Is this a hair graft or just the hair bulb? (Photo)

Question

Hi im 2 weeks post op and over the past few days the last few scabs have fallen off. I have been told by my surgeon that the grafts are securely in place now and that any hair follicles in the scabs are completely normal as the transplanted hair sheds around this stage. Since this was my first surgery i am a little paranoid and am curious if this is normal to have the transplanted hair fall out and be present in the scabs? Thanks

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is normal to shed transplanted hairs weeks after surgery.  The new hairs may take 6 to 12 months to grow.The photo looks like a dried up graft. If you are concerned, go back to see your doctor.

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Hi Bulldog447,
Thank you for posting your question on realself.com. It is normal for the transplanted hair to be shed. It is also common to see them with the last remaining scabs as they tend to be a bit more dense. I concur with your surgeon the implanted follicles are secure now. For some the next phase is difficult. Waiting for them to grow and for the hair to mature. The photo you attached shows only the scab (surface epithelium) and the hair shaft but no bulb which remains safely imbedded in your scalp.
Best Regards,
Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

This is a shed graft.  Most people shed the grafts starting on the first few days. They may notice whitish crusts that look like grafts after washing and may even see these on the scalp after washing. These whitish bumps are grafts that have taken on a bit of water in the skin of the grafts, just like your finger get water-logged after you swim for a while. These crusts/grafts will shed over the next 3-4 weeks. IF have significant crusting, you did not do the correct wash immediately after the surgery as you should not have any significant crusts by the first 3-4 days.

Is this a hair graft or just the hair bulb? (Photo)

Answers (3)