Fatigue, scars, infections & even anaphylactic shock – 10 horrifying side effects of hair transplants nobody talks about

The Irish Sun

12-05-2025

IF you've ever been on a flight from Turkey to the UK, you're bound to have seen countless men and women with their heads in bandages.
You don't have to look far to spot a
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Want to fix your hairline and are debating whether to get a hair transplant, just like Wayne Rooney did? Well, you'll need to take note of these 10 potential side effects before you do
Credit: PA:Press Association
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The ex-professional footballer has had multiple hair transplants, with his first one at 25
Credit: Getty
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Love Island's Rosie Williams also had a hair transplant to fix her hairline
Credit: KSL Clinic
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Now, Rosie has a hairline many of us are envious of
Credit: Instagram
But while Wayne Rooney and Calum Best are huge fans, there can be some very serious side effects.
The UK hair transplant market generated £101million in 2023 and is projected to reach £335million by 2030, with the global market expected to reach $23.32 billion.
It's clear to see the appeal - bald spots filled in and an even, straight headline, what's not to like?
Getting a hair transplant here in Britain can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £30,000, depending on the extent of
Read more celebrity stories
With an average UK cost of £4,500-£6,000, many jet off to Turkey where it's just £2,300 for an all-inclusive package.
A number of celebrities have had the popular tweakment, which has been hailed as the
But
'Patients are becoming increasingly proactive in addressing hair loss at earlier stages, and the stigma around seeking treatment is rapidly diminishing.
Most read in Celebrity
'However, as with any medical procedure, hair transplants carry potential risks and side effects.'
And it's not just men getting them nowadays. Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Davis, 32, transformed her look and
Wayne Bridge has hair transplant at top Harley Street clinic
Love Island star
Footballing legend Wayne Rooney, 39, was arguably the man who made the op famous - having had multiple
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Calum Best has had six hair transplants
Credit: PA:Press Association
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He has "a very aggressive hair-loss gene"
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Jake Quickenden compared his pre-transplant hairline to that of Dracula's
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Jake was initially "anxious" about his hair loss
Credit: Getty
Calum Best, 43, had three hair transplants before going into the Celebrity Big Brother house and Wayne Bridge, 44, took a trip to a top Harley Street clinic to fix his hairline.
X Factor and I'm A Celebrity star
Joe Swash, 43, is also a fan of the procedure, as he
Hair Loss 101
HAIR pro
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices.
Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength.
It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors.
Why It Happens More This Time of Year
Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding!
During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun.
As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands.
Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months.
Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss
The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair.
Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles.
Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands.
Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health.
Products to Avoid
Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time.
Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly.
Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons.
And if you're wondering why Geordie Shore's Gaz Beadle is looking hotter than ever - well, it's because
But while many head home from clinics gleaming with their new hair follicles, many face serious complications from poorly-performed procedures.
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Joe Swash is also a fan of the procedure
Credit: PA:Press Association
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He had his third hair transplant back in 2018
Credit: Getty
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Gaz Beadle even had a beard transplant
Credit: Instagram
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Now, many would say he looks hotter than ever
Credit: Instagram
And it's not just those who go to a dodgy practitioner - complications can arise regardless of who you see.
Ranging from swelling of the scalp to nerve damage, they often leave patients in immense pain and discomfort, with some even in need of treatment to solve it.
Here, Fabulous speaks to one of the UK's leading aesthetic doctors Dr Ed, who reveals the 10 issues you should be aware of…
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Here, Dr Ed Robinson warns of the 10 hair transplant side effects you should be aware of
Credit: Liz Isles Photography
1.
Swelling of the scalp
Moderate to severe swelling is common around the donor and recipient sites following a hair transplant.
Dr Ed tells Fabulous: 'Mild swelling can occur around the forehead and eyes for a few days post-procedure.'
As the scalp swells, it can also be characterised by redness, warmth and localised inflammation.
This can spread to areas like the nose, eyelids, or cheeks but typically diminish within a few days with ice application and painkillers.
2.
Temporary scabbing or crusting
