TLDR Smoking and long surgeries can cause severe complications like tissue death after hair transplants.
A 46-year-old male with androgenetic alopecia experienced early-onset recipient-site necrosis after undergoing a nine-hour FUE hair transplantation, complicated by a secondary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The patient, a heavy smoker, showed signs of necrosis by postoperative day two, which worsened by day ten. Treatment with conservative wound care and antibiotics resolved the infection, but resulted in residual scarring after 12 weeks. This case underscores the importance of recognizing patient-related risk factors, such as smoking and prolonged surgery, which can contribute to severe complications like necrosis, and highlights the need for early intervention to reduce tissue loss.
October 2023 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology” Timely treatment and prevention are crucial to avoid serious complications in hair transplants.
8 citations
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October 2021 in “Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery/Indian journal of plastic surgery” Hair transplants are mostly safe but can have minor complications.
6 citations
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July 2015 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual” Feily's method prevents scalp necrosis in dense hair transplants by allowing time for blood flow to return before grafting.
24 citations
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August 2013 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America” Hair restoration surgery can have complications; success depends on patient education, careful planning, and proper execution.
153 citations
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August 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a less invasive hair transplant method with minimal scarring, suitable for about 60% of patients, especially those needing fewer grafts and quicker recovery.
May 2020 in “Hair transplant forum international” Younger people and those with existing acne are more likely to get folliculitis after hair restoration surgery, but it doesn't affect the overall good hair growth result.
3 citations
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November 2020 in “Ciencia Tecnología y Salud” COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe, with older adults at higher risk.
February 2018 in “InTech eBooks” PRP therapy is effective for hair regrowth and improving hair quality with minimal side effects.
March 2025 in “Bulletin of the Medical Institute of Continuing Education” FUE hair transplant is the best surgical treatment for hair loss, offering natural and lasting results.
December 2023 in “International Journal of Medical Arts” Transplanted hair follicles show significant changes after FUE, needing more research.
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