Hair transplant numbness and swelling, OK to massage?

Question

Hi I had a ht (fue) 4 days ago in the front of my head. Oddly I have numbness in the mid center of my head still and no grafts have been placed there. I also have slight swelling around the top of my nose. I have finished a course of antibiotics and steroids. My question is to help the swelling and numbness am I ok to massage my normal scalp not around the implants or donor? Will moving the scalp skin from the massage at the top of my head effect the grafts at the front if it moves the skin?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is good to gently massage your scalp with your fingers. As long as you are gentle, you will not harm any grafts. I suggest that you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon for an in-person demonstration on cleaning/caring for your scalp.Best wishes,

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are having numbness and swelling with issues, it is best to contact your doctor for a follow up.

William Yates, MD · Answer

Dear friend, It is very typical to have numbness and swelling. When a procedure is performed the entire scalp is numbed up, so there are a lot of nerve endings that get dinged. It will take awhile for them to heal and numbness can persist 1-2 months post-operation.   The swelling is due to the fluids which were injected. Massaging the forehead, ibuprofen and warm compresses can be used to help dissipate the swelling which could possibly last 3-4 more days.Best of lucks and let me know if any other questions arise.Sincerely,WY

William Woessner, MD · Answer

In my opinion the swelling that is around your nose could be fluid from the transplant that migrated down from the forehead. This swelling is quite normal and occurs from time to time after a transplant. This you can massage if there is lingering swelling BELOW the grafted area. I would massage down and away from the eyes and nose to the side.The swelling that you speak of that is at the mid center of your head sounds suspicious and you may need to visit your hair transplant clinic for a further investigation. It could be nothing but it would be better to get an opinion from a professional. The worst case is infection. And you may have to return to antibiotics. Please let us know how it turns out.

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

Since you are only 4 days out, I would stay very clear of the transplanted grafts.  However, massaging other parts of the scalp would be fine and theoretically could be of benefit.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

This is normal and the swelling will go away on its own. Do not rub your recipient area as everything will be fine in a couple of more days. Numbness should disappear in 1-2 weeks if not go back and see your doctor

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Light touch in the grafted area is ok but massaging is not ok. You can rub and gently massage after the seventh day.

Hair transplant numbness and swelling, OK to massage?

Answers (7)

More FUE Hair Transplant Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Hair transplant numbness and swelling, OK to massage?

Answers (7)

More FUE Hair Transplant Questions

FUE: random vs zigzag pattern; which is best? (Photo)

Does shock loss in the donor area after FUE hair transplant grow back? (Photo)

Is it normal to have hair shock loss 2 months after hair transplant and in areas far away from donor and recipient area?

15 weeks post FUE but no shedding or shock loss yet, is this normal? (Photo)

Hit my head pretty hard 3 months post FUE transplant op. There was a little blood. Did I possibly lose grafts?

Is Scab formation on Day 13 Post FUE normal ? Its my day 13 post FUE (3000 grafts) and i have the following questions: (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS