Hair transplant trypophobia is the nightmare of trypophobia patients. However, in recent years, even trypophobia patients can safely undergo hair transplant procedures. But how? Here are the details…
What is Hair Transplant Trypophobia?
The phenomenon of hair transplant-related trypophobia is called “hair transplant trypophobia“. People with trypophobia tend to feel disgust and fear from the appearance of microscopic scars. But, scars usually heal in just 10 to 14 days. Once they have healed, the unwanted appearance disappears when the scabs fall off. It’s important to be patient for a few months to achieve natural-looking hair [1].
Surgeons perform Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplantation by creating tiny incisions in the scalp with the help of Sapphire blade or other microsurgical needles and blades. When they create small incisions in the recipient area, an unpleasant appearance may occur that lasts for up to 14 days after surgery. Most patients hide this appearance with loose hats.
Types of Trypophobia
Trypophobia can manifest in various forms, triggered by different textures or patterns inducing fear, stress, or disgust. Its severity varies with over-stimulation. For example, some feel uneasy seeing hair transplant photos, while others, experiencing hair transplant trypophobia, feel anxious only seeing people with newly transplanted hair in person, not in trypophobia images. Below are the common types of trypophobia categorized by texture:
- Organic Patterns
These individuals dislike natural patterns and textures such as honeycomb, lotus seed pod, coral, and some trypophobia-inducing animals such as:
- Giant water bug with eggs on its back
- Blue-ringed octopus
- Cobra snake
- Leopard
- Clustered Holes
For these individuals, whether natural or artificial, what matters is the presence of clusters of small and closely-packed holes. Hair transplant trypophobia, holes in the skin, and holey fruits and vegetables like strawberries are the best examples of this condition.
- Skin Irregularities
A condition caused by skin blemishes such as:
- acne,
- pimples,
- scars,
- scabs,
- pockmarks,
- skin irregularities.
It is possible to categorize all trypophobia skin disorders under this group. In addition, research has shown that people with a history of skin problems are more sensitive to skin-related trypophobia [2].
- Artificial Objects
Sensitivity to man-made objects & designs that resemble natural patterns including bubble wrap, aerated chocolate, or some sponges.
- Biological Forms
Fear or aversion to images or/and depictions of biological structures. For example, close-up photos of eyes, insects or plant seeds.
Causes of Hair Transplant Trypophobia
Approximately 13% of the population has trypophobia. Simply put, trypophobia is anxiety, fear and repulsion behaviors that accompany disgust. Patients show symptoms of disgust, fear and anxiety when they see honeycombs, sponges, cheese with holes or scalps with newly transplanted hair.
In the past, experts thought that trypophobia was caused by objects with holes. However, recent research has shown that patients are uncomfortable with objects with particular spectral profiles rather than trypophobia holes [3] [4] [5].
The causes of trypophobia associated with hair transplantation are still not found. But experts have two theories:
- The brain may associate clusters of holes with danger. A pattern of small holes might resemble the skin of a poisonous snake, causing persistent fear in individuals. This characteristic may have served as a form of defense mechanism for people throughout history. This evolutionary adaptation might have led to the onset of trypophobia.
- The second theory pertains to the brain’s expenditure of oxygen and energy to process holey patterns, which can trigger feelings of distress. It may also be a characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but the correlation between trypophobia and OCD has not been revealed yet.
There may also be a link between autism and trypophobia. Because people with autism are more prone to phobias, trypophobia may be more likely to occur in people with autism [6].
Symptoms of hair transplant trypophobia
When individuals with hair transplant trypophobia see a cluster of holes, they often experience the following:
- Sweating and uneasiness.
- Stress accompanied by fear.
- Anxiety due to the possibility of encountering disturbing images again.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Hyperstimulation towards other objects with holes.
The use of a microsurgical instrument for extracting hair follicles from the donor site on the scalp creates these holes. They on the sides and back of the head can trigger trypophobia for 2 to 4 days. However, once the healing process begins, the fear of small hole clusters stops.
Treatments for Trypophobia
You can benefit from various psychotherapy approaches in the treatment of trypophobia:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
You can learn practical ways to cope with your phobias through cognitive behavioral therapy. Together with your therapist, you will discover the underlying causes of your fear. Then, you will gradually confront your fears associated with the phobia. This way you may become desensitized to the images, shapes, etc. that trigger your trypophobia.
- Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy for phobias is also very effective. In a safe environment provided by your therapist, you will gradually confront your fears. Exposure methods can be imaginary, virtual reality, or in vivo exposure [7].
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
In EMDR treatment, you can get rid of your phobia by going to a moment when you experience trypophobia and changing the negative effect of this memory on you. It is preferred by most patients because it is a time-efficient method that requires fewer sessions compared to alternatives [8].
- Breathing exercises
Deep breathing exercises can help you stay calm when faced with a phobia trigger. You can join groups that practice breathing exercises.
- Medications
If your trypophobia is linked to major depression and generalized anxiety disorder (CAD), your therapist may also prescribe medication to help you manage the overall problem.
FAQ about Hair Transplant Trypophobia
Is trypophobia a real phobia?
No, because it has less impact on a person’s daily routine than a real phobia. That is why the APA doesn’t recognize trypophobia as a mental disorder or a real phobia.
Is it possible to minimise the effect of trypophobia?
Yes, you can minimize the effect of trypophobia with methods like CBT, exposure therapy, and breathing exercises.
What do hair transplant holes look like?
They are small, red, and circular scars. Hair transplant scars scab over and disappear within a few days.
How do I know if I have trypophobia?
You can find out if you have this phobia with a trypophobia test.
How to prevent hair transplant scarring?
A carefully planned hair transplant can help you avoid visible scarring. Why not book a consultation with Vantage Clinic to discuss any concerns you might have related to a hair transplant? Get in touch today — use our contact form or call us on +90 501 253 15 93
References
- Lam SM, Williams KL Jr., eds. Follicular unit excision (FUE), 2nd ed., Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, New Delhi, India, 2022. https://www.ishrs-htforum.org/content/htfi/32/1/1.full.pdf
- Yamada, Y., Sasaki, K. Involuntary protection against dermatosis: A preliminary observation on trypophobia. BMC Res Notes 10, 658 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-017-2953-6
- Le ATD. An exploration of trypophobia. repository.essex.ac.uk. Published August 1, 2015. Accessed May 8, 2024. https://repository.essex.ac.uk/16352/
- Can, W., Zhuoran, Z., & Zheng, J. (2017). Is Trypophobia a Phobia? Psychological Reports, 120(2), 206-218. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033294116687298
- Imaizumi, S., Furuno, M., Hibino, H. et al. Trypophobia is predicted by disgust sensitivity, empathic traits, and visual discomfort. SpringerPlus 5, 1449 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-3149-6
- Joicey A. Virtual reality therapy has lasting effect in treatment for autism phobias. Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. Published February 18, 2019. Accessed May 8, 2024. https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/news/virtual-reality-therapy-has-lasting-effect-in-treatment-for-autism-phobias/#:~:text=Autism%20can%20affect%20a%20child
- Yetman D. Exposure Therapy: Types, How It’s Done, and More. Healthline. Published June 21, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/health/exposure-therapy#types
- How EMDR Can Help Overcome Phobias | Relational Psych. (n.d.). www.relationalpsych.group. Retrieved May 8, 2024, from https://www.relationalpsych.group/articles/how-emdr-can-help-overcome-phobias
Article Review By: Dr. Jyothi Shenoy V
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MBBS, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG(UK)
23 Years Experience Overall