After 7 months of FUE, swelling is still there over my hairline. Is it fine?

Question

I have just noticed that there is swelling over my hairline and this swelling covers my entire hairline. I need to know how much time it will take to get over this swelling. Is it fine that after 7 months of FUE with 2500 grafts, swelling persists? thanks

Ken Anderson, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Dear mojojojo01,Thank you for writing in with your question.  Swelling, or “edema” (the medical term) should have subsided long ago.  Swelling 7 months after an FUE is not likely swelling, but could be cobblestoning, or other cutaneous problem resulting from an FUE hair restoration.  I am not saying this happened to you, because I am unable to physically examine your hair and see the medical records, but if the skin on the actual grafts is not trimmed properly, then that skin is transferred to the recipient area, one follicle at a time.  It’s just a tiny bit of tissue that needs to be removed from each graft, but when you add up 2500 of those tiny bits, and they heal into the newly transplanted area, it sometimes can look raised or appear to be swollen.  I would suggest that you meet with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.  There may be something else going on, and the surgeon who performed your procedure is in the best position to help you with this issue.  I hope this information is helpful to you.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is not normal to have swelling 7 months after surgery.  Something is not right.  You need to follow up with your doctor for a recheck.  In general, swelling is something you might experience few days after surgery.  Swelling subsides after a week.

Ekrem Civas, MD, FISHRS · Answer

This is definitely not normal. Swelling normally occurs the first 2-5 days post op. It may not necessarily be caused by the hair transplant surgery. You should consult with your doctor about this.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Swelling generally comes from a body's short term response to surgery, trauma, excessive fluid during surgery, and healing. It is quite unusual for it to last 7 months. You'll want to see your surgeon to evaluate further. Taking photos of your progress is very helpful to your surgeon. This can be done monthly.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Swelling at 7 months is almost unheard of. You must go back to your doctor and get examined to find out why you still have swelling.  Maybe you have a persistent infection there?  I can not tell for the little you discussed above, but your doctor is your best source for information about your recovery.

After 7 months of FUE, swelling is still there over my hairline. Is it fine?

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Answer: Swelling at 7 months

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Answer: Swelling of the hairline at 7 months following FUE

Answer: Swelling of the hairline at 7 months following FUE

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After 7 months of FUE, swelling is still there over my hairline. Is it fine?

Answers (6)

Answer: Swelling at 7 months

Answer: Swelling at 7 months

Answer: Swelling of the hairline at 7 months following FUE

Answer: Swelling of the hairline at 7 months following FUE

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Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.