
In most developed and developing countries, Hair transplantation is one of the most common beauty treatments for men. According to the latest estimates by ISHRS, more than 700,000 hair restoration treatments were performed worldwide in 2021.
The facts clearly show that hair loss is a common problem faced by people from many countries, and the only permanent solution is a hair transplant.
But many people still have one question: Is hair transplantation safe?
This article will explore the risks associated with hair transplant procedures, possible side effects, and best practices for avoiding such complications.
Is hair transplant safe?
Yes, most hair transplant procedures are safe and reduce the risk of complications. However, this is only possible if the treatment is performed by a trained professional with appropriate certifications.
Clinics often have more lenient guidelines. It is common for establishments to assign uncertified lab technicians the responsibility of leading hair transplant procedures.
Many medical and hair restoration experts strongly advise against using anyone except a qualified person with a relevant educational background to administer a complex cosmetic procedure such as a hair transplant.
So, is a hair transplant safe if done by a qualified surgeon? Yes, any hair restoration procedure is safe. However, there are few or no side effects after surgery. Some complications may occur, as is typical for cosmetic surgery or any form.
At DHI, we use state-of-the-art patented techniques. This allows our experts to carry out the surgery smoothly and reduce the risk of complications after surgery. To give you insights, we will discuss the types of hair transplant procedures used by different clinics.
There are three main techniques for growing hair.
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI): Direct hair implantation for hair transplantation is the most advanced technique to restore hair growth in bald individuals.
Unlike traditional hair transplant methods, which involve removing a strip of skin from the donor area, a direct hair transplant is a minimally invasive procedure.
It involves extracting hair follicles from the donor area and implanting them directly into the recipient area using a particular instrument. This allows for a more natural-looking result, minimal scarring, and faster recovery.
Direct hair implants are a precise and highly effective solution for individuals seeking a permanent solution to their hair loss.
This gives them a chance to regain their self-confidence and have a fuller head of hair.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE): FUE is characterized by removing follicles from the donor site using a proprietary drilling tool. The extracted follicles are then transferred to the recipient area. It leaves little or no scars.
Follicular unit transplant (FUT): FUT is characterized by removing a strip of skin from the patient’s scalp. The dissected portion is then divided into smaller grafts containing one to four hair follicles. The area where the strip was removed will be sutured closed.
Which method is safer?
Both FUT and FUE hair transplant methods have advantages and disadvantages. However, regarding safety, the Direct hair transplantation (DHI) technique is superior. It is a less invasive procedure that leaves only minimal scarring.
The FUT method leaves a large strip of scar where the skin is stitched closed. FUE, on the other hand, is a complex procedure. Another disadvantage of FUE is that it is unsuitable for patients needing many hair transplants.
DHI allows for precise positioning of individual hair follicles, which leads to natural hair growth. Burying the hair at the correct angle, direction, and depth results in more natural-looking hair and overall hair density.
As mentioned, Hair transplant using the DHI technique is a minimally invasive procedure.
Unlike other hair transplant techniques, this one uses a special DHI Implanter, which creates a small incision for implantation without the first incision in the recipient area. This reduces the risk of scarring and promotes faster healing.
With the DHI implanter, our surgeons ultimately control the implanted hair’s angle, depth, and direction, resulting in natural results every time.
At DHI Clinic, you can enjoy a safe hair transplant procedure of up to 6,000 to 8,000 strands in a single session. Regarding safety, a Direct hair transplant should be your top priority.
What risks can occur with a hair transplant?
Although hair restoration procedures are generally safe, they don’t come without risks. There may be some complications that you may face after surgery. The most common ones are:
● Spread of infection
● Pain or discomfort at the surgery site
● Swelling of the forehead or hair follicles
● Bleeding from the surgery site
● Hair loss that continues for several months after the transplant procedure is complete.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately from the clinic where the implantation procedure was completed. However, looking for preventative techniques rather than curative methods is best. Let’s move on to the next topic.
Best practices to reduce complications after a hair transplant procedure
Although it may not always be in your hands, you can try some helpful techniques to reduce health-related problems and difficulties after hair transplant surgery.
1. Care after surgery
After this step, hair restoration experts will give you instructions.
This may include information about how to care for the implant site, such as what hair products to use and what activities to avoid for a certain period.
2. Strictly follow the prescribed dosage form.
Your hair transplant specialist will likely prescribe medication to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection in the healing area.
Ensure you follow the instructions diligently and don’t miss any prescribed doses.
3. Leave the transplant area alone.
Following the procedure, the implanted area tends to itch. You often feel the urge to scratch it off or at least rub it gently. Unfortunately, you can’t give up.
Any form of contact with the implanted area should be avoided. This is because it may seriously adversely affect the healing process.
4. Avoid sunlight.
Heat and sunlight may increase the risk of swelling or damage to the implant site. Therefore, they should be avoided for a specific time.
(As advised by your surgeon, you can wear a hat or other protective equipment during this time.)
5. Attend follow-up appointments
Make sure you are at all follow-up appointments without delay. Your surgeon will observe your healing progress and see if everything is as expected.
No one may notice if you miss these appointments or have any complications.
We are revealing five misconceptions about hair transplant procedures.
They have wrong beliefs and many misconceptions about the hair transplant procedure. Let’s debunk some of them:
Myth 1: Transplanted hair looks fake and unnatural.
Fact: Modern hair transplantation can replicate natural hair perfectly. Techniques such as direct hair transplantation at our clinic guarantee high accuracy.
This is because the direction and location of the implanted follicles can be predicted.
Myth 2: Hair transplants are painful and require a long recovery time.
Truth: Although hair transplant procedures have side effects such as discomfort, itching, or swelling, complications are common. Moreover, the recovery time is very little.
Most patients can return to sitting generally within a few days or a week after surgery.
Myth 3: Hair transplants are only effective for men
Fact: Although the causes of hair loss vary for men and women, the hair transplant procedure works effectively for both.
Myth 4: Hair transplants only work for certain types of hair loss
Fact: Hair restoration procedures are prevalent and can be used to treat various conditions. That may cause hair loss in both men and women.
Some of these conditions include male-pattern baldness, female-pattern hair loss, and Hair loss from scars.
Myth 5: Hair transplants are prohibitively expensive
Fact: Techniques like DHI–direct hair implants are revolutionizing the industry. Hair transplant procedures no longer require a considerable investment.
Specific financing plans and payment options can accommodate different budgets and make the process more affordable and accessible to everyone.
Many people who are interested in the idea of a hair transplant never try it because they think it is unsafe. However, if you follow all the precautions and instructions, You are unlikely to experience any complications or side effects.
At DHI Thailand, our customer satisfaction rate is approximately 99%, much higher than the industry average. This fact indicates that we use procedures that reduce scarring, reduce the risk of side effects, and take the least time to recover.
At DHI Thailand, we are the first and only place in Thailand authorized by DHI Global to perform hair transplants using the 100% patented DHI technique. We guarantee natural results by precisely controlling the hair transplant process’s depth, angle, and direction.