Hair transplantation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, offering a permanent solution for both men and women experiencing hair loss. Thanks to techniques such as FUE, DHI, and Sapphire, the procedure has become much safer, more natural, and more effective. However, many patients still ask: “Is hair transplantation safe? Are there any side effects of hair transplantation?”
Like any surgical intervention, hair transplantation can lead to both short-term and long-term side effects. Knowing what to expect before and after the procedure is crucial for making an informed decision. Reviewed by Hair Transplant Specialist Dr. Burak TUNCER, this article discusses the possible side effects of hair transplantation, long-term outcomes (for example, “What happens 10 years after a hair transplant?”), and provides answers to frequently asked questions.
Swelling is one of the most common side effects of hair transplantation. It usually appears on the forehead or around the eyes within the first 48 hours after the procedure. It typically lasts for 2–5 days and resolves on its own. Swelling occurs due to fluid retention in the tissues following local anaesthesia and surgical manipulation of the scalp.
Management Tips:
💡 Important: Swelling is temporary and not a sign of complication. However, if it becomes excessive or is accompanied by pain and fever, consult your doctor.
Redness and small scabs are natural side effects of hair transplantation. They can occur in both the donor and recipient areas. Redness usually fades within 7–10 days, while scabs fall off naturally within 10–14 days.
Management Tips:
Important: Redness lasting longer than 3 weeks should be evaluated by a specialist.
Almost every patient experiences itching after hair transplantation. It typically appears in the first week and may continue intermittently during the healing process. Itching occurs due to healing, scab formation, and the regeneration of skin cells.
Management Tips:
💡 Important: Severe itching accompanied by redness or pus may indicate folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) and should be checked by a doctor.
One of the most concerning side effects for patients is shock loss. This occurs when transplanted or surrounding natural hairs fall out within the first 4–6 weeks after the procedure.
Shock loss is a natural reaction to the surgical process. Hair follicles temporarily enter the “resting phase” (telogen) before resuming new growth.
Timeline:
For detailed information about the hair transplant recovery process, you can read our related blog post.
Management Tips:
💡 Important: Shock loss is temporary. The transplanted hair follicles are permanent.
Infection: Very rare, but may occur if post-operative care is neglected.
Folliculitis: Inflammation of the hair follicles, usually treatable with antibiotics.
Scarring: Minimal with FUE/DHI methods, but more common with the older FUT technique.
Numbness: Temporary loss of sensation may occur, but it usually resolves within a few months.
Unnatural Hairline: Procedures performed by inexperienced surgeons may lead to poor cosmetic outcomes.
Are There Long-Term Side Effects of Hair Transplantation?
Many patients ask: “What happens 10 years after a hair transplant?”
Long-Term Considerations
Hair transplantation is a safe and effective solution for hair loss when performed by qualified surgeons in accredited clinics. Temporary side effects such as swelling, redness, itching, and shock loss are a natural part of the healing process and are generally mild and manageable. Less common risks such as infection, folliculitis, or scarring can be minimised with proper medical care and by choosing an experienced surgeon. In the long term, transplanted follicles remain permanent; however, the natural ageing process may affect the surrounding hair. By following post-operative care instructions and maintaining realistic expectations, patients can achieve natural and permanent results that significantly improve both appearance and self-confidence.
In conclusion, the most important factor for anyone considering a hair transplant is choosing a reputable clinic and an experienced specialist (American Academy of Dermotology). Since 1994, Esteworld has been recognised internationally as a leading healthcare group in hair transplantation, working with thousands of expert hair transplant doctors. To learn more about our specialists and advanced hair transplant techniques, please contact us today.
Yes, like any medical procedure, hair transplantation can have side effects, but most are mild and temporary. Common issues include swelling in the forehead, redness in the donor and recipient areas, mild itching, and temporary shedding (known as shock loss). These effects are part of the natural healing process and usually resolve within a few days or weeks.
No, the side effects of hair transplantation are not permanent. Swelling and redness disappear within the first week, scabs fall off naturally, and temporary shedding is followed by new hair growth after three to four months. With proper aftercare, long-term complications are extremely rare.
When performed by qualified surgeons in accredited clinics, hair transplantation is considered a very safe procedure. The risks are minimal and mostly limited to temporary side effects. Complications usually occur only in unlicensed or non-medical settings where safety standards are not followed.
Although rare, infection can occur if the scalp is not kept clean or if post-operative instructions are ignored. However, when proper sterilisation protocols are followed and antibiotics are prescribed when necessary, the risk of infection is extremely low.
With modern techniques such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), visible scarring is minimal and often undetectable. Scarring is more common with older methods like FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), which leaves a linear scar in the donor area. Choosing the right technique and an experienced surgeon significantly reduces the chance of noticeable scarring.
Most patients can return to their normal daily activities within 3–5 days after the procedure. However, strenuous activities, heavy exercise, and direct sun exposure should be avoided for at least two weeks to ensure proper healing and graft survival.
Transplanted hair follicles are taken from the donor area, which is genetically resistant to hair loss. This means the results are permanent. However, natural hair around the transplanted area may continue to thin over time due to ageing or genetic predisposition, which is why some patients choose additional sessions later.
Ten years after hair transplantation, the transplanted hair remains permanent and continues to grow naturally. However, since hair loss is a progressive condition, non-transplanted areas may experience further thinning. With proper technique and planning, the results remain natural and balanced even a decade later.
The risk of death from hair transplantation is extremely rare and almost unheard of when the procedure is performed in safe, sterile, and professional medical environments. Reported cases are linked to unlicensed clinics that fail to follow safety protocols. In accredited clinics, hair transplantation is one of the safest cosmetic surgeries available.
Long-term side effects are very uncommon. Most patients experience only temporary symptoms in the first weeks, and once healing is complete, the results are permanent. With experienced surgeons and proper aftercare, hair transplantation offers long-lasting, natural results without significant long-term risks.
As Esteworld Health Group, Turkey’s leading provider of plastic and aesthetic surgery services, we have been offering aesthetic services at the highest medical standards since 1994 under the slogan “Healthy beauty!”
