Is tiny black stubble a bad sign after FUE? I'm 3 weeks post op. (photo)

Question

I had a hairline FUE procedure 3 weeks ago. I healed with zero redness or scabs or lost grafts within 12 days. You can only see redness in close up photos. I shed most of my hairs already. What is left in many areas is tiny black dots (see photo) that I can feel as stubble where the hairs shed. Is this a bad sign, or a sign of early growth? I followed a strict post-op regimen and went to a top doctor.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is not very clear what the black dots may be but it can be tiny hair follicles starting to grow in.

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for the photo's!
It appears things are progressing nicely.
It's nothing unusual to see what you are seeing especially if your hair was in the growth phase when it was relocated.
Things will slowly improve month by month all the way to 12 plus months.
Make sure you go back for follow up visits with your doc during the first 12 months so they can track your progress etc....

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

tiny black dots/stubble are indicative of open follicles that are alive and healthy.  It means that things are progressing along as they should.  Congratulations on your procedure, and you will certainly enjoy the journey over the next few months as the little follicles start to grow!

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Your hair transplant recipient area looks fine to me but I can't see the black dots you are talking about

Is tiny black stubble a bad sign after FUE? I'm 3 weeks post op. (photo)

Answers (4)