With advancements in medical technology, hair transplant procedures have become more accessible and seemingly safer. However, like any surgical procedure, hair transplants come with their own set of risks. When things don’t go as planned, the consequences can be distressing for individuals seeking to regain their confidence and appearance.
What Can Go Wrong with a Hair Transplant?
To execute a successful hair transplant procedure, many factors must be considered and certain essential steps must be implemented. If any one or more of these potentially important factors are not properly considered or if any necessary steps are neglected or omitted, the outcome can be unsatisfying or even worse, disfiguring. Let’s delve into some of the reasons why a hair transplant might go wrong, how to avoid a bad hair transplant and what to do if you’re a victim of a poor result.
Errors In Judgement
1. Ignoring Progression Of Hair Loss
A hair transplant physician’s consideration of future hair loss in a hair transplant patient is paramount for ensuring the long-term success and satisfaction of the procedure. Beyond just addressing immediate concerns, a skilled physician recognizes the progressive nature of hair loss and plans the transplant accordingly. By taking this into consideration, we aim to provide a result that not only satisfies the patient’s immediate expectations but also stands the test of time as the natural progression of hair loss continues. Communication between the physician and the patient is key to ensuring realistic expectations and long-term satisfaction with the results.

2. Transplantation At Too Early An Age
Performing a hair transplant too early in life may not properly account for future hair loss, resulting in an unnatural appearance as the patient gets older.
3. Poor Candidate Selection
Not all individuals are suitable candidates for hair transplantation. Factors such as inadequate donor hair supply, unrealistic expectations, or underlying health conditions may affect the success of the procedure. At Hasson and Wong, we offer free consultations to determine if you are a good candidate for a hair transplant procedure at our clinic.
4. Poor Design of The Transplanted hairline
The design of the transplanted hairline is crucial for a natural appearance. A poorly designed hairline can draw attention to the transplant, making it look unnatural and obvious. Incorrect temporal angles can lead to an unnatural look. A proper understanding of facial aesthetics and proper hairline design is crucial for a successful outcome. We have a great article about hairline hair transplants and the artistry behind it.

Errors in Technique
1. Use of Grafts that are too large

Unsightly pluggy looking grafts emphasizes the importance of advancements in technique. Modern methods using smaller, naturally occurring follicular units have improved results significantly.
2. Improper Angulation of Grafts

Incorrect placement of grafts can result in an unnatural appearance. Proper angle and direction ensure that transplanted hair aligns with the existing hair for a seamless transition.
3. Poor Graft Management

Inadequate preparation of grafts can compromise their viability and success. Proper graft handling and preparation are essential for the survival of transplanted hair.
4. Poor Donor Site Harvest
Aesthetic outcomes are also influenced by how well the donor site is managed and the harvest is executed. Lack of skill, technology or technique can adversely affect the outcome. Poor management of the donor area can lead to poor growth and excess scarring, affecting the overall appearance. Improper handling of the donor area can also affect future hair transplant procedures and may further limit subsequent harvests. This can occur in both FUE and FUT procedures. We have an entire page devoted to hair transplant scarring.
Repair Procedure
Logical Approach To Revision
Once an unfavorable result occurs, a systematic and logical approach to repairing the previously unfavorable work becomes crucial. Open communication and collaboration between the physician and the patient are vital throughout the repair process, ensuring realistic expectations and a shared vision for the final outcome.
Outcome
Repair procedures can help reverse the negative effects of a poorly executed hair transplant. The extent of the damage and remaining donor reserves will play an important role in what is possible and how good the result can be. Don’t make the same mistake twice. If your previous physician significantly missed the mark the first time due to unsound practices, they are unlikely qualified to identify, plan and execute a successful repair.
Limited Options
Options for revision may be limited, emphasizing the importance of preventing errors in the initial procedure. Scar tissue, depleted donor areas, and altered scalp characteristics pose challenges that may restrict the feasibility of certain corrective approaches. Therefore, meticulous planning and execution during the primary transplant are paramount to minimize the need for revisions.
Example Of A Hair Transplant Gone Wrong
This patient had older technology with large grafts that looked unnatural. While his physician was obviously not the right choice, thankfully the hairline was placed high enough that the repair was not too difficult. Instead of needing to remove the old work, we could simply reconstruct a new natural hairline that was lower and completely hide the previously transplanted grafts. This patient was lucky that we could reverse this unnatural looking mistake and achieve this result in one session. Others may not be as lucky and multiple procedures my be required.


Hair Transplant Gone Wrong Conclusion
In conclusion, although hair transplant procedures provide hope for those experiencing hair loss, they entail risks and outcomes can vary. A successful hair transplant requires a combination of sound judgment, technical expertise, and an understanding of aesthetic principles. A competent and skilled physician who implements modern, refined techniques can significantly improve the chance of a great outcome. A thoughtful and strategic approach to revisionary surgery is essential when faced with unfavorable results. However, repair cases can be difficult and costly, so it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and exercise careful consideration before undergoing a hair transplant. The most important result of extensive research is choosing the right reputable clinic in the first place. This will avoid the need for a corrective procedure to fix a hair transplant gone wrong.