Risks and complications
If the surgeon could anticipate untoward effects, he would, of
course, never perform the surgery. However, with hair restoration
surgery, most of the adverse events are of a cosmetic, or aesthetic,
nature. The patient must bear in mind the fact that cosmetic surgery of
any type is never perfect. The patient should hope for improvement, of
course, but cannot expect to recreate the perfect hairline and full
head of dense hair that he or she possessed at age 16. As previously
mentioned, even the best series of micrograft procedures produces a
"naturally thin" appearance. One session will add noticeable, though
sparse, coverage.
Other relative risks or side effects include post operative
swelling, discomfort and nausea; these can be treated with special
medications. The postoperative appearance of the recipient area, though
temporary, may cause a problem for those in the public eye; this can be
covered by hair styling, hair additions, or camouflage cosmetics. The
donor scars can be covered by downward combing of the hair. Tiny pores
or pits may occasionally result from micrografts where the hair exits
the skin. Patients with dark hair and light skin pose a more difficult
challenge, as well, since there is a strong contrast between skin and
hair color. Rarely, a defective donor area may lead to poor growth of,
or future loss of, grafts. Other risks can be discussed during the
consultation and are covered in detail in the consent form.