Tips for removing scabs without damaging follicles?

Question

I had my FUE transplant 6 days ago and I am back to work Tuesday I have been very gentle with the after care and shampooing but I still have a fair few scabs left! I heard that you can leave baby shampoo on the scalp for 30 minutes to help is this true? Also when can I first give my scalp a good scrub knowing that the grafts are safe?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Every doctor has their own specific post operative instructions.  Please give your doctor a call.  Otherwise follow general washing instructions or same methods you have been using.

Ilker Apaydin, MD · Answer

If your hair surgeon has given a post operative care regiment it would be wise to follow that.In my practice I always advice to be very gentile for the first week for the recipient area washing technique.After the 10th day you may start to use your fingers for massage during the washing.Also using a moisturiser cream before every washing session will help the scabs fall swiftly in 12-14 days.

Jean Devroye, MD · Answer

You
need to make sure that both the recipient and the donor area are as clean as
possible during the postoperative period. If you have crusts in one of these
areas, this is important to scrub them during the shampoo. Pay attention to use
your fingertips, not your nails. You can also apply sweet almond oil in order
to soften the crusts.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Check with your surgeon as every surgeon has different techniques. Baby oil works wonders for my patients (not baby shampoo, but baby oil). Let sit 20 minutes and gently rinse off.  Do daily until scabs are gone.  Once scabs are gone shampoo normally starting day 14. AT day 6, with scabs still present, your grafts are not yet secure. Proceed carefully.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

An FUE is treated just
like a regular hair transplant with regard to the recipient area, but the donor
area has open wounds which require daily washing with soap and water. Within 3
days of surgery, you can resume full activities, heavy exercises if you wish.
The recipient area requires daily washes as well to keep the recipient area
free of crusts. I generally recommend the use of a sponge and supply my patient
with a surgical sponge to fill with soapy water and press on the recipient area
daily. By repeating this daily, all crusts can be washed off without any fear
of losing grafts. IF any crust are present, use a Q tip and dip it into soapy
water, and roll it on the crusts and that will lift them off without dislodging
them, but never rub them, just roll the Q tip on the recipient crust. I like to
see no evidence of any crusting in the recipient area and the crusts from the
donor area gone in 7-10 days with daily washing,.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

the first week is important and you need to be gentile with the scabs and the donor area. If your doctor provided you with a post op care regiment make sure you follow the directions. Usually the scabs fall off aftr ten days to two weeks.

Omeed Memar, MD, PhD (license suspended) · Answer

Do not scrub the recipient area for at least the first month.  To help soften the scabs,  place hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and spray it on the scabs three to four times per day.  Wash with the dilute baby shampoo once per day.

Tips for removing scabs without damaging follicles?

Answers (7)

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