Medical Conditions That May Stop You Having a Hair Transplant in Birmingham

Systemic Illnesses and Healing Capacity

As a doctor, I often see patients who are enthusiastic about restoring their hairline but may not fully appreciate the medical factors that can influence their suitability for a transplant. A hair transplant—particularly Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which is the only surgical method offered at My Hair UK—is a minor procedure in terms of incision and recovery. But like any elective surgery, it requires thorough screening and a solid understanding of your health status. Certain medical conditions, especially when undiagnosed or poorly controlled, can present significant risks:

Diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 1 or insulin-dependent Type 2, can affect wound healing and increase the risk of infection. Poor glycaemic control delays epithelialisation and fibroblast activity, leading to suboptimal graft survival. In such cases, HbA1c should ideally be below 7% prior to any elective procedure.

Cardiovascular Risk and Surgical Stress

Cardiovascular disease is another area of concern. Patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or unstable angina may not be suitable candidates. The stress response to surgery, even under local anaesthesia, may provoke adverse cardiovascular events. Patients on anticoagulants like warfarin or DOACs such as apixaban require individual risk assessments, as these drugs can increase bleeding and compromise the surgical field. In some cases, bridging strategies with low-molecular-weight heparin might be discussed, but this requires a shared care approach with the patient's cardiologist or GP.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Scalp Disorders

Autoimmune disorders also play a critical role. Conditions like lupus erythematosus or lichen planopilaris can create inflammatory environments on the scalp, affecting both the donor and recipient areas. Inflammatory infiltrates may destroy grafts and exacerbate scarring. Hair transplants in these contexts carry a high risk of failure and even worsening of scarring alopecia. Even patients with stable autoimmune disease must be evaluated carefully. A trichoscopic examination and sometimes histological analysis may be warranted before proceeding. A review in Dermatologic Therapy highlights the contraindications for hair restoration surgery in autoimmune scalp disorders.

Haematological Conditions and Bleeding Risk

Haematological conditions are another category often overlooked by prospective patients. Those with bleeding disorders such as haemophilia or thrombocytopenia are not safe candidates unless specialist clearance is obtained. Even borderline platelet counts can increase the risk of post-operative haematoma formation, infection, and poor graft uptake. Patients with sickle cell disease may have impaired oxygen delivery to tissues, which is essential for graft survival. For these patients, consultation with a haematologist is mandatory before surgery.

Infectious Disease and Surgical Safety

Infectious diseases also warrant attention. HIV, Hepatitis B or C can pose a risk to both staff and patient; universal precautions are observed, but active infection must be disclosed. Active scalp infections, such as fungal or bacterial folliculitis, must be resolved before any surgical work is attempted.

Mental Health and Post-Operative Behaviour

Mental health plays a more nuanced role. Patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), trichotillomania, or untreated depression may have unrealistic expectations or engage in harmful post-operative behaviours. A detailed psychological history is essential. In some cases, psychiatric referral is necessary. The British Journal of Dermatology underscores the importance of recognising psychiatric contraindications in cosmetic dermatologic surgery.

Hair Transplant Cost in Birmingham

Pricing for a hair transplant in Birmingham depends on the number of grafts required. At My Hair UK, prices start from £2,499 for up to 500 grafts and increase to £4,899 for procedures involving up to 3,500 grafts. This pricing includes the surgery, pre-operative assessment, and post-operative follow-up, but excludes any separate investigations or referrals needed for medical clearance.

Visit Your GP Before Booking a Consultation

Before you even book a consultation, it’s sensible to visit your local GP for a full health check. You’ll need blood pressure monitoring, basic blood tests (e.g. FBC, HbA1c, lipids), and possibly a review of your repeat medications. This is especially important if you haven’t had a routine health screen in the past 12 months. If you're based in Birmingham, consider one of the following NHS GP surgeries for an appointment, or use the NHS Health Check Finder.

• College Green Medical Practice, 1 Bristol Rd S, Birmingham B31 2GH

• Halcyon Medical Centre, 24 Martineau Way, Birmingham B2 4UH

• Bordesley Green Surgery, Bordesley Grn, Birmingham B9 5EG

Always disclose all medical history to your hair transplant surgeon. The risks may be minor, but they are real. Choosing the right time to undergo a transplant is sometimes about postponing it until your health is stable.

Hair restoration should always be a safe, informed choice—not just a cosmetic one.