Are excessive scabs after a hair transplant an early sign of failed hair transplant? (Photo)

Hello and thank you for your question! Scab formation after a hair transplant varies and doesn’t indicate success or failure. Factors like the number of grafts, individual healing rates, skin type, and post-op care affect scabbing. Scabs usually fall off within 7-14 days, and excessive scabbing doesn’t mean the transplant failed. Success is measured by hair regrowth, which typically starts around 3-4 months post-op. If you’re concerned about scabbing or healing, it's best to consult your surgeon. I hope this helps! Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS at Center for Classic Beauty, Danvers & Boston, MA

Good Morning! Scabbing can vary between patients. Sometimes, it means the wounds are too dry. Other times, it can mean there is a problem with the graft. Scabbing and hair loss can occur to varying degrees with transplant upwards of 6 months. I would continue to take care of the scalp and follow-up with your hair transplant surgeon. I believe it's too early to declare graft failure at this point. Hope this helps you.

Hello, Dr. George Abrahamian here from LA FUE Hair Clinic in Pasadena, CA. Build up formation after a hair transplant is completely normal, and should not impact your results. During the healing process, especially if your clinic provided you with nutritional sprays and oils for post operative graft maintenance, build up is extremely common. On top of the aforementioned, your skin will be healing, your body will be exuding its natural oils, and some of the grafts may shed, contributing to the formation of build up on the grafted recipient areas. Based on the photos provided, this looks completely normal for approximately 10 days after a transplant. Generally, the concerning type of build up is the thick black scabbing from bleeding, that can choke the healing skin and the grafts, as superficial passive oxygen diffusion can be important for the healing process, and may also be a sign of necrosis of the skin. Your photos do not show any signs of that. Also, as the healing process occurs, and you are 10+ days after transplant, the grafts (along with the hairs associated with them) will also start to fall out on their own, which is completely normal as well, and can also contribute to the build up you are seeing. I hope this helps.

Scabbing is caused by dried blood and also by little pieces of skin that are attached to the hair follicle. The fact that you had or someone did not have scabbing probably wont impact your hair transplant if each person had the same aftercare.
Scabbing may last longer if you are less aggressive during cleansing. No scabbing can indicate grafts placed too deep.
Dont focus too much on presence of scabs. However if they are persistent after a few weeks follow up with your surgeon.Hope this helps.

After a hair transplant, scabs and crusts appear around the treated areas of the scalp; it's impossible for one to get a hair transplant without getting scabs. This is perfectly normal and to be expected, and usually they should disappear (by falling off naturally 4 to 10 days after they have formed). As the scabs fall off, you may notice that hair is shed with them. THIS IS NORMAL. Do not pick or scratch the scabs, doing so can cause infection and endanger the survival of the grafts.

One common sign of failed hair transplants is related to problems with grafts distribution. A lower than usual density can create balding-style hair or create a doll-shaped hairstyle. On the other hand, too much density can also create unusual looks and even damage the natural hair follicles on the scalp. (These would be indicators to be conscious of in regards to a successful vs. unsuccessful hair transplant).

Generally, most of the hair transplant scabs remain on your scalp until the tenth day after the surgery. It is also generally recommended after 10-15 days post surgery; that one can safely do the hair transplant scab removal by gently massaging your scalp while applying your lotion and shampoo.

You might feel the urge to scratch the small scabs as they can get itchy, I would strongly advised against that. It might provide temporary relief, but you can permanently damage the results of your surgery by dislodging the grafts. It also increases the risk of infection. If you do try scratching, it might reopen the wound, making it bleed. This will, of course, prolong the healing process. Moreover, the risk of more prominent scarring increases. In addition, it can cause swelling, pain, bleeding, or redness, which can slow down healing. Please, do not scratch your scalp.

Everyone heals differently and scabbing is apart of the healing process. If you notice the scabs falling off while washing your scalp (with minimal pressure; falling off themselves not being picked off) this would be the cue to use the gentle massage method with lotion/shampoo above.