Scabs or follicles? I am really stressed (Photo)

Question

It's my 22nd day after the transplant and I used baby oil to moisturize and remove the scabs. I also have an acute case of sebhoric dermatitis with a lot of flake skin. when I rubbed the transplanted area after, a lot of hair fell of with the scabs. When I rubbed the scaling, it came off with hair too. Is it possible that I may have pulled out the root or the follicle along with the scans. How do i know the difference between scabs and follicles.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are concerned about your progress after surgery, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.  What you are seeing may be scabs and grafts.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Your concern is a common one.  By all accounts, what you are experiencing is perfectly normal and expected.   It is shedding.The follicles by three weeks have integrated into the scalp.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

We tell patients that to lose a graft at this point would cause bleeding.  As long as there was no bleeding, this is most likely normal shedding of the transplanted hair.  The permanent growth normally begins around the 3rd month.

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

You are day 22, and your transplanted hairs that fell out have reached a healthy length. For your transplanted hairs to be of this length, they had to have grown... which implies the transplanted follicle got a blood supply and nutrients. It is hard to say for certain, but in my experience, the type of shedding you are having is within normal. You should have a period of rest (telogen) that you are entering that will last a few months and then you should start to see growth (in 3-5 months). Discuss the exact topicals you are using with your transplant surgeon for advice since each of us has our own preferences.  It is hard to be patient through this process, but you must try. Good luck!

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At 3 weeks, your follicles are firmly planted and it is unlikely that you have disrupted the hair transplant process. It would not be unusual to see follicles shedding at this point following a transplant procedure. This is part of the natural shedding process and these follicles should grow back in over the next 3-12 months.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

Neil Verma, HBSc, MD, FCFP - Account Suspended · Answer

Scabs and shedding does occur post op. It does not include the root as that becomes imbedded within 2 weeks.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you are worried and you were my patient, I would want to see you and examine you. What you are showing are shed grafts. These hairs will sooner or later shed. They are never a problem for new hairs that start to grow. Usually, there is a lag time between the time the hairs shed (2-8 weeks) and the time the new hair grows (3-8 months). IF for any reason, there is an overlap between the two, pay no attention to it for when the new hair grows, the old hairs from the grafts that may persist beyond 8 weeks, will eventually shed

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Scabs or follicles? I am really stressed (Photo)

Answers (7)

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