As well as swelling, the emergence of scabbing and crusting on the surface of the micro-incisions is an inevitable part of the healing process following a hair transplant.
Dr Ed explains: 'As the transplanted follicles heal, small scabs may form and shed within seven to 10 days.'
Hair transplants have seen a significant rise in popularity over recent years, fuelled by greater awareness, celebrity endorsements, and advances in surgical techniques
Dr Ed
These scabs, which are essential for normal healing, can sometimes take up to three weeks to disappear completely.
It's extremely important they are not removed manually.
3.
Itching
Following a hair transplant, patients will often experience an uncomfortable tension.
These feelings usually subside within a few weeks and according to Ed, such itching is 'caused by the healing process or dry skin'.
This itchy feeling will 'typically resolve with appropriate scalp care,' says Dr Ed.
4.
Hair loss
A few weeks after having a hair transplant, temporary hair loss can occur in both the implanted and donor areas.
Hair loss may be worrying for many, but in these cases, it is a very common side effect stemming from surgical shock.
Dr Ed acknowledges that 'temporary shedding of transplanted or existing hair' often occurs but 'usually regrows within a few months.'
5.
Infection or folliculitis
Following a hair transplant, some patients have reported suffering from rare skin infections, such as
Folliculitis is a common skin condition characterised by inflammation of the hair follicles, often appearing as small, red, pus-filled bumps.
What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?
IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.
It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.
Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.
No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.
If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.
Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.
Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.
Source: NHS
It is often caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses and in most of these cases, the bacteria involved are resistant to standard antibiotics.
Dr Ed claims that folliculitis after a hair transplant is 'rare but possible' and is 'usually treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory care.'
6.
Fatigue
Dr Ed also shares that fatigue 'is quite likely following a hair transplant.'
He claims that this is 'mostly because the recovery process in the first week can be quite uncomfortable.'
The aesthetician claims that it is "difficult to sleep as you have to sleep sat up', which can lead to physical fatigue.
Not only this, but Dr Ed explains: 'The procedure does cause quite a lot of inflammation in your head and sometimes we see that patients become fatigued following procedures which cause inflammation.'
7.
Unnatural looking hairline
Not only are infections potentially on the radar, but patient dissatisfaction can be too.
Dr Ed warns that those debating getting a hair transplant should be aware that hairlines can be 'designed too low' or may 'not respect normal anatomy', which can lead to disappointment in recipients.
8.
Scars
In a minority of patients, a
However, Dr Ed claims that 'scars were much more common with the FUT transplants which we mostly used to do.'
It's important for anyone considering a hair transplant to understand these potential side effects and to seek advice from a qualified professional
Dr Ed
He says: 'Nowadays with
'People can get scarring from the donor site or the recipient area but that is very rare.'
9.
Nerve damage and reduced sensation
In addition to scarring, nerve damage and a reduced sensation can occur.
Dr Ed suggests: 'Usually this occurs as a result of making incisions for the recipient area of the transplant.'
While this can generally resolve in a few weeks, the pro recognises: 'This gradually improves over time but there can be a permanent degree of reduced sensation.'
10.
Anaphylactic shock
The final complication, which is extremely rare but has been seen in a few isolated cases, is
Severe allergic reactions can occur during or immediately after a hair transplant, typically related to the injection of local anaesthetics, which can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.
Dr Ed shares: 'It's something that is possible whenever any patient has a treatment that involves any medication which they could be allergic to.
'With a hair transplant this is unlikely because the only real medication being used is some sort of injectable local anaesthetic, possibly mixed with adrenaline.
'It is incredibly rare that people are allergic to these medications - having said that, you should always be practicing a hair transplant in a CQC-rated premise in the UK, or HIS in Scotland, which means that they will be carrying an anaphylaxis emergency kit to be able to manage that should it arise.'
As a result of the above nine potential side effects, Dr Ed warns: 'It's important for anyone considering a hair transplant to understand these potential side effects and to seek advice from a qualified professional to determine whether surgery or non-surgical options are best suited to their needs.'
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Hollyoaks star Stephanie Davis underwent a hair transplant to lower her hairline
Credit: @brithairclinic
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Stephanie transformed her look back in 2019
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MAFS star Ella Morgan was unrecognisable after her hair transplant
Credit: Instagram
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She is just one of many reality stars that have credited the often pricey procedure
Credit: Instagram
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