25 days post op Facelift, I have been using Johnson's Baby Shampoo and it's causing itchiness on my scalp. Any suggestions?

Question

I am 25 days post op lower facelift and necklift. I have been using Johnson's Baby Shampoo as my ps suggested, but the last two days it is driving me crazy! itching my scalp, hard to rinse out..ugh. Are there any other suggestions? My incisions are still healing, so I need to be careful and use something mild. Help. My head is driving me crazy...it didn't bother me at first, but now it is awful. Thank you!

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Did you also have a browlift?  The nerve regeneration could be causing the itching.  You could also have a sensitivity to the shampoo, or could be drying out your scalp with frequent washes.  Once you have cleaned your scalp thoroughly after the surgery, you shouldn't need to be washing it daily which can dry you out and make it very itchy.  Switch to your normal shampoo which did not cause itching in the past, and only wash a couple of times a week with the shampoo.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If your scalp is irritated by any shampoo you should probably look for a replacement. Generally shampoos without fragrance are better But are hard to find.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

At this stage you can use any soap that does not irritate you.  The incisions should be fully healed.  If there are any areas not fully healed, just use a soap that works for you and then treat the incisions with antibiotic ointment twice a day.  Best wishes!

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

In your case, it's been over three weeks so you should be able to use whatever shampoo you prefer. I like for my patient to use baby shampoo for about 10-14 days.

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

25 days postop facelift, I have been using Johnson's baby shampoo and it’s causing itchiness on my scalp.  Any suggestions?  The baby shampoo is used to avoid irritation of the eyes in the immediate postop period.  As the swelling abates the eyes are better protected and the patient can avoid the baby shampoo using instead a mild soap or cleanser.  We routinely use a mild shampoo and conditioner at the time of surgery and encourage the patient to shampoo with a mild shampoo 24 hours after the drain is removed.  Obviously gentleness in the area of the suture line or clips is necessary.  It may be that she will have to use a dandruff shampoo although I would suggest something less initially.  25 days is long enough to have most of the suture lines sealed and partially healed.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

If that shampoo makes your scalp itch, you should discontinue use. If it continues to itch, you should see your surgeon and have your incisions examined.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you are itching after shampooing it may be related to the shampoo or the healing from the incisions. Best to be seen by your doctor.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

If you are having problems with the baby shampoo I would change to a different type.  At 25 days you should be well healed and any shampoo should be fine.  Speak to your plastic surgeon about the problem.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I would see your PS for advice but I would probably stop your current shampoo and try another product. There is no reason why your scalp should be so itchy and it may be worth not using any shampoo for a couple of days.

Ernest Layton, MD · Answer

If the shampoo is causing you to have itchiness, stop using it.  I typically allow my patients to use a general shampoo and conditioner after surgery.  It is only necessary to wash your hair every 2-3 days.  If you are washing it everyday, it may be drying your scalp out to much.  Of course, always inform your PS of any concerns or issues you might have.

25 days post op Facelift, I have been using Johnson's Baby Shampoo and it's causing itchiness on my scalp. Any suggestions?

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