Risks & Recovery Information
General information about hair transplant procedures, including risks and recovery. This does not replace a clinical consultation with a registered medical practitioner.
General information about hair transplant procedures, including risks and recovery. This does not replace a clinical consultation with a registered medical practitioner.
Important information
Generally temporary and settle with time and aftercare: discomfort during and after the procedure; forehead or eyelid swelling (usually easing within a week or so); minor spot bleeding or bruising; redness in the treated area; small scabs (typically 7–10 days); itching, numbness or tingling; and temporary shedding of transplanted — and sometimes surrounding native — hairs (shock loss).
Infection or folliculitis; small white scars in the donor area, with hypertrophic or keloid scarring rare but possible; poor or uneven graft growth; donor-area thinning from overharvesting; unnatural appearance if angulation is incorrect; reactions to anaesthetic or medications; small cysts; persistent redness or visible extraction sites; and, very rarely, skin necrosis (risk higher in smokers). Some cases require further procedures.
Days 1–7: expected swelling, redness and tenderness; scabs form and must not be picked; avoid strenuous activity and direct sun.
Weeks 2–4: scabbing resolves; some transplanted hairs shed (normal).
Months 3–12: regrowth usually begins around 3–4 months, with noticeable density from about 6 months and the full result generally around 12 months, sometimes improving to 18. Timelines vary between individuals.
A transplant does not prevent future hair loss in untreated areas, and ongoing measures may be recommended to maintain results. There is no guarantee of permanent, complete or uniform restoration, and additional sessions may be required. Results take time and should not be assessed before around 12 months.
Suitability is assessed at consultation. Factors include insufficient donor density, certain medical conditions or medications, active scalp conditions, smoking, unrealistic expectations, and younger age where future hair loss cannot yet be predicted. If a transplant is not appropriate, alternatives will be discussed.
A hair transplant is a significant procedure. Before proceeding you should have the opportunity to ask questions and receive clear answers, understand the realistic range of outcomes, consider alternatives, review and sign a detailed consent form, and take adequate time to decide without pressure. You may withdraw consent at any time before the procedure.
This page is provided for public information only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not replace a clinical consultation with a registered medical practitioner. Individual outcomes vary. Prepared with reference to AHPRA guidelines for advertising higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Have a question?
Email us or book a consultation. Your doctor will give you an honest, no-obligation assessment and answer any questions about the procedure, risks and recovery.