I didn't moisten my scalp for the first 3 days after the Hair Transplant procedure, did I dry my grafts out?

Question

I just had a hair transplant around 4 and half months ago, it was around 1500 grafts. I was instructed not to touch or wash my scalp for the first 3 days. On the 4th day i was to use baby shampoo, and so I did. I have seen some online youtube videos in which doctors advise their patients to apply a wet paper towel to moisten their scalp during the few days after the procedure. Sine I did not do this, should I be concerned that I may have lost or dried my grafts out?

Mark Hamilton, MD · Answer

The short answer is no- you probably did not affect the grafts at all, but you may have increased your recovery time.After hair transplant, surgeons will recommend gently washing the area with water or saline to keep the area moist and prevent crusting. The grafts themselves, however, are receiving nutrients from the surrounding skin. While not following these instructions can lead to a build up of crusting and delayed healing, it is unlikely it would have a major affect on the viability of the grafts. You are 4 months out and often at least some of the grafts are in a temporary shock phase. Be patient, stay in close contact with your surgeon and give things time.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is best to follow your doctor's advice over advice from the Internet. Don't follow advice from YouTube videos.  Follow your doctor's advice.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thanks for your query. You did absolutely what was required to be done post hair transplant. Continuously using wet towel is not very required. Just keep applying Minoxidil and your hair transplant will be perfect. For even the slightest doubt you can still visit your treating doctor. Hope it helps.All The Best

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

If grafts are placed properly they won’t get dried out
and the hair wash is only to minimize the scabbing. Each hair transplant
physician may handle post op care slightly differently.   We recommend twice daily washing of both
donor and recipient areas up until day 5 after hair transplant.  We see our patients the day after surgery and
instruct them on the hair washing procedure using a sponge and a special
shampoo.  Patients are to wash their hair
twice a day for 4 days to help remove the crusts.  Do not rub either site, just dab the shampoo
to help moisten and loosen the crusts.  
You should be speaking with the physician that performed your
surgery.   Patients typically lose their
hair at 2-3 months but growth returns shortly thereafter at first as thin fine
hair but by 8 to 12 months the hair will thicken with full growth by 12
months.  Give it more time.

Justin Misko, MD · Answer

I suspect your grafts are intact.  I encourage patients to moisten the scalp simply to promote healing and help to expedite the healing.

I didn't moisten my scalp for the first 3 days after the Hair Transplant procedure, did I dry my grafts out?

Answers (7)

Answer: Care after hair transplant

Answer: Care after hair transplant

Answer: Healing without hair wash for 4 days.

Answer: Healing without hair wash for 4 days.

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Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

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I didn't moisten my scalp for the first 3 days after the Hair Transplant procedure, did I dry my grafts out?

Answers (7)

Answer: Care after hair transplant

Answer: Care after hair transplant

Answer: Healing without hair wash for 4 days.

Answer: Healing without hair wash for 4 days.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

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