Can a sunburn affect my grafts? (Photos)

Question

Minor sunburn in the recipient area due to high temperature inside the car (no direct exposure to sunlight), 1 month po. I didn't expose my head to direct sunlight but still i have a sunburn in my recipient area. I got it because of the high temperature inside my car as air conditioning wasn't working (for 10-15 mins). I am 1 month post op and my doctor said that sunburn can't affect grafts as they are deep inside the skin. I have redness, not sure about the bumps, I am really worried. Please do check the photos

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Sun exposure is not recommended after surgery but if it already happened there isn't much you can do.  It may cause discoloring of the skin.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The heat from a car without air conditioning will not impact the growth of the grafts. The temperature below the skin remains at body temperature and that is where the hair is growing from

Can a sunburn affect my grafts? (Photos)

Answers (2)