subject: 3 Things You Need To Know Before Considering Hair Transplantation Surgery [print this page] There are many types of hair restoration procedures which all differ in technique, so read below for an overview of post surgery feelings and risks/side effects that can occur.
How long will the procedure take?
For all hair transplant surgeries you will be admitted as an outpatient, which means you'll be leaving the hospital on the same day. Depending on the number of grafts to be used, your surgery can take approximately 4-8 hours. However you will be made to feel extremely comfortable during that time. Most treatment centers tend to provide you with a break, refreshments and lunch, especially if it is an 8-hour procedure. As it takes only one day, you will just require a local anesthesia and be awake the entire time. Only the donor area will be anesthetized, but you feel no pain. In fact many patients are amazed how they experienced little discomfort during and after the surgery.
Post surgery
The first 1-2 days after the transplant is when you have to take the most precautions. Some of the implants may be susceptible to falling out, especially the ones implanted last, so you should try not to manipulate or disturb the grafts in any way. Where permanent sutures were used on the donor area, these will be removed 7-10 days later. Follow-up consultations may be scheduled so the surgeon can monitor your healing process and any potential complications. Many patients found themselves returning to work and continuing their regular light activities within several days of the surgery.
Risks and side effects
Although hair restoration procedures are successful day-surgeries, they are still operations and therefore carry some risks and side effects. Some patients may suffer from continued numbness of the donor area. This is quite common and almost always disappears within a couple of months after the hair replacement surgery. Quite a few patients experience some swelling within 1-4 days of the operation. This can last about one week. Another temporary side effect can be headaches caused by the manipulation of the donor area - with the skin feeling stretched or pulled. This is extremely rare and can be treated with over the counter medicines. You might also suffer from an itchy scalp in the newly treated area a few days after the surgery. This is not unusual and regular shampooing to moisten the grafts can help relieve this.
3 Things You Need To Know Before Considering Hair Transplantation Surgery
