Worry Alert: Why Do Eyes Swell After Hair Transplantation?

The swelling that occurs in the eyes after hair transplantation can be worrying for many people. So, does this swelling really indicate a problem?

One of the most common concerns for patients after the operation is the swelling that occurs around the eyes. This edema, which becomes noticeable on the eyelids, especially in the first few days after the procedure, leads many people to wonder, “Is there a problem?”
However, contrary to popular belief, swelling of the eyes after hair transplantation is not a complication; it is a natural and temporary response of the body to the operation.

The Effect of Fluids Administered During the Operation

During hair transplantation, special solutions are injected under the area where the hair will be transplanted. These fluids are used to facilitate the placement of hair follicles, prevent damage to the tissue, and control bleeding during the procedure. They also create the necessary environment for the grafts to take root healthily. Therefore, these solutions are one of the most important elements of the hair transplantation process.

After the procedure is completed, these fluids do not remain in the area where they were applied. Under the influence of gravity, they begin to move downward and gradually progress from the forehead to the eye area over time. This causes swelling in the eye area.

Why Does Swelling Occur in the Eyelids?

The forehead skin has a structure that allows fluid to move easily and spread downward. During the procedure, as microchannels are created, the small blood vessels and lymphatic structures beneath the skin are temporarily affected. This may cause a brief slowing of fluid circulation in the area. The role of the lymphatic system is to collect excess fluid that accumulates between tissues and return it to circulation. Therefore, the fluid administered to the treated area will first accumulate in the forehead. Over time, the fluid descends toward the under-eye area and eyelids. This can cause temporary symptoms such as swelling, fullness, or slight bruising around the eyes.

This swelling usually appears within the first 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. The severity of the swelling varies from patient to patient.

How Long Does Swelling Last?

If you are concerned about how long the swelling will last and whether it will remain for a long time, don’t worry. This is because the swelling around the eyes that occurs after hair transplantation usually begins to subside from the third day onwards. On average, it largely disappears within 5 to 7 days.

However, paying attention to the following factors during this process will help control the swelling:

• Keeping your head upright during this process,
• avoiding lying face down,
• and applying cold compresses as recommended by your doctor.

Is There Cause for Concern?

This temporary swelling around the eyes does not affect the success of the hair transplant procedure and is not permanent. Furthermore, there is absolutely no cause for concern.

On the contrary, although this swelling may be uncomfortable in terms of appearance and sensation, it is the body’s natural healing response to the procedure. When proper care is applied and the doctor’s recommendations are followed, it will subside quickly and give way to a healthy healing process. Swelling and inflammation around eye area after hair transplantation are temporary conditions and can be controlled quickly with proper care.

Therefore, patients experiencing eye swelling after hair transplantation do not need to panic. When the swelling subsides and the first results become visible, the most enjoyable moments of the process will have begun.

Hairtrans.com was founded by world-famous plastic surgeon Dr. MFO, who is an expert in facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeries, and is managed under his leadership. Would you like to have a hair transplant under the coordination of a plastic surgeon with many years of experience?