I used Polysporin on my reception area 10 days after HT and my doctor said it kills half of all grafts. Is this true? (photo)

Question

The scabs on my reception are did not go away even I wash my hear as directed by doctor. I put the ointment on 9th day and gently massage the reception area. After washing it removed most of the scabs without any force. I put the ointment tomorrow again end finally after the next wash I was free of scabs. I was told by doctor that I did huge mistake and that it kills half of my grafts??? (Why not all or 2/3????) Is it true? I am very worried if it really happened and my hair translation is ruined.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

At 10 days post-op the grafted area has healed and the application of antibiotic ointment should have no effect on graft survival.

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

It is safe to use polysporin on the scalp immediately post op.  Polysporin does not kill the grafts.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

There is no evidence in the medical literature or any study that supports the statement that application of polysporin at day 9 post transplant kills grafts.  There is no scientific basis for this unless of course one has allergy.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your great question. I absolutely do NOT think using polysporin would have kilted off your grafts. At the 10 day point your grafts are healed and could not be affected. I would challenge your doctor on this point. Good luck to you.

David Perez-Meza, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Excellent question. In my personal opinion, NO, the application of topical antibiotic in the recipient area won't affect the hair growth and survival after 9 days PO.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Polysporin can be toxic to follicles.  However, after a week the grafts should have healed and there should be no issues.  In general, though, it's prudent to inform your surgeon before you do something in the perioperative period rather than after.

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

Polysporin would not kill your grafts. If you aggressively massaged your grafts you could have dislodged them and therefore caused them to die. It could be that you just have to wait for 6+ months to see if hair grows where they were planted.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

I have never heard that polysporin kills the grafts so I would certainly doubt that comment. The grafts at this time are secure in their new home.

I used Polysporin on my reception area 10 days after HT and my doctor said it kills half of all grafts. Is this true? (photo)

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I used Polysporin on my reception area 10 days after HT and my doctor said it kills half of all grafts. Is this true? (photo)

Answers (8)

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