplant, or FUT. This is an older procedure that involved the removal of a strip of skin from the donor area, transplanting the follicles from this strip onto the thinning areas. While a FUT transplant is certainly not an unsafe procedure, it does pose different risks because of the complexities of the surgery.
Newer, minimally invasive procedures such as the FUE hair transplant – or follicular unit extraction transplant – present less risk in general. This method collects follicles directly from the donor area, individually taking them out one by one. As FUE hair transplants are understood to be a safer alternative, many UK clinics now focus exclusively on this technique to increase the chance of success.
Hair transplant risks
The good news is that most people will experience a safe hair transplant when the procedure is undertaken at a CQC-regulated clinic, and under the care of a trained and experienced surgeon. However, every person is different. Everyone reacts differently, and heals at different rates, so it’s important to understand the risks when deciding if a hair transplant is right for you.
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic used in the procedure, for excessive bleeding to occur during the transplant, and to experience pain and itching during recovery. Infection is also possible, although studies show a less than 1% risk of infection in FUE hair transplant patients. When infection does occur, it is most likely to be due to poor hygiene, or an existing medical risk factor, rather than the surgery itself.
Is a hair transplant right for me?
Hair transplants, particularly FUE hair transplants, are considered to be very safe. However, it’s important to understand that, as with all surgeries, there are risks. If you feel unsure, there are alternatives to surgery, such as medications and topical treatments. If you’re not sure what option is right for you, get in touch with us here at The Treatment Rooms London. We ‘re committed to helping everyone find a solution that’s right for them.