At Hair Transplants Melbourne, our philosophy is rooted in honest, no-nonsense medical care. We believe that choosing to undergo a hair transplant or a clinical hair restoration treatment is a serious medical decision.
As doctors, Dr. Spano and Dr. Robinson want to ensure you are fully informed before you proceed. It is crucial to understand that all medical procedures carry inherent risks and require a commitment to the recovery process.
Below is an outline of the risks and recovery expectations associated with the treatments we provide.
1. General Risks of Surgical Hair Transplants (FUE and FUT)
Whether you are undergoing Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transfer (FUT), these are invasive medical procedures. Potential risks include:
- Infection: As with any procedure that breaks the skin, there is a risk of bacterial or viral infection at both the donor and recipient sites.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding is expected, but prolonged bleeding or haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) can occur.
- Scarring: Scarring is unavoidable. FUT leaves a linear scar at the back of the scalp. FUE leaves small, punctate (dot-like) scars across the donor area. While we manage your donor area conservatively to avoid over-harvesting, visible scarring can occur, particularly if the hair is shaved very short in the future.
- Numbness: Temporary or, in rare cases, permanent loss of sensation or altered sensation can occur in the treated areas due to nerve disruption.
- Shock Loss: It is common to experience temporary shedding of your existing, native hair following surgery due to the trauma to the scalp. While this hair typically regrows, there is a risk of permanent loss of weakened hairs.
- Graft Failure: Not all transplanted follicles will survive. Poor graft yield can occur due to individual physiological factors, compromised blood supply, or failure to follow strict aftercare protocols.
- Local Anaesthetic Reactions: Procedures are performed under local anaesthesia. There is a risk of allergic reaction or systemic toxicity, though we closely monitor all patients throughout the procedure.
2. Risks of Non-Surgical Treatments (PRP, Regenera, Exosomes)
Injectable and non-surgical treatments also carry clinical risks that must be considered:
- Injection Site Reactions: Swelling, redness, pain, and bruising at the injection sites are common.
- Infection: Introducing needles into the scalp always carries a risk of localised infection.
- Allergic Reactions: While treatments like PRP and Regenera use your body’s own tissue, there remains a risk of inflammatory or allergic reactions to the clinical preparation materials.
- Variable Clinical Outcomes: Biological responses to non-surgical treatments vary significantly between individuals. We cannot guarantee specific hair growth outcomes.
3. The Reality of Recovery
Recovery requires your active participation and patience. You must be prepared for the following:
- Downtime: You will need to take time off work. The exact duration depends on your occupation, but expect physical restrictions for several weeks.
- Swelling: Significant swelling of the forehead and around the eyes is common in the days following surgery.
- Activity Restrictions: You must avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and swimming for several weeks to prevent elevated blood pressure, bleeding, and infection.
- Sleep Modifications: You will be required to sleep in a reclined, upright position for the first few nights to manage swelling and protect the newly planted grafts.
Our Commitment to You Our clinic is doctor-owned and operated. From your initial consultation through to your 12-month review, you will be assessed and treated by medical practitioners. We will always give you a realistic assessment of your suitability and advise you if we believe a procedure is not in your best medical interest.
Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. All medical procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
