RISKS/ COMPLICATIONS

What are the possible risks and complications?

Among the known risks are postoperative bruising, scarring, and more commonly bleeding and swelling. All of these risks are treatable, are considered minor, and do not affect the final results of the procedure. The specific risks of this procedure will be discussed during the initial consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Major complications are extremely rare.

Will smoking affect my hair restoration procedure?

Smoking can diminish growth of the newly transplanted hair grafts. Cigarettes may reduce the oxygen level to such a degree that few grafts survive and grow. Patients should stop all smoking for a minimum of 2 weeks before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery to allow optimum oxygen and blood flow to the newly grafted scalp. Smoking can also prolong healing time.

What is shock fallout?

When the new hair grafts are transplanted, occasionally a temporary shedding of the existing hairs occurs. Shock fallout occurs with the existing non-transplanted hair in the areas where the new grafts are placed. This shock loss results from a temporary compromise of the blood supply, generally in areas adjacent to the newly transplanted grafts. This type of hair shedding is temporary, and is in no way related to androgenetic pattern loss.

What is “clip” loss?

During the hair transplant procedure, some of the existing hairs may get cut short as the recipient openings are being made via a tiny blade. Dr. Griffin refers to this as phenomenon “clip” loss. Hundreds, or possibly thousands of recipient openings are being made in between existing hairs and it is inevitable that some of the existing hairs may get cut. These hairs start growing back immediately, and like shock loss, is in no way related to androgenetic pattern loss. Dr.Griffin is very cautious when making the recipient openings and avoids cutting the existing hair as much as possible. Because only a small percentage of hairs are “clipped”, this type of loss may not even be noticeable to the patient.