10 days post FUE hair transplant, I accidentally scratched my head during sleep and lots of small crusts with hair fell. Advice?

Question

Hi! During my sleep I accidentally scratched my head a lot and small crusts with hairs attached to them fell. I am 10 days post FUE and I am very afraid I may have lost grafts and jeopardized my surgery. I am very, very concerned and please ask for your professional opinion.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

As long as there was no bleeding, it is unlikely that you harmed the recipient area by scratching. Sharp edges, such as your fingernails, can dislodge the grafts if they go too deep into the scalp, but then there would be bleeding.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are concerned please follow up with your doctor for an exam.If you lost or dislodged a graft, then there will be some bleeding.

Ilker Apaydin, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. 10 days post op, is the time when grafts are settled. If you accidentally scratched your head and there was no bleeding, this means you did not pull out the graft. The rule number one I give to all of my patients is to keep their hands away from the head.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hi, great question. I understand your concern but its been 10 days since your procedure so you don’t have much to worry about. I think you’ll be just fine. If you are concerned for the possibility of future scratching you might wear a scarf over your head while you sleep.

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

At 10 days post-op, you should have reason to be concerned. As long as you did not notice bleeding in the area, you should be fine. It is important that you let the doctor that performed the procedure know and see what they say.

10 days post FUE hair transplant, I accidentally scratched my head during sleep and lots of small crusts with hair fell. Advice?

Answers (5)