How to treat redness after FUE hair transplant in recipient area?

Question

Hi, I am only a day after my FUE HT so this question might be a bit premature. But in case the redness remains after the "normal" 14 days. How to cure or advance the reducing of the redness? Are calendula creme or aloe vera gel good options?

Ken Anderson, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Dear shazamm,Thank you for posting this question. The redness following a hair transplant procedure is normal and expected. It will fade typically by 8 to 10 days. It may persist longer, and I've seen it persist up to 2-3 months in those with a very light shade of skin (eg: Fitzpatrick 1). If it persists the only thing I would suggest is some makeup to cover the redness. A little cover-up for a few weeks while the redness subsides often works very well. I hope this information is helpful to you.Kind Regards,Ken Anderson, MD, FISHRS, ABHRS

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is best to ask your surgeon about post operative care as each doctor has their unique regimen.  This includes addressing redness.  Some doctors may give you a steroid pill or a shot.

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

Ask your doctor if you would like to apply some sort of cream/gel to help with the redness. At two weeks those should be fine but it's better to be safe. Generally I would expect redness to dissipate within a month, not two weeks, so I don't think you should be too concerned about it yet.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

The redness remains after the "normal" 14 days is normal and it may stay up to 3-4 months . İt depends on your skin color/fitzpatrick classification .(Lighter your color, more red discolored skin after surgery) ....I recommend you to use nothing for that temporary situation .

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

The redness after hair transplant is a result of increased blood supply to the area which at this point is a good thing for you.  It should improve on its own in a few days.

Gregory Michael Bazell, MD · Answer

No need to worry.  Be patient the redness will dissipate within the next week in the recipient area.  I don't recommend applying anything for the next two weeks.

Ilker Apaydin, MD · Answer

Post-op redness will occur both in the recipient area and the donor area. The degree and length of time in which both areas will remain pink or red, will largely depend on the individual's skin tone. Redness in the recipient area occurs due to the presence of newly formed blood vessels and inflammation from the placement of the new grafts. Some patients are lucky and either don't experience it at all, or it goes away quickly. It appears that those with fairer skin may be more vulnerable to extended redness. It is better to consult with your surgeon  before using any kind of shampoo or medication. All the best

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You reported redness in FUE donor area one day after a hair transplant. I would expect that this will go away in the next 4-5 days.

How to treat redness after FUE hair transplant in recipient area?

Answers (8)