Understanding and Preventing Hair Transplant Infections

Hair Transplant is an important once-in-a-lifetime decision that helps you regain your lost self-image and confidence. People who suffer from hair loss and baldness gradually start feeling stressed, anxious, and low self-esteem in social situations. As usually said your hair is a crown feature of your head and even a small tweak in hairstyle can significantly impact your overall facial appearance.

To combat such hair issues, people are now more inclined to go for modern Hair Transplant surgeries instead of investing in slow-performing traditional treatments. If the Hair Loss is due to genetics (androgenetic alopecia), the last resort is only a Hair Transplant. As it gives guaranteed permanent results if done with Hair Transplant Certified Surgeons.

But only SOMETIMES does it come with a 100% success rate. And, if not done by reputed certified surgeons, these may lead to various Hair Transplant Infections.

In this article, we will discuss about hair transplant infections and various causes leading to it. But before we dive deep into it, it is important that we understand the hair transplant process briefly.

About Hair Transplant

Hair Transplant is a surgical process where hair grafts are taken out from the donor area(usually the back of the scalp) and implanted to the recipient area(area with no hair). This is done widely with two standard methods- FUE and FUT. Have a look at the image below, where hair transplant is done with the FUE method.

Hair Transplant Infections

As per the ISHRS data, there were around 703,183 people who underwent Hair Transplant Surgery in 2022. However, these surgeries do not always go 100% successful.

It is a complex process where patients are expected to face some initial effects that lasts for generally 3-4 days. These are temporary and also can’t be avoided as the scalp is adapting to a new environment.

But if it continues more than usual, then these may be the signs of Hair Transplant Infections. Below are symptoms of potential infections you might get affected after a Hair Transplant Surgery.

• pus-filled abscess or oozing pus
• Swelling and pain
• Redness or discoloration
• Itchiness and bleeding
• Burning and warmth

Some of these symptoms are expected side effects of the surgery. While the others are caused by microbes that enter the susceptible donor or recipient area which in turn causes fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches and lethargy. If not treated timely, these infections may lead to further complications, which are

Postoperative Folliculitis/Pustules

Folliculitis after hair transplant stems from a bacterial infection and unveils itself through the appearance of red bumps around hair follicles. We must know that folliculitis infection is not exclusive to only hair transplant patients. It is just a scalp issue that can show up to anyone. And in case of sterile folliculitis, the inflammation is possible without any infection.

Scalp Necrosis After Hair Transplant

Though scalp necrosis is very rare after a hair transplant, still if you notice some blackened and hardened patches on the scalp, you should immediately seek medical help as it can permanently lead to scalp damage. The reason for this condition is reduction in blood flow to the scalp due to severe infection.

Cysts on Scalp

Just like necrosis, cyst is also a very rare scalp infection after a hair transplant. A cyst is developed as a result of various factors including trauma/disturbance to hair follicle during a hair transplant process. They look like a fluid filled small bumps that are often painless. In some cases they may remain same and need treatment.

Patients are recommended to consult a doctor without delay if they spot the signs of cyst or feel any discomfort.

Sepsis After Hair Transplant

Sepsis is a serious life threatening condition that arises when the body is overwhelmed with responses to the infections. It can spread rapidly and affect to multiple organs which can lead to symptoms such as fever, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, confusion, and organ failure.

In case of hair transplant, the risk of sepsis is extremely rare as an experienced surgeon will never let the bacteria enter the bloodstream through the surgical site. This is due to strict adherence to strict hygiene protocols and aftercare instructions to patients.

Causes of Hair Transplant Infections

Inadequate Hygiene and Poor Sanitary Standards

During a Hair Transplant Surgery, tiny slits(holes) are created at the recipient area to implant the Hair Grafts. Similarly, holes with a punch are created on the donor site at the edges of the hair follicle. These holes are very prone to microbial attack.

The most CRUCIAL cause of infection after a hair transplant is the use of unsterilized instruments and improper autoclaves.

So your hair transplant practitioner must use well sanitized tools during the process as these holes are nothing but subtle wounds that take time to heal. Also, if unauthorized persons do a hair transplant, they may do it in an unsterilized condition.

Underlying Medical Conditions

If you already have an underlying medical condition/illness, your wounds can be infected more easily. Also, the recovery period of your wounds depends on your immune system which could be weakened by your existing unhealthiness. These may include

• Autoimmune Disorders
• Malnutrition
• Diabetes
• Excessive Fat
• Chronic infections
• Low metabolism rate/BMR
• High Blood Pressure
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer
• Ageing

Crust Formation

The crust formation on the scalp is normal and that is simply the natural healing process. These are formed due to dried blood and other fluids that are covered on grafts in order to create a protective layer upon them. But if they are not cleaned within the recommended time period these crust can create a breeding atmosphere for bacteria.
Thick scabs can also stop oxygen and food from reaching the new hair, which may cause infection after a hair transplant.

Moist Environment

A humid and moist condition can provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. In such an atmosphere, it makes proliferation quite easy for bacteria on the scalp and leads to various transplant infections. Moreover, excess of moisture can reduce the flow of oxygen to the transplanted follicles which is crucial for the healing process.

Advisable and Forbidden steps to prevent Hair Transplant Infections

Advisable

• Always choose certified authentic surgeons based on their previous experience in handling complex surgeries. Find out more about their achievements and recognition they have earned in the field of hair transplant globally.
• Investigation and checkup before a Hair Transplant is crucial to prevent any hair transplant-related complication and infection.
• The Hair Transplant centre/clinic must have adequate equipment to address complications. Their Sterilization of the operation theatre and autoclaving of instruments should be proper.
• Follow the post-operative instructions carefully which include medication, sanitary, sleeping postures, diet, environment exposure, and more.
• If you are suffering from any disease, such as diabetes or any other illness, be careful and do regular follow-up visits.
• As per the hair transplant surgeon’s advice, a preoperative shampoo with betadine scrub and post-operative cleaning is a must.

Forbidden

• Don’t keep touching, rubbing or scratching the scabs on the scalp. If you feel like to do so, ask your surgery team for a solution.
• Stay away from swimming and heavy exercise until you recover completely.
• Avoid using unhygienic and tight caps that lead to sweating.
• Limit your time or better stay away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using tobacco while healing.
• Avoid Harsh cleaning of the scalp.

Inferences: Infection in Hair Transplant Surgery is rare; it is less than 1% in a trained and professional doctor’s clinic but may be up to 50% in an unprofessional and unauthorized person’s place. If the surgery is not planned and performed correctly, this may lead to botched hair transplant infections.

So, it is always advised to do thorough research wisely before you choose a hair transplant clinic for your new hair journey. Rejuvenate hair transplant center in Indore provides:

• Surgery done by Surgeons themselves(Globally Certified)
• Expert Authorized Staff
• Guaranteed Natural Results
• Cutting Edge Technologies
• Affordable price without compromising the quality