Recipient Site Necrosis After Follicular Unit Excision Technique For Hair Transplantation: Evaluation of 18 Patients

Hair transplantation is a widely performed cosmetic procedure for hair restoration. While generally safe, it carries the risk of complications, including recipient site necrosis (RSN). RSN is a rare but serious complication. This study aims to conduct a detailed analysis of 18 patients who had necrosis in the recipient area after hair transplantation.

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted on 18 consulted patients who developed RSN following hair transplantation between 2017 and 2023. Data collected included patient demographics, medical history, surgical details, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Treatment involved surgical intervention (debridement), and conservative measures (wound care) in all cases.

The mean age of patients was 36.06 years (range: 22-48). The most common risk factors identified were smoking 66.7% (n = 10), hypertension 20% (n = 3), and diabetes mellitus 13.3% (n = 2). All patients (n = 18) underwent single-session hair transplantation using the follicular unit excision technique, and an average of 3899.44 ± 93.76 follicular units were transplanted. Outcomes such as scarring and graft failure occurred in all patients.

The presented study is the largest complication series in the literature. RSN is a rare but significant complication of hair transplantation. Identifying and managing risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes and hypertension, is crucial for prevention. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential for optimal outcomes. While conservative management is often successful, surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases.

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