What are the white cone/needle shaped things attached to fallen scabs after hair transplant? (photos)

Question

Shown in the photo are scabs removed from the transplant area 12 days post-op. Are the needle-like white things attached to the scabs actually dried-up hair follicles? If so, is it safe to assume that these grafts are lost forever (meaning no hair will grow in that spot), or is there a possibility that the root (papilla?) of the graft has taken and will regenerate the dislodged part?

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Many people who experience this phase of a hair transplant worry.  However, it is just a scab composed mainly of skin.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible they are dried out grafts that did not take. They may be lost grafts that may not grow.  Some may also be scabs.  It is always a good idea to follow up with your doctor.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

the crusts, if they remain on the scalp, will have hairs sticking out of them.  The cone shaped things you are talking about may be shedding crusts with hair.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It's a combination of skin, fat,dry blood and hair shaft.  The follicle will remain and start to grow I. After  three to four months, it may take up to 18 months for all the implanted hair to grow .

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What are the white cone/needle shaped things attached to fallen scabs after hair transplant? (photos)

Answers (4)

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