Hair transplant and severe scratching, could small pimples be grafts I lost? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I had my hair transplant last year. So I always had the problem that my scalp was very itchy. I very much tried not to scratch my scalp and it succeeded for about a month. But after a month I noticed that I started to scratch my head again in the night. I also noticed a few times that I had small pimples that bleeded. Could that be grafts that I lost or were they just pimples? How bad is it to scratch your head after one month?

Ross Kopelman, DO · Answer

It’s not uncommon to experience some itching after a hair transplant as the scalp heals, but I understand your concern about whether scratching or the appearance of small pimples could mean graft loss. At one month post-transplant, the grafts should have already become securely anchored in the scalp, so it's unlikely that scratching at that point would dislodge them permanently.
The small pimples you’re describing are more likely part of a condition called folliculitis, which is a mild inflammation of the hair follicles that can happen after a transplant. These are usually temporary and should clear up on their own or with proper aftercare. Folliculitis can sometimes cause some bleeding, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the grafts are lost.
However, scratching can still irritate the scalp and prolong healing, especially if it leads to bleeding or infection. It’s best to avoid scratching as much as possible. If the itching or pimples persist, it might help to use a mild topical treatment or consult your surgeon about options to manage the symptoms.
At this stage, your grafts should be well on their way to growing in, and it’s unlikely that scratching after one month would cause significant graft loss, but continuing to protect the scalp will ensure the best possible result.

Hair transplant and severe scratching, could small pimples be grafts I lost? (Photo)

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Hair transplant and severe scratching, could small pimples be grafts I lost? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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Everything you need to know about DHI Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.