I have been losing hair for the past 10 years, and I’m interested in having a hair transplant. But I read a story where a man passed away from having a hair transplant. Is this common?
Surgical hair restoration is a minimally invasive procedure, and for the most part hair transplants are safe when performed by a qualified hair transplant surgeon. However, there is a relatively new phenomenon that is severely compromising the health and well-being of hair transplant patients all over the world.
This phenomenon is called “black market FUE” which has exploded in popularity within the past 5 years. With the advent of Follicular Unit Excision (FUE), more and more black market FUE clinics are popping-up all over the world without doctor supervision.
Even though hair transplant surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, physicians must be present in the event of complications. Earlier this year, a 43 year old man passed away after undergoing an FUE procedure in India. The man had requested to have 9,000 grafts extracted in one surgical session. The majority of people cannot have 9,000 grafts extracted period, let alone in one sitting.
Black market FUE clinics are technician-based clinics with the bulk of their patients seeking a massive amount of grafts for a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, this can cost them a lot more than money in the long-run. Patients are dealing with necrosis (skin-death), cobblestoning, pitting, depleted donor zones and in the most extreme cases even death.
That said, when done right hair transplant procedures are safe and minimally invasive with little down-time. The key is to ensure the hair transplant surgeon is qualified and pre-screened for excellence.
Written and published by,
Melvin Lopez- Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network and The Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physician
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Hello, my husband worked for the Electric Company and while at the top of the electric pole, he got electrocuted by the high voltage and loss hair causing the appearance of a very receding hairline. It's been over 10 years now since he has done any type of treatment for regrowth. Fortunately, it was only the loss of hair caused and not him entirely.
My question is;
Is it too late to have hair transplanted performed. In the area he would like to receive hair implants have to signs of hair, not even baby hair. I'm concerned end result may not go well and that he may be more disappointed in the long run and that the results may cause some damaging effects visually that may not be repairable.
Thank you in advance.
Have you spoken to a hair transplant surgeon?