Retinol face cream on transplant area after hair transplant

Question

Hi. I had a transplant 3 and a half months ago and things have been healing well and I’m seeing some growth already. Bit worried because when putting on my face cream I put my minoxidil cream on tonight and then put my retinol face cream on. When I was putting the face cream on I accidentally got some on the front of my scalp. I washed it off 15 mins later but worried it has damaged my newly transplanted follicles. Can anyone advise?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello,

It's understandable to be concerned about the care of your newly transplanted hair follicles. Generally, at three and a half months post-transplant, the follicles are quite resilient, and occasional, brief exposure to products like retinol is unlikely to cause significant harm. However, retinol can be irritating to the skin, so it’s good that you washed it off promptly.

To minimize any potential irritation or adverse effects, consider the following:

Monitor for Irritation: Keep an eye on the area for any signs of redness, itching, or irritation. If you notice any persistent issues, it might be worth consulting with your hair transplant surgeon or dermatologist.

Avoid Future Contact: Try to avoid applying retinol or other potentially irritating products directly on the transplanted area. You might consider applying your face creams more carefully or even using a barrier, like a headband, to protect the transplant site.

Follow Post-Transplant Care Instructions: Continue following any specific aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon, as they will be tailored to your procedure and healing process.

If you have ongoing concerns or notice any unusual changes, reaching out to your healthcare provider would be the best course of action. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.

Best regards,

Marco Barusco, MD · Answer

Hello,

Accidentally getting a small amount of retinol face cream on your transplanted area at this stage is unlikely to harm your newly transplanted follicles, especially since you washed it off quickly. At 3.5 months post-transplant, your grafts should be well-anchored. If you notice any irritation or unusual symptoms, consult your surgeon for reassurance.

Best regards,
Dr. Marco Barusco

Retinol face cream on transplant area after hair transplant

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