Complications and Difficult Cases: A Neurosurgeon’s Perspective on Hair Restoration Surgery

In 2014, a neurosurgeon discussed the unique challenges and risks associated with hair restoration surgery in patients who have undergone neurosurgical procedures, such as cranioplasty or the placement of foreign materials in the skull. The major concern for these patients is the risk of infection, which, although very low, could have severe consequences, including the removal of all foreign materials and a section of the skull. The use of prophylactic antibiotics in these cases is controversial and the benefits are uncertain. The neurosurgeon also highlighted the potential complications of hair restoration surgery in patients who have undergone external beam radiation for intracranial tumors, including poor wound healing, necrosis, and poor follicular growth. The neurosurgeon emphasized the importance of consulting with the patient's neurosurgeon and fully informing the patient of the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.