Can I gently massage my donor area and help remove scabs before day 7? (Photo)

Question

I'm day 6 after FUE (3700 grafts) and I see that if i gently pass my hand (on dry hair), applying mild pressure, some scabs start to fall. Is this bad? Can it have a non desired effect? There is a lot of information and consensus on how to treat the transplanted area, starting to rub off the scabs after 9-10 days. My question is around the donor area, as I couldn't find mucha about it on this topic. Thanks

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is best to follow your surgeon's instructions on post treatment care.  You do not want to rub the area to coax the scabs off, however if they are coming off on their own that should be fine.  Your surgeon is the best one to guide you as he/she is most familiar with the details of your treatment and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is best to contact your doctor about post operative care and instructions since each doctor has a different regimen.

William Woessner, MD · Answer

It is normal for some scabs to fall after 6 days. I agree with waiting until after 9-10 days to "rub off" the scabs. It is safer to allow the extra days. The donor area should be safe to rub on after 7 days. Keep both areas clean with warm water & shampoo.

Ilker Apaydin, MD · Answer

Washing is one of the important aftercare procedure during hair transplant.And it is not good idea to rub the surgical area or force the scabs to fall down in the first week after the surgery. If the scabs are falling down by themselves, there is nothing to worry about, and usually it takes 10-12 days until they all are gone. If they are not fallen off, only it that case you can be not hesitating to massage the transplanted area (but with finger tips only).

Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS · Answer

Hey there,
If scabs are falling with just simple pressure, then it’s not a problem. But don't be in hurry to remove scabs by scratching as wounds are still in healing process. Just give some more time, usually by around 10 days most of the scabs should fall off.  You should start washing the area gently if haven't done yet. 
  
Hope this helps.

Can I gently massage my donor area and help remove scabs before day 7? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: No rushing in scabs removal

Answer: No rushing in scabs removal

Answer: Don't be in hurry to remove scabs by scratching

Answer: Don't be in hurry to remove scabs by scratching

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Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

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

Can I gently massage my donor area and help remove scabs before day 7? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: No rushing in scabs removal

Answer: No rushing in scabs removal

Answer: Don't be in hurry to remove scabs by scratching

Answer: Don't be in hurry to remove scabs by scratching

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

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