When a Hair Transplant Goes Wrong

Symptoms and Cosmetic Surgery Negligence Claims

Hair transplant procedures have gained a lot of popularity over the past decade, but when a hair transplant goes wrong, it can lead to a claim for compensation. This may occur when the harm is a result of medical or cosmetic negligence.

Hair transplants offer a great solution to anyone experiencing hair loss which may be because of genetic factors, ageing or medical conditions. There have been some amazing advances in technology and techniques to address hair loss in recent years.

However, as with any medical or cosmetic procedure, there’s always the risk that something can go wrong.  If a hair transplant fails, it can result in not only physical complications, but also emotional stress.

If your hair transplant has been botched due to negligence, you may want to find out more about filing a claim for compensation. Jefferies Claims may be able to help and you can call us for a free no-obligation consultation.

Common Hair Transplant Procedures

Before we look at what went wrong, there are two common types of hair transplant surgeries. These are:

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): This involves removing a strip of scalp from the back of the head and dissecting it into grafts.
• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Individual follicles are extracted directly from the scalp and transplanted to the target area.

Both procedures are generally considered safe when performed by qualified professionals. However, they do require surgical precision and proper aftercare. Mistakes made during or after the procedure can have long-lasting effects.

When a Hair Transplant Goes Wrong

Hair transplants can go wrong for different reasons. These may range from surgeon inexperience to unsanitary conditions or improper patient selection. The symptoms of a botched transplant may become apparent immediately or even appear months later. Below are some of the most common symptoms to be aware of:

Infection

Infection is one of the most immediate and visible signs of a failed hair transplant. Symptoms include:

• Redness and swelling
• Pus discharge
• Fever and chills
• Tenderness and pain at the transplant site

Infections may be a result of poor hygiene practices, contaminated surgical instruments, or improper post-operative care. Severe infections may potentially cause permanent follicle damage.

Scarring

Some scarring is expected, especially in FUT procedures. But excessive or keloid scarring is abnormal and may be a sign of surgical error or improper healing. The scars may be painful and can also cause distress over personal appearance.

Uneven Hair Growth

If the growth pattern of your hair transplant loss is patchy or uneven, it could be down to  poor graft placement, insufficient graft survival, or inexperienced surgical technique. This can result in an unnatural or “pluggy” appearance.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage may occur if the surgeon operates too deeply or inappropriately. Symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the scalp
• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Reduced scalp sensitivity

Excessive Shedding or Failed Graft Survival

Some initial shedding is normal and is known as “shock loss.” However, if no regrowth occurs within several months, it may mean the grafts were either not viable or not properly implanted.

Aesthetic Issues

Perhaps the most emotionally taxing outcome of a failed hair transplant is an unnatural aesthetic result. This can have a severe negative impact on self-esteem and body image. This might include:

• Incorrect hairline design
• Poor density or direction of hair growth
• Asymmetrical results
• Visible donor site thinning or over-harvesting

Causes of Hair Transplant Negligence

Several factors may lead to a hair transplant going wrong, some of which may point to negligence:

• Lack of medical qualification or experience: Hair transplants are sometimes performed by unlicensed practitioners or technicians rather than qualified surgeons.
• Inadequate consultation or patient screening: Failing to properly assess a patient’s suitability can result in poor outcomes.
• Substandard surgical technique: Errors in harvesting, handling, or implanting follicles.
• Lack of informed consent: Not fully informing the patient of the risks, alternatives, or expected results.
• Poor hygiene and aftercare instructions: Leading to infections and complications.

Making a Cosmetic Surgery Negligence Claim

If you suffer from injury, loss, or damage as a result of medical or cosmetic negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Hair transplant procedures, while often cosmetic, still require a medical standard of care. So what would be considered as negligence?

A Breach in Duty of Care

To establish negligence, you must be able to prove:

• Duty of Care: The surgeon or clinic owed you a duty of care.
• Breach of Duty: The care provided fell below acceptable standards.
• Causation: The breach directly caused injury or loss.
• Damages: You suffered harm (physical, financial, emotional) as a result.

Time Limits

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the incident to start a claim. Alternatively, this could also be the date you became aware of the negligence. It is advisable to start your claim as early as possible. This is because it becomes more difficult to gather evidence as time goes on.

Compensation May Cover

Compensation typically falls into two categories:

• General Damages: For pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
• Special Damages: For financial losses such as cost of corrective treatments, loss of earnings, as well as medical and travel costs.

Gathering Evidence

It is important to obtain evidence you will need to strengthen your case for a successful claim. You should gather:

• Medical records
• Photographs of the damage
• Expert opinions from other qualified surgeons
• A record of your medical expenses and payments
• Document a detailed account of your experience

Get In Touch

It is essential that you chat to a clinical negligence lawyer who has experience in cosmetic negligence and who can assess your case and advise if it is valid.

Our team will support you and your family through the claim process with care and understanding. We only work with lawyers who will consider all aspects of your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.