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.

Hair transplant numbness and swelling, OK to massage?

Answers (7)

Answer: Hair transplant numbness and swelling, OK to massage?

Answer: Hair transplant numbness and swelling, OK to massage?

Answer: Massaging untreated areas should not harm grafts

Answer: Massaging untreated areas should not harm grafts

Recommended reading

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.

Hair transplant numbness and swelling, OK to massage?

Answers (7)

Answer: Hair transplant numbness and swelling, OK to massage?

Answer: Hair transplant numbness and swelling, OK to massage?

Answer: Massaging untreated areas should not harm grafts

Answer: Massaging untreated areas should not harm grafts

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

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.