The Side Effects of Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
The team at True & Dorin Medical Group has assisted countless patients based in the New York, New Jersey, and Boston area with their hair restoration needs. There are many ways to restore a full head of hair, and one of the effective treatments for balding is follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
It's important to us that all patients understand the benefits and risks of FUT in full detail. That's why we'd like to cover some of the common side effects of the surgery right now.
Side Effects Are Part of the Natural Healing Process
We should first point out that side effects are part of your body's natural response to surgery and are actually a sign that you are healing just fine. Side effects are not the same thing as complications, which are serious medical issues that are abnormal to experience after surgery.
It's important that you stay in contact with your hair restoration specialists as you heal and communicate any concerns that you may have. This is the best way to ensure that any complications are addressed as soon as possible.
Shock Loss/Temporary Hair Loss
As odd as it may sound, one of the most common side effect of hair restoration surgery is temporary hair loss. This is known as shock loss, and is the result of surgery to the scalp. Many men become worried by shock loss, but they should not feel panicked by it when it occurs. In the weeks ahead, the patient's natural hair and transplanted hair will grow back. The key is patience and understanding that healing is a process.
Soreness and Irritation
It should come as no surprise that soreness and irritation of the scalp will occur following follicular unit transplantation (FUT). This may affect the donor site where the graft were harvested from as well as the portions of the scalp in which hair was transplanted. This pain is usually quite mild and can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Swelling of the Forehead and Scalp
A certain amount of swelling will affect the scalp as well as the forehead after a person undergoes follicular unit transplantation (FUT). The most noticeable swelling occurs in the first week after surgery, diminishing as the weeks go by. Some of the swelling can be treated by using cold compresses covered in fabric and used as directed.
Itchiness of the Scalp
A patient's scalp will feel itchy as they heal, both in the donor area and the site of the newly transplanted hair. Patients need to avoid scratching to ensure proper healing. One way to relive the itchiness is to wash your scalp as directed using the recommended shampoos. Keeping the scalp clean is a major part of healing properly.
Scalp Numbness and Issues with Sensation
A number of follicular unit transplantation (FUT) patients will also notice some issues with numbness or odd sensations of the scalp as they heal. This is normal and regular sensation will return to the scalp as the healing process continues.
Tips for Optimal Healing
In order to have a quick healing process that's free from complications, it's important for patients to follow all of their pre-op and post-op instructions to the letter. These instructions include restriction on certain physical activities as well as avoiding direct sun exposure to the scalp and using sunblock. Full instructions will be provided during the consultation process.
Speak with Our Hair Restoration Specialists
If you would like more information about hair restoration surgery and how it can be of great benefit to you, be sure to contact our hair restoration specialists today. The entire team at True & Dorin Medical Group looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve all of your hair restoration goals in the process.