How to prevent an infection after hair transplant surgery

Preventing infection starts with careful preparation and adherence to best practices throughout your recovery. Steps you can take include:

• Choosing a skilled surgeon: research your surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and reviews. Choose an experienced professional licensed with the General Medical Council.
• Ensuring a clean environment: confirm that you have chosen a reputable clinic that maintains high hygiene standards. The surgical environment should meet strict sterilisation protocols.
• Following aftercare instructions: your surgeon will provide guidelines for caring for your scalp and individual hair follicles after surgery. This typically includes cleaning instructions, medications and avoiding certain activities. Following this advice can significantly reduce the risk of folliculitis after a hair transplant.
• Avoiding contamination: keep your hands off your scalp and avoid environments where dirt, dust or bacteria could come into contact with the treated area.
• Staying informed: ask your surgeon about their infection prevention measures and what to do if you notice signs of infection after a hair transplant.

These measures not only reduce risks but also contribute to better results and a smoother recovery. Your surgeon is also expected to undertake measures to minimise the risk of infection throughout your surgery and during post-surgery.

The signs of infection after hair transplant surgery

Recognising the signs of infection after a hair transplant early is important for protecting your scalp’s health and the success of the procedure. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Redness and swelling: some redness is expected in the early stages of healing. However, excessive redness and swelling beyond what was explained to you before surgery, or swelling that continues to worsen over time, may indicate an infection that needs medical assessment.
• Red spots after hair transplant: small red spots can develop as part of normal healing, but if they become painful or start to fill with pus, this may suggest folliculitis or a localised infection that requires treatment.
• Pus or drainage: pus coming from the transplanted area, particularly if it has a strong odour or is accompanied by pain, is a clear warning sign of infection.
• Headaches after hair transplant: mild discomfort and tightness are common, but persistent headaches alongside redness, swelling or fever could point to a deeper problem.
• Fever and chills: systemic symptoms such as a raised temperature, chills or sweating may mean the infection is spreading and must be addressed without delay.
• Hair transplant infection popping: if pus-filled bumps rupture or leak, this can spread bacteria further across the scalp and slow down your recovery.
• Ingrown hairs: these can become trapped under the skin, leading to inflammation, red bumps and infections such as folliculitis.

Should you experience any of these complications, contact your surgeon immediately and seek medical advice.

What your surgeon's duties are

Your surgeon is legally obligated to adhere to a duty of care before, during and after your hair transplant procedure. This duty is in place to protect your health, reduce the risk of complications and help you make informed decisions about your treatment.

• Before surgery: your surgeon must assess whether you are suitable for hair transplant surgery. This includes identifying any existing skin issues, such as acne or infections, that could increase the risk of complications. They should also explain the realistic outcomes of the procedure, including the possibility of partial regrowth, scarring or shock hair loss, and outline what you can expect during recovery.
• During surgery: they must use the correct hair transplant techniques and maintain proper hygiene throughout the procedure. This involves keeping surgical tools and the operating area sterile and handling grafts carefully to avoid unnecessary trauma to the scalp.
• After surgery: your surgeon has a responsibility to monitor your recovery closely. They should identify any signs of infection and provide or arrange appropriate treatment without delay. If you develop an infected hair transplant follicle, your surgeon should offer advice and care to address the issue and help protect your results.

If your surgeon fails to meet these obligations and you experience avoidable harm as a result, you may be able to claim compensation for negligence. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you understand your options and take action if your care has fallen below the expected standard.

What to do if you suspect an infection from a hair transplant

If you think your hair transplant may be infected, acting quickly can help minimise damage. Here’s what to do:

• Contact your surgeon or GP: report your symptoms immediately. Professional advice is essential to determine whether it’s a normal part of healing or an infection.
• Treatments for infections: the treatment of folliculitis after a hair transplant or other infections often involves oral or topical antibiotics to eliminate bacteria, the use of antibacterial shampoo and in severe cases may require drainage of abscesses or further intervention.
• Document your symptoms: take photographs of red spots after your hair transplant, any swelling or discharge. Keeping a record helps in monitoring the condition and is invaluable if you pursue a legal claim for negligence.

If you believe your hair transplant infection is a result of poor care or medical negligence, you don't have to face the consequences alone. Speak to our expert team of hair transplant claims solicitors and they will review your case to advise on whether you could be owed compensation.

FAQs about hair transplant infections

How common are infections after hair transplants?

Hair transplant infections are relatively rare, affecting less than 1% of patients. According to detailed studies, the risk of infection after a hair transplant is very low. However, it’s essential to note that any surgical procedure carries some risk of infection. Factors such as poor hygiene, unsanitary surgical environments and weakened immune systems can increase the likelihood of infection.

Why does my hair transplant feel like it’s stinging?

Mild stinging or discomfort is normal during recovery. However, persistent stinging accompanied by red spots, swelling or discharge may indicate an infection.

How long after a hair transplant can infections develop?

Infections typically develop within the first week, but poor aftercare can result in complications later. Always monitor your scalp closely during healing.

Can I still achieve results after treating an infection?

With prompt treatment, many infections are manageable and will not stop you from achieving good results. However, severe infections or untreated folliculitis after a hair transplant procedure may affect the final outcome. In some cases, this can lead to patchy regrowth, scarring or loss of transplanted hair grafts.