Getting a hair transplant can be a life-changing decision—but it’s important to know what to expect during the recovery process. While the procedure is generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects like swelling, itching, tenderness, or temporary hair shedding (known as shock loss). These are usually short-term and part of the body’s natural healing response. Knowing the possible side effects of hair transplant ahead of time helps you feel more prepared, stay calm during recovery, and take the right steps for smooth healing and great results. If you are concerned about side effects, it’s equally important to choose the best hair transplant in Delhi to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
What are the side effects of hair transplant surgery?
Undergoing a hair transplant surgery can undoubtedly improve your overall appearance and boost your self-confidence when done properly. Excellent candidates for a hair transplant include:
- Men with male-pattern baldness, thinning all overhead, and hair loss.
- Women with hair loss and thinning hair.
- Anyone who has lost hair due to some scalp injury, surgery, or medications.
- Hair transplant procedures may still cause certain complications.
Side effects of hair transplant surgery are generally minor and subside within a few weeks. They can include:
1. Hair falling out
There is a common notion amongst people that hair only keeps growing and getting thicker after going under a hair transplant surgery. Unfortunately, the fact is that some people will actually have to face the fall first. After a hair transplant, it’s completely normal for the transplanted hair to fall out. This process causes shedding, but it only lasts temporarily and usually stops within 2 to 3 weeks.
This shedding in some people occurs because the roots get closer, and the hair shaft falls down and growth begins from the roots again. The new growth in such cases becomes visible in 3-4 months. In a few cases, there can be shock loss of the existing hair due to transplant surgery. However, these things are rare, and hair will re-grow within a few months.
2. Scarring
If you undergo an FUE hair transplant, you may notice tiny micro scars where the surgeon extracted the grafts. These small marks usually fade within a few weeks. As your new hair grows in, it naturally covers the dot-like scars, making them hardly visible.
If you have had FUT hair transplant, you’ll likely notice a linear scar. But with proper hair growth and a well-planned hairstyle, there’s no need to worry—it can be easily covered.
3. Itching
Most people who undergo a hair transplant experience this side effect—it’s one of the most common parts of the recovery process. The itching normally occurs because of the development of scabs at the transplant site. The most comfortable technique for tackling this situation is continuously spraying the solution given over the grafts and rinsing off the scalp with a medicated or mild shampoo after the initial few weeks of the surgical process.
The itching too, as with other side effects, will disappear over a period of a few days. In most cases, it can also be caused by the application of minoxidil, which, when stopped, will make the problem vanish.
4. Bleeding
Whether you are getting a FUT or FUE hair transplant, you might experience a few minor nicks or cuts, which can lead to some blood loss. Skilled surgeons do their best to minimize bleeding during the procedure, but a little oozing afterward is normal. You can usually manage it easily by gently pressing a piece of gauze on the area. That’s why it’s important to let your doctor know if you’re taking blood thinners or have any bleeding-related conditions—so they can take the right precautions.
5. Pain
A hair transplantation surgery, FUT or FUE, is a medical process, and there is bound to be some amount of pain, specifically in FUT. While in many cases, the doctor will incorporate anesthesia and sedatives; however, there are very few cases where there is pain even after the surgery has finished. In these rare cases, the surgeon will administer some painkillers to avoid this in the post-op phase. At times patients might have extended pain sensation in FUT procedures. Patients might be prescribed paracetamol if such a situation is ever faced.
6. Swelling
This is another side effect that is common and is noticed in a majority of patients who have taken hair transplant surgery. However, the areas and level of swelling might differ from person to person. So while most people might encounter swelling on their forehead or back, for others, it might be surrounding their eyes. Usually, the swelling tends to die out in some days; however, if it does not subside in a few days, the best would be to see a doctor.
7. Infections
If you choose a reputable clinic that maintains strict hygiene and offers complete patient care, your risk of infection is very low. Still, in rare cases, even with top-notch facilities, a minor infection can occur. In such situations, a short course of antibiotics usually clears it up quickly.
8. Numbness
The numbness is usually associated with the cutting of nerves in the FUT restoration method. However, at certain good clinics, you rest in the superficial plane, avoiding any nerve injury and hence numbness.
9. Cysts
This complication happens when buried grafts are left behind due to improper extraction during the procedure. While it is often the case that the cysts manifest in the form of a bunch of pimples, there are only rare cases wherein they attain a more provoked form. Usually, these cysts disperse in some weeks, but if they do not, then you might have to see your specialist. Make sure your doctor has the skill and experience to carefully extract the grafts without leaving behind any buried hair.
10. Hiccups
While it might seem weird, hiccups are yet another side effect of hair restoration surgery that might afflict some patients. This is a very unusual side effect and generally lasts only a few days.
FAQs
Yes, mild pain or discomfort is a normal part of the recovery process. It usually lasts for a few days and can be easily managed with prescribed painkillers.
Some minor bleeding is expected, especially on the first day. It typically stops on its own and is not a cause for concern unless it’s excessive or persistent.
Swelling around the forehead and eyes can occur 2–4 days post-surgery. It gradually subsides without treatment and is part of the body’s natural healing response.
Yes, itching is a common sign of healing and usually begins a few days after the procedure. It typically lasts for about a week and should not be scratched to avoid infection.
Temporary numbness or tingling is common and occurs due to nerve endings being affected during the procedure. Sensation usually returns within a few weeks.
Shock loss refers to temporary hair shedding in the transplanted or surrounding area. This is normal and regrowth typically begins within 3 to 4 months.
Infections rarely occur, especially when the team performs the procedure in a sterile environment and patients follow aftercare instructions properly.
If performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon, hair transplants look very natural. Unnatural results are usually due to poor technique or outdated methods.
Necrosis is the death of tissue due to poor blood supply. It occurs extremely rarely and usually happens only when someone performs the procedure improperly or in unsanitary conditions.
To minimize side effects, choose a qualified surgeon, follow all post-op instructions, avoid touching or scratching the scalp, and stay away from smoking and alcohol during recovery.