Fear is an intense emotion which can drive humans to madness. Getting anxious and uncomfortable at the sight of clusters of small holes or bumps is called Trypophobia. Like any other fear, it affects the quality of life, however, especially for those who want to get a hair transplant.
Hair transplant can be an important life changing event for people suffering with male pattern baldness. There are many factors which can affect the decision to undergo this procedure. Hair transplant trypophobia could be one of them.
Here, we will talk in detail about this fear of holes and different ways to manage it, so no one is denied the opportunity of getting a hair transplant.
What is Hair Transplant Trypophobia?
During a hair transplant, the plastic surgeon makes multiple incisions or holes in the scalp bald areas, particularly at the sides and back of the head. In Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant, hair surgeons use a micro punch tool, so the holes are barely noticeable.
The exact size of the small holes depends on the instrument but generally they are less than 1mm wide. Hair implants are inserted in the bald areas which can create an unsightly appearance of small holes, and trigger trypophobia.
What Causes Hair Transplant Trypophobia?
The exact cause of hair transplant trypophobia remains unknown. However, some experts suggest that similar patterns like this may trigger a part of the brain which used to warn humans from dangerous animals.
Apart from facing mental stress, it can lead to physical symptoms as well. These include:
- Itching
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Panic attacks
See Also: Hair Transplant Aftercare
How To Diagnose Hair Transplant Trypophobia?
Some phobias are hard to discover early in life. Therefore, if you are unsure about your fear, you can get it tested. You can take this test at home or in the presence of some doctor for confirmation. Some triggering photos or objects can be used for this. If they make you feel disgust, fearful or anxious, you may have trypophobia.
Following images can be used for testing and triggering a response for confirming trypophobia:
- Honeycomb
- Sponge
- Skin pores
- Sunflowers
- Seeds in fruits like strawberry
How To Overcome Hair Transplant Trypophobia?
Fear is always difficult to manage but with the right approach, it can be tackled. Following remedies may work for you:
Exposure therapy
It is done in a safe supportive space with the help of a professional therapist. Slowly increasing the level of exposure to triggers while managing the response can help you get over your fear.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
In this kind of therapy, you talk to a qualified therapist who helps you overcome your fears. This kind of session allows you to understand the thoughts leading to trypophobia symptoms.
By understanding the whole process of thinking leading to symptoms, you gain insights into modifying your thinking patterns hence controlling the related symptoms.
Anxiety Medication
These medications are particularly used when there is a related disorder such as depression or anxiety. By carefully recognizing your triggers, anxiety medications can help you prevent and manage fear and panic attacks.
Breathing exercises
It is a simple yet an effective way to calm your mind and relax your body. Deep breaths and meditation slow your heart rate and reduce anxiety symptoms. Do these exercises before and after to deal with your hair transplant trypophobia.
Counselling
Talking to hair transplant professionals about different techniques, their hole sizes and healing periods can help you relax. Selecting an experienced and highly skilled surgeon can help you ensure a safe and effective procedure.
Therefore, you can take time to make a mindful decision about hair transplant as it can ease your anxiety.
See Also: How To Hide A Hair Transplant
When Do The Holes Disappear?
- Age
- Health status
- Post operative care
- Type of technique used
- Size of the instrument
However, the healing process may take from weeks to months. Most patients usually recover within a month, with significant healing within the first two weeks.
Moreover, as the transplanted hair naturally grows back, they hide the micro incisions and holes appear smaller. Over time, the visual appearance becomes less triggering for the patients and it starts to look more natural.
How Can You Speed Up The Recovery Process?
Good hair transplant techniques make smaller holes which are barely noticeable. That is why you should do thorough research before choosing your hair transplant surgeon. Still if you are worried about the appearance of holes, following tips can help you.
- Keep your head clean and dry.
- Avoid strenuous activity and sweating
- Avoid touching your scalp or head for some initial time period.
Other than these, follow the post-operation instructions carefully as advised by the doctor. You can also ask your doctor or any family member to help you change bandages and assist with the aftercare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use medications for hair loss?
Yes, you can get medications like minoxidil and finasteride for hair loss, but hair transplant is the only long-term solution.
Can hair transplant trypophobia affect my decision?
Proper counselling and open discussions with your doctors can help you decide. These sessions will help you overcome your fear and anxiety to have a worry-free experience.
What are the different hair transplant techniques?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Direct Hair Transplantation (DHI) are different techniques for hair transplantation.
What hair transplant method minimizes the risk of trypophobia?
Almost all hair transplant procedures trigger trypophobia as it involves making small punctures in the scalp. However, with the latest techniques such as FUE and the right micro-punch tool, the risk of hair transplant trypophobia can be minimized.
