Minimizing Bleeding During a Hair Transplant

Good day Doctor. Are there any ways to minimize bleeding during a hair transplant? I know there are a lot of incisions involved, so I am curious. In the two procedures I have had both at 1200 grafts several years ago, the doctor mentioned that I was a “bleeder.” Now I have never passed out in my life, but 1-2 days after both procedures I came very close before I placed my feet in an elevated position as told by the office nurses. I assumed it was from losing blood. I know you must have had similar patients and would very much appreciate it if you could provide insight. Thank you for your time and your blog!

Bleeding is almost never a problem with a hair transplant in the hands of good surgeons. For controlling bleeding throughout the scalp, the surgeon will include a solution that contains adrenaline — and it is the adrenaline that reduces the bleeding from the recipient sites and even the donor wounds.

With regard to the donor area, if a strip is the method for donor area harvesting, then bleeding will be in the hands of the surgeon. There are many blood vessels in the back of the head which must be carefully managed during the surgery. I became aware of a surgeon whose patient lost so much blood during the surgery (when a major scalp blood vessel was cut) that the patient developed a stroke from hypotension. I only heard about this situation once.

When I trained as a surgeon, I always knew to look over the head for bleeding areas when a person came into the emergency room. Sometimes a small gash in the head can bleed heavily, enough to lose a unit of blood (or more). The scalp is very vascular, so your question is quite appropriate.