Hair Transplant Gone Wrong? What Causes Failed Hair Transplants?

Why do hair transplants fail? Why did my hair transplant fail? Has your hair transplant gone wrong? What causes failed hair transplants? Can a hair transplant actually fail? – These are some questions we all think about before opting for a hair transplant procedure.

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that is said to be a permanent solution to Androgenetic alopecia. The surgery is so advanced that anyone considering hair restoration would expect effective and long-lasting results. But if you look around you, you often see failed cases of hair transplantation. However, failed cases can often be improved via a repair hair transplant.

What is a Failed Hair Transplant?

In general terms, if the transplanted hairs do not grow properly in the recipient area to give natural-looking results, it may be called a failed hair transplant. Also, if the donor site is depleted excessively to present an unsightly appearance, it cannot be called a successful hair transplant. If you are suffering from unsightly hair transplant results, connect with an expert surgeon and plan your repair hair transplant in India or elsewhere.

Let’s Discuss What Causes Failed Hair Transplants?

The 2020 Practice Census Results by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) describes what causes failed hair transplants, and the chances of failed hair transplants are nearly 43% (1). This study analyses the failed hair transplant rate based on the patient’s satisfaction and how transplanted hair grows after the procedure. However, advanced hair restoration clinics with next-gen technological set-ups and skilled surgeons have a failure rate of less than 2%.

1. Hairline Gone Wrong

A rule goes in surgery: always tread forward when you have kept your previous foot secure. Therefore, the first point would be that the hairline design should be natural-looking as per the long-term planning done for you by your doctor. It should preferably have a mature-looking hairline. Before undergoing a hair transplant procedure in India, discuss your concerns and goals with your surgeon.

2. Over Graft Harvesting

Secondly, the harvesting should not be over-harvesting. It is suggested that a density of 40 grafts per centimetre square should be left in the donor area to avoid scalp visibility post hair transplant.

3. Hair Transplant Scar

Thirdly, unnecessary scarring in slit-making should never be seen. In order to give more than possible, there are a few clinics that make slits so near that not only did the grafts not survive, but the slits made so near led to scar formation. It is very unfortunate for the patient if it happens.

Wide scars are uncommon, yet they are a possibility as a result of improper surgical technique or poor patient compliance. It may take weeks or months for the scar to mature, leaving the wound’s strength vulnerable to patient activities.

4. Bad Angles and Directions of Grafts

Fourth is bad angles and directions of grafts. When the surgeon makes the slits in the recipient site, they have to take care of the angle of the slits, the direction of the slits, the depth, and the density of the slits. If the density of slits is increased, then instead of beautiful hair growth, an ugly scar appears on the scalp. And if the depth is greater, it may lead to damage to the blood vessels of the scalp and thus jeopardise the nourishment and oxygen needed for proper growth of transplanted hairs, leading to poor growth. If the angle and direction of the slits are improper, it may lead to ugly growth of hair, thus making the result suboptimal and unsatisfactory.

5. Improper Handling of Grafts

Improper handling of grafts is also one of the causes of a failed hair transplant (2). Careless insertion of grafts and crushing the roots and stem cell areas can cause microscopic damage even if the grafts appear normal from the outside. Handling hair grafts is as important as harvesting them. Grafts are fragile, and they are live tissue. You need to see that the hair transplantation surgery staff where you are undergoing surgery is trained, skilled, and aware enough to take care of the delicate procedure. At Saraswat Hospital, our ABHRS-certified surgeons always prefer to use advanced tools like Choi implanter pens to avoid graft mishandling.

6. Improper Storage of Grafts

Sixthly, improper storage of grafts. Graft desiccation is the term given to the drying of grafts due to insufficient hydration available for them. Graft desiccation is the number one killer of grafts. In the surgery theatre, if the team is not vigilant enough to keep grafts hydrated at all times, the fans and air conditioning can quickly deplete the grafts of their moisture and thus destroy them.

7. Tests before hair transplant

Pre-procedure workup of the patient should be thorough, as a hair transplant is a surgery. Hence, systemic examination and medical history, surgical history, family history, social history, chief complaints, and everything should be taken into account so that patient selection is good and appropriate.

Check How to Prepare for a Hair Transplant Surgery

8. Trichoscopy

Trichoscopy, or computerised examination of the hair and scalp, should be done in order to scientifically and accurately observe the grafts at the donor site and make an accurate calculation of the number of grafts needed. For a hair transplant in India, always go for clinics that are equipped with software-based trichoscopy analysis procedures, advanced tools like Choi implanter pens, and so on.

9. Alopecia Areata, Scarring Alopecia

Alopecia Areata, trichotillomania, and scarring alopecia with poor prognosis should not be entertained as they always lead to unsatisfactory results. If the patient is taking medicines for any skin or medical problem, then they must discuss this with the doctor.

10. Long-Term Planning

Loss of hair existing before the transplant may lead to decreased density. This should not be confused with poor growth of transplanted hair. Such patients may need to undergo another session of hair transplantation to achieve the desired density.

These ten points discussed above are all the causes that can lead to a failed transplant. Additionally, there are three particular points the patient must be careful about before they decide to have a hair transplant in India or elsewhere. These are as follows:

1. Before choosing a surgeon, search for the doctor’s credentials and experience, and then go with the best to get the best possible outcomes.
2. See that your doctor has done long-term planning for you
3. Get educated regarding Trichoscopy and set realistic conditions for yourself

Conclusion

Hair transplant procedures, when performed by a skilled surgeon, can successfully restore a natural-looking hairline for a patient. It offers permanent solutions to hair thinning and baldness. At Saraswat Hospital in Agra, we have ABHRS-certified hair restoration experts who have the experience and expertise to perform all kinds of hair transplant surgeries, including a repair hair transplant in India. For positive outcomes, book an appointment with our doctors.

Sources:

(1) According to the 2020 Practice Census Results by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the chances of failed hair transplants are nearly 43%. (ISHRS 2020 Practice Census Results)

(2) Complications of Hair Transplant Procedures. (PubMed Central)

FAQs

1. What happens if a hair transplant fails?
Hair transplant failure causes hair grafts not to grow, causing bald patches or no result at all. Corrective surgery, scalp micropigmentation, or other solutions may be suggested depending on the extent of failure.

2. How often do hair transplants fail?
Total hair transplant failure occurs in around 1–2% of hair transplant surgeries. However, partial failure is more prevalent, and it usually has something to do with improper care after the procedure or an inexperienced surgeon.

3. Can a hair transplant be done twice?
Yes, it is possible to have two hair transplant surgeries if there is enough donor hair remaining. It is often used to augment density, cover new hair loss, or fix previous hair transplant results.

4. Are hair transplants 100% successful?
No process has a guarantee of 100% success rate. On average, hair transplant surgery has a 95–98% success rate depending on the expertise of the doctor, general health, hair type, and post-op care.

5. Is it normal to lose a few grafts after a hair transplant?
It is normal for patients to experience some amount of hair loss in the first few days after hair transplant surgery. However, a significant loss may signal infection or poor technique and should be evaluated by your surgeon.

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