Am I losing grafts three months after my hair transplant or is this shedding or something else? (Photos)

Question

I had an FUE procedure performed in early September 2017. However, I still occasionally notice what appears to be small bumps (pimple sized) on my head. This may happen a few times a week, and normally flake off easily if brushed. Although I read some things that say losing a graft only occurs within the first few weeks and is normally accompanied by bleeding, I'm still nervous. The bumps are not painful and are not bleeding. I do have acne occasionally on my head, but this seems different.

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.Sometimes if the grafts never took it would look dried up.

Hussain Rahal, MD · Answer

Hello sa1190,
 
Shedding of hair is completely normal. Your hair goes through the natural hair cycle, which has a growing phase, a transition phase, and a resting phase. In the resting phase, we often see shedding (naturally we shed around 100 hairs a day). Since your grafts are normal hairs, they will go through these phases as well and shed from time to time. They will grow back once the cycle starts over. 
As for the clumps you are seeing, it appears to be scalp residue that is building up and flaking off. It is trapping your shedding hairs, and causing them to shed in what appears to be chunks. The best way to prevent this is by using a shampoo that helps target the scalp and break up that lingering residue. You should try a shampoo with ketoconazole in it, as it's an anti-fungal that will help break up that lingering residue. We recommend the Regenepure Dr. Shampoo, as it has gentle ingredients and safe to use soon after your procedure, keep in mind you should be washing your hair daily for the first 12 months post op, to keep residue off your scalp and promote healthy growth. Use a ketoconazole shampoo 3 times a week, and your normal shampoo for the remaining 4 days. You should notice improves in 1-2 weeks.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

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.

Am I losing grafts three months after my hair transplant or is this shedding or something else? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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