Latest news with #tweakment
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Fatigue, scars, infections & even anaphylactic shock – 10 horrifying side effects of hair transplants nobody talks about
Abigail Wilson, Senior Digital Writer Published: Invalid Date, 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 hair transplant, as thousands of Brits and countless celebs have had the popular tweakment. 17 17 17 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 hair loss and the clinic's reputation. 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 'new BBL for men' - with numerous reality TV stars raving about it. But Dr Ed Robinson, who has had a hair transplant himself and regularly performs the tweakment, warns: 'Hair transplants have seen a significant rise in popularity over recent years, fuelled by greater awareness, celebrity endorsements, and advances in surgical techniques that deliver more natural results. 'Patients are becoming increasingly proactive in addressing hair loss at earlier stages, and the stigma around seeking treatment is rapidly diminishing. '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 had the procedure to get rid of her 'high forehead' and lower her hairline back in 2019. Wayne Bridge has hair transplant at top Harley Street clinic Love Island star Rosie Williams, 33, also had a transplant, as did Married At First Sight icon Ella Morgan, 31. Footballing legend Wayne Rooney, 39, was arguably the man who made the op famous - having had multiple hair transplants to address his balding, with his first one aged 25. 17 17 17 17 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 Jake Quickenden, 36, is another male celeb who splashed the cash on his hair, as he spent £5,000 on a hair transplant after "years of anxiety and paranoia". Joe Swash, 43, is also a fan of the procedure, as he had his third hair transplant back in 2018. Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. 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 he's had a beard transplant - yes, you heard it right. But while many head home from clinics gleaming with their new hair follicles, many face serious complications from poorly-performed procedures. 17 17 17 17 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… 17 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.' 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. 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 FUT hair transplant may cause scarring, particularly hypertrophic scars. 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 FUE implants, they don't leave much of a scar at all. '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 anaphylactic shock. 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.' 17 17 17
Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
I've just turned 60 – this is how I look ten years younger
It took me a while to join the tweakment party, but last year, just before turning 60, I dove head first into the world of collagen stimulation, cell rejuvenation and semi-permanent make-up. As a fashion PR and Instagrammer I've always been nervous about trying any kind of tweakment as I didn't want to look as if I'd had anything done. My generation remembers Leslie Ash's injectable mishaps and the stigma around frozen foreheads and overdone faces only too well. The aesthetics industry has moved on since those alarming days and there's so much great work out there now. Fortunately for me, the rise of the invisible and natural looking tweakments coincided with the time I was beginning to seek them out. My first foray I first took the plunge at 57, with the tiniest sprinkle of 'baby' Botox. We'd just come out of lockdown, I needed to rebuild my fashion PR business, and look my best. On a daily basis I was putting myself out there on social media and running Instagram workshops. Public speaking had become a new part of my business. I didn't want to look drastically different, just a better version of myself. As I approached 60, I was self-conscious about my age and I hid it from everyone. I started noticing deeper wrinkles, more pronounced marionette lines, and darkening under-eye circles. Although Instagram filters and FaceTune became my allies for achieving a polished look, I didn't want to be someone who looked great on social media but unrecognisable in real life. Instagram had opened up a vibrant world of creativity and a bunch of fabulous new friends. Many of them, in their late 40s, had embraced tweakments like Botox, Profhilo, lash extensions and fillers. They looked great on it, and I thought, 'why shouldn't I?' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marie-Louise Maxwell (@mrsmlmode) One doctor told me that I had left Botox too late. That my facial muscles would be too weak and rather than Botox lifting my eyes, it would push my forehead down and give me hooded eyelids. So I sought a second opinion at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic in London. I saw Dr Matthew Jarvie-Thomas who recommended carefully placed baby Botox on my smile lines around my eyes, between my brows and at the top of my forehead. So I had the tiniest splatter. The results took a few days to appear and were fantastic. My frown lines almost disappeared and my under eye wrinkles were faint. It was a subtle and natural result and the compliments flooded in. 'Your skin looks amazing! What have you done?' This was my entry into the world of tweakments. Four years later, I've tried a few, all aimed at looking a better version of myself. I feel more confident during client meetings, fashion launches, industry events, and influencer gatherings. I no longer use FaceTune or Instagram filters, to hide my age. When I turned 60 last summer, I had a new-me attitude and started to make a virtue of my age on my Instagram. While my confidence fluctuates, like most people, my career is thriving and I navigate life with my head held high. The tweakments I tried (and what they cost) The 'grow your own face-lift' Sculptra is a bit like growing your own face lift via bio stimulating injections that creates a lift, not with fillers, but with your own collagen. It appealed to me because the results are very natural looking and it is recommended for droopy jowls and pronounced marionette lines, which I had both. It works by stimulating the skin's natural collagen production and restores volume, gently lifting around the jawline and cheeks. I went to see Dr Jarvie-Thomas. He recommended treating the temple, as this was where I'd lost volume and it would help with my skin quality. It took about an hour, and while the procedure does involve 20 minutes of numbing cream and a series of injections, I found it only mildly uncomfortable. There is no down time either, so I could go on to my next meeting no problem. For the following five days, you have to massage five times a day for five minutes to prevent any lumps or nodules from forming beneath the skin. And then, very subtly, I started to look better, more youthful and my skin more vibrant. You need two sessions though, approximately 4-6 weeks apart. The results, take three months to work, and can last up to two years. My verdict Sculptra is priced per syringe, at £425. I had two treatments in total, bringing the overall cost to £850 – but the results can last for up to two years. Because it works by stimulating your body's own collagen production, the effects develop gradually, creating a natural, long-lasting lift. The treatment left me looking fresh, youthful, and noticeably more vibrant. It's a worthwhile investment: the results are subtle yet visible, with a real lifting effect around the jowls. Baby Botox Sprinkles start from £215. It's important to find the right practitioners, so better to spend a little more to get someone that comes with a strong track record. A good investment, lasts for at least 6 months. Eyebrow 'tailoring' Finding a great brow artist to define the arch will open the eyes and lift the whole face. Brows are so good for providing structure to the face, but as we age they get thinner, shorter and more droopy. I tried microblading four years ago, and ended up with comical Groucho Marx style brows. Fortunately they did fade and now, finally I've got great brows thanks to Shavata Singh, in Harvey Nichols, who undid the old work. She is a master in creating the ultimate sexy siren brow, which is more feminine, refined and designed to open up the eyes while lifting the entire face. It had been four years since my brow blading mishap, and although the tattoos had faded, they were still somewhat visible. Shavata recommended removing the old tattoos and reshaping my brows with her unique micro-blading technique of delicate feather strokes and precisely plotted shapes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marie-Louise Maxwell (@mrsmlmode) TikTok is inundated with stories of botched jobs, leading to a high demand for removal services such as this. The tattoo removal process was quite straightforward. She numbed my brows with ice and then zapped away the old pigment with a laser. You can slightly feel it burn but it only takes a few minutes. The healing process involves some itching, and tiny scabs that take a week to heal. I needed two sessions to completely remove the old tattoos and then had to wait a further six weeks before the new microblading could be done. At my next session, with my brows fully numbed, Shavata and her skilled assistant, Cody, carefully mapped out the ideal shape. I requested high arches to open up my eyes and achieve a feminine, natural look – and that's precisely what I got. The downtime was minimal; I just had to avoid getting them wet for a week. So I cleansed with micellar water and wore a brow guard when I showered. The results are exactly what I was hoping for. I now have the perfect sculpted brow, with high arches that lift my face and open up my eyes. Maintenance is minimum, you just need a tidy up every 4 to 6 weeks My verdict Removing old eyebrow tattoo blading costs £300 per treatment (I needed two sessions). Eyebrow blading starts from £800 to £1000, depending on the practitioner's experience. Shavata offers an 'Erase and Refresh' package for £1500, which includes both removal and new blading. This is a fantastic investment if you're looking to reshape your eyebrows. The key is finding a practitioner who understands how to create the perfect shape for your face. The results last at least a year, and you'll save on salon eyebrow shaping too. I now maintain the shape at home, but I'll head to Shavata for threading every few months. I highly recommend this – my eyes look more open, and the new eyebrow shape has lifted my entire face. The laser removal was a crucial step for me, so it's essential to do your research and decide on the shape you want beforehand to avoid going through the 'Erase' laser removal process. Shavata Singh, 125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ The 'fish sperm' facial It may not sound particularly inviting, but with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston swearing by the treatment, I was intrigued to see if a 'fish-sperm' facial could help me achieve my skincare goals. It promises impressive benefits, such as reducing under-eye bags, smoothing the upper lip and minimising fine lines, all leading to youthful, radiant skin. Several of my friends have tried it, and their complexions looked so dewy and youthful that my curiosity was definitely piqued. I decided to consult Dr Paris, a highly recommended expert in aesthetics at her new clinic, The Ardour, in Marylebone, London. The 'fish sperm' facial is more formally known as the Polynucleotide treatment and uses DNA derived from salmon-trout. This procedure offers numerous benefits, including deep hydration, cell regeneration, skin repair, anti-inflammatory effects and the stimulation of collagen and elastin production, all of which help strengthen the skin barrier. After applying numbing cream to my face, Dr Paris administered the treatment using a cannula, delicately infusing the polynucleotides into the middle layer of my skin, including the under-eye area, my top lip and my neck. It takes about half-an-hour, and you need three treatments spaced six weeks apart, with visible results starting to appear 12 weeks after the first session. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. For the first time in forty years, I feel confident enough to leave the house without foundation. The transformation is both striking and natural; in fact, my mother even remarked over Christmas that I didn't look much older than my 24-year-old daughter. While I'm sure she's biased, these tweakments have truly helped turn back the clock. With a renewed sense of vitality, I'm now on track to make my 60s my best decade yet. My verdict For the Polynucleotides, I needed three treatments, each costing £450, bringing the total to £1200. This treatment promotes cell regeneration and enhances skin quality but doesn't add volume, which is why I also opted for Baby Botox. If I had to choose between Sculptra and Polynucleotides, I'd go for Sculptra. The results are more noticeable and last much longer. It really depends on your goals – Sculptra provides more structure and lift, while Polynucleotides is ideal for skin rejuvenation.
