I have yellowish dead skin on scalp after my hair transplant. Is this normal?

Question

I have a few areas on my head with yellowish dead skin 1.5 months after hair transplant. I have been very gently removing this skin with my fingers and finger nails in the shower (making sure not to scratch my scalp though). When I do this, a few hair and some very small hairs with just a small black bulb come out. The small hairs almost look like grafts that never caught the blood supply in my head. Is this possible at this stage? Is it bad to still have dead skin at this point?

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

You should see your surgeon right away. Without any pictures its very difficult to tell what exactly is going on. Severe dead skin across the scalp is not a normal side effect of hair transplantation that we see. Some minor dry skin is normal from time-to-time, but your case sounds more severe. You should meet with an experienced hair restoration surgeon (preferably the one who did your case) or another if you do not trust the doctor. Some shedding of the grafts is normal after hair transplantation, but this usually happens within the first few weeks post-op. Sometimes certain factors can cause adverse effects in hair transplantation. Examples would be mega-sessions or other trauma to the scalp that lead to hair loss and sometimes dead skin. If your surgeons didn't do a mega-session or use robotic tools that can cause trauma, there could be another cause such as an infection. Meeting with a doctor will help you rule out the causes and narrow it down so you know how to treat it.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is best to contact your surgeon if you are having issues or questions after surgery since your doctor knows your case best.  The yellow you are seeing may be extra skin or scabbing.  You should not have any of these issues after a month.  Please contact your doctor.

John Kahen, MD · Answer

Oozing after a transplant is normal, I suggest you follow proper post op instructions and not pick at the scabs which might dislodge a graft. However, seeing that it as been a month and a half after your procedure, I recommend you refer back to your surgeon to better assess your symptoms.

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

After a hair transplant we see patients the next day to instruct them on how to perform a proper hair wash. We instruct our patients to wash their hair twice a day for 4 days after post surgery, then resume normal hair washings. You should expect scabs to be fully removed by 7 to 10 days. Retaining scabs beyond this time could impede graft growth.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Your description does not help me help you. There is no substitute for a good set of photos to show what you are talking about

I have yellowish dead skin on scalp after my hair transplant. Is this normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Post hair transpant hair washing and scab removal

Answer: Post hair transpant hair washing and scab removal

Answer: Yellow dead skin

Answer: Yellow dead skin

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Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

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I have yellowish dead skin on scalp after my hair transplant. Is this normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Post hair transpant hair washing and scab removal

Answer: Post hair transpant hair