Early-Onset Recipient-Site Necrosis After FUE Hair Transplantation Complicated by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection: A Case Report

This case report discusses a 46-year-old male with androgenetic alopecia who experienced early-onset recipient-site necrosis after undergoing follicular unit excision (FUE) hair transplantation, complicated by a secondary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. The patient, a heavy smoker, developed dusky discoloration on postoperative day 2, which progressed to extensive necrosis by day 10. The prolonged 9-hour procedure and dense graft placement likely contributed to the ischemic environment, exacerbated by the infection. Treatment with conservative wound care and culture-guided antibiotics led to infection resolution, but resulted in residual atrophic scarring at 12 weeks. This case underscores the importance of recognizing patient-related risk factors, such as smoking, and the need for early intervention to minimize tissue loss and optimize outcomes in FUE procedures.