Fatigue, scars, infections & even anaphylactic shock – 10 horrifying side effects of hair transplants nobody talks about
Abigail Wilson, Senior Digital Writer
Published: Invalid Date,
IF you've ever been on a flight from Turkey to the UK, you're bound to have seen countless men and women with their heads in bandages.
You don't have to look far to spot a hair transplant, as thousands of Brits and countless celebs have had the popular tweakment.
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But while Wayne Rooney and Calum Best are huge fans, there can be some very serious side effects.
The UK hair transplant market generated £101million in 2023 and is projected to reach £335million by 2030, with the global market expected to reach $23.32 billion.
It's clear to see the appeal - bald spots filled in and an even, straight headline, what's not to like?
Getting a hair transplant here in Britain can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £30,000, depending on the extent of hair loss and the clinic's reputation.
With an average UK cost of £4,500-£6,000, many jet off to Turkey where it's just £2,300 for an all-inclusive package.
A number of celebrities have had the popular tweakment, which has been hailed as the 'new BBL for men' - with numerous reality TV stars raving about it.
But Dr Ed Robinson, who has had a hair transplant himself and regularly performs the tweakment, warns: 'Hair transplants have seen a significant rise in popularity over recent years, fuelled by greater awareness, celebrity endorsements, and advances in surgical techniques that deliver more natural results.
'Patients are becoming increasingly proactive in addressing hair loss at earlier stages, and the stigma around seeking treatment is rapidly diminishing.
'However, as with any medical procedure, hair transplants carry potential risks and side effects.'
And it's not just men getting them nowadays. Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Davis, 32, transformed her look and had the procedure to get rid of her 'high forehead' and lower her hairline back in 2019.
Wayne Bridge has hair transplant at top Harley Street clinic
Love Island star Rosie Williams, 33, also had a transplant, as did Married At First Sight icon Ella Morgan, 31.
Footballing legend Wayne Rooney, 39, was arguably the man who made the op famous - having had multiple hair transplants to address his balding, with his first one aged 25.
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Calum Best, 43, had three hair transplants before going into the Celebrity Big Brother house and Wayne Bridge, 44, took a trip to a top Harley Street clinic to fix his hairline.
X Factor and I'm A Celebrity star Jake Quickenden, 36, is another male celeb who splashed the cash on his hair, as he spent £5,000 on a hair transplant after "years of anxiety and paranoia".
Joe Swash, 43, is also a fan of the procedure, as he had his third hair transplant back in 2018.
Hair Loss 101
HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices.
Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength.
It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors.
Why It Happens More This Time of Year
Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding!
During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun.
As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands.
Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months.
Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss
The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair.
Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles.
Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands.
Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health.
Products to Avoid
Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time.
Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly.
Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons.
And if you're wondering why Geordie Shore 's Gaz Beadle is looking hotter than ever - well, it's because he's had a beard transplant - yes, you heard it right.
But while many head home from clinics gleaming with their new hair follicles, many face serious complications from poorly-performed procedures.
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And it's not just those who go to a dodgy practitioner - complications can arise regardless of who you see.
Ranging from swelling of the scalp to nerve damage, they often leave patients in immense pain and discomfort, with some even in need of treatment to solve it.
Here, Fabulous speaks to one of the UK's leading aesthetic doctors Dr Ed, who reveals the 10 issues you should be aware of…
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1. Swelling of the scalp
Moderate to severe swelling is common around the donor and recipient sites following a hair transplant.
Dr Ed tells Fabulous: 'Mild swelling can occur around the forehead and eyes for a few days post-procedure.'
As the scalp swells, it can also be characterised by redness, warmth and localised inflammation.
This can spread to areas like the nose, eyelids, or cheeks but typically diminish within a few days with ice application and painkillers.
2. Temporary scabbing or crusting
As well as swelling, the emergence of scabbing and crusting on the surface of the micro-incisions is an inevitable part of the healing process following a hair transplant.
Dr Ed explains: 'As the transplanted follicles heal, small scabs may form and shed within seven to 10 days.'
These scabs, which are essential for normal healing, can sometimes take up to three weeks to disappear completely.
It's extremely important they are not removed manually.
3. Itching
Following a hair transplant, patients will often experience an uncomfortable tension.
These feelings usually subside within a few weeks and according to Ed, such itching is 'caused by the healing process or dry skin'.
This itchy feeling will 'typically resolve with appropriate scalp care,' says Dr Ed.
4. Hair loss
A few weeks after having a hair transplant, temporary hair loss can occur in both the implanted and donor areas.
Hair loss may be worrying for many, but in these cases, it is a very common side effect stemming from surgical shock.
Dr Ed acknowledges that 'temporary shedding of transplanted or existing hair' often occurs but 'usually regrows within a few months.'
5. Infection or folliculitis
Following a hair transplant, some patients have reported suffering from rare skin infections, such as folliculitis.
Folliculitis is a common skin condition characterised by inflammation of the hair follicles, often appearing as small, red, pus-filled bumps.
What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?
IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.
It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.
Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.
No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.
If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.
Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.
Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.
Source: NHS
It is often caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses and in most of these cases, the bacteria involved are resistant to standard antibiotics.
Dr Ed claims that folliculitis after a hair transplant is 'rare but possible' and is 'usually treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory care.'
6. Fatigue
Dr Ed also shares that fatigue 'is quite likely following a hair transplant.'
He claims that this is 'mostly because the recovery process in the first week can be quite uncomfortable.'
The aesthetician claims that it is "difficult to sleep as you have to sleep sat up', which can lead to physical fatigue.
Not only this, but Dr Ed explains: 'The procedure does cause quite a lot of inflammation in your head and sometimes we see that patients become fatigued following procedures which cause inflammation.'
7. Unnatural looking hairline
Not only are infections potentially on the radar, but patient dissatisfaction can be too.
Dr Ed warns that those debating getting a hair transplant should be aware that hairlines can be 'designed too low' or may 'not respect normal anatomy', which can lead to disappointment in recipients.
8. Scars
In a minority of patients, a FUT hair transplant may cause scarring, particularly hypertrophic scars.
However, Dr Ed claims that 'scars were much more common with the FUT transplants which we mostly used to do.'
It's important for anyone considering a hair transplant to understand these potential side effects and to seek advice from a qualified professional
Dr Ed
He says: 'Nowadays with FUE implants, they don't leave much of a scar at all.
'People can get scarring from the donor site or the recipient area but that is very rare.'
9. Nerve damage and reduced sensation
In addition to scarring, nerve damage and a reduced sensation can occur.
Dr Ed suggests: 'Usually this occurs as a result of making incisions for the recipient area of the transplant.'
While this can generally resolve in a few weeks, the pro recognises: 'This gradually improves over time but there can be a permanent degree of reduced sensation.'
10. Anaphylactic shock
The final complication, which is extremely rare but has been seen in a few isolated cases, is anaphylactic shock.
Severe allergic reactions can occur during or immediately after a hair transplant, typically related to the injection of local anaesthetics, which can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.
Dr Ed shares: 'It's something that is possible whenever any patient has a treatment that involves any medication which they could be allergic to.
'With a hair transplant this is unlikely because the only real medication being used is some sort of injectable local anaesthetic, possibly mixed with adrenaline.
'It is incredibly rare that people are allergic to these medications - having said that, you should always be practicing a hair transplant in a CQC-rated premise in the UK, or HIS in Scotland, which means that they will be carrying an anaphylaxis emergency kit to be able to manage that should it arise.'
As a result of the above nine potential side effects, Dr Ed warns: 'It's important for anyone considering a hair transplant to understand these potential side effects and to seek advice from a qualified professional to determine whether surgery or non-surgical options are best suited to their needs.'
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