Like every surgery, the operation of capillary micrografting is not without side effects. However, most of these side effects that occur after capillary micrografting surgery are usually diminished with the passing of days and disappear in the first week of the postoperative period.
Hair graft, what side effects can it have?
Below you can see the live video of a hair transplant surgery in which the patient tells that it bothers him more when he goes to the dentist than the hair transplant surgery
Alfonso Sánchez without and with capillary graft. Source: Twitter
The most common side effects of capillary micrografting are recorded with the following symptoms:
Hair loss
After the hair transplant operation you will notice an acceleration in hair loss, which is caused by a shock on the scalp. The scalp after the operation will go through a resting stage, which is known as telogen, and cause hair loss. You do not have to worry, it’s completely normal and not all the hair will fall out. Only the hair with weak roots will be eliminated. The surgeon can prescribe medications for hair loss after the operation.
Inflammation / Hemorrhage
After the hair transplant surgery, bleeding may appear; which will be minimal and in many cases imperceptible. In certain rare situations, the bleeding will not stop quickly. Then, the doctor should take additional measures to control the bleeding that occurs. According to the records, almost all those who have undergone a hair transplant operation have suffered some type of inflammation in the transplanted area. In addition to inflammation, a portion of patients who underwent capillary micrograft surgery have expressed some pain due to swelling. Therefore, after the intervention the doctor will prescribe (optionally in some cases) antibiotic and anti-inflammatory or ibuprofen.
This swelling can be noticed especially in the area of the forehead and around the eyes, but it will not be visible. It usually does not last more than 2 or 3 days. The strangest thing that can happen to you is to arrive at the 4th postoperative day noticing this swelling. You should not be alarmed by this and keep in mind that inflammation is a necessary process for healing.
The scabs
Why do scabs appear? The scabs appear as a method of defending the skin against bacteria and infections that may appear. These are formed to help with the healing process of the wounds resulting from the operation.
These scabs are a kind of shield for the vulnerable layer of the scalp. This is why the scabs begin to form on the wound.
Under this layer of crust there is an activity that is occurring because the cells are regenerating and establishing in the new place. The relief you will feel after the 8th day, or even less, where the crusts will fall naturally. This process will depend, in large part, on the regeneration capacity of your body.
1st image: Before a transplant, the donor area. 2nd After 2 days the donor area. 3rd 2 weeks after the donor area
Numbness
Those who have undergone a hair transplant will feel a numbness of the transplanted area. This can be felt until a few weeks after the hair restoration surgery. This numbness is due, generally, to the reduction of the circulation in the capillaries. Keep in mind that your scalp has suffered injuries. These vessels will rebuild themselves and strengthen the tissues surrounding the hair follicles. This temporary process is an important part of the healing process, and it is not a reason for you to worry.
In general, the side effects mentioned above are mild inconveniences for most patients. The most important thing is that these discomforts are only temporary and almost all of them will disappear in a couple of weeks. Undoubtedly, the body is prepared to regenerate after this type of intervention. The cuts in the scalp heal in a short time. There are medications that your doctor can prescribe, if you consider it necessary as a supplement to the natural healing process.
Exercise and return to everyday life
It should be noted that those who exercise regularly, refrain from intense exercise during the first postoperative month or until you feel able to resume these activities naturally. Keep in mind that exercise requires the use of force and can cause blood vessels to burst and reopen wounds. When the wounds reopen, bleeding can occur and bacteria can enter the small cuts that were made during the micrografting. This would leave you exposed to an increased risk of infection.
Capillary micrograft, is it effective?
Today we know the capillary micrografting or hair transplant, as an effective method to restore missing hair, mainly in the upper part of the head. This method (known as FUE) uses the latest technology to ensure a completely natural look of the transplanted hair without leaving marks on the scalp. It is a very complex process for the surgeon who does it, since he must transplant follicle by follicle (each follicle of quality usually takes between 2 and 3 hairs), it does not entail any risk and it has excellent results if it is done correctly.
Hair transplant process
To perform the hair transplant, the hair follicles of the posterior and lateral area of the head are taken, since this area is not prone to hair loss. Always verify if the follicles that are transplanted are in good conditions of capillary quality (in the average that we mentioned before hair by follicle).
The process of hair micrografting or hair transplantation, like any other treatment for hair loss, usually does not last more than 8 hours.
Advantages of the capillary micrograft
The biggest advantage of capillary micrografting compared to other treatments for hair loss is that it is not a painful treatment for those who undergo it and it is completely effective. There is no need for general anesthesia for the patient and after finishing the capillary micrografting the patient can go home or hotel without any impediment. It should be noted that after two days of the hair transplant surgery, the patient will be ready to return to their normal activities (without extreme efforts as we have mentioned before).
Visible results in a short time
With this technique mentioned above (FUE technique), capillary recovery is much faster compared to other surgeries (such as FUSS or the strip), and after the first month the first positive results will be visible and after three months much better results since the hair starts to grow. In spite of this, it is recommended that the patient who underwent the capillary recovery treatment not be subjected to strenuous physical activities, while the treatment is being performed and until about three months after the completion of the capillary recovery treatment.
With the passing of days, the hair that was transplanted with this treatment will grow in a regular way, until it takes on a natural aspect, similar to the rest of our hair. Some experts in hair transplants suggest additional treatments to their patients to improve the quality and appearance of the hair and also to make it look thicker.
Tips to perform a hair transplant
As with any other surgical procedure, it is necessary to be well advised about the surgeon or clinic in which the hair transplant surgery is going to be performed. You must take into account the facilities of the hair treatment center and the modernization of your equipment to ensure success in your hair transplant. Take your time and research, ask at the hospital or clinic if they allow you to talk with other patients who have been transplanted there to get in touch with them and tell you their experience, so you can make a better decision for your hair transplant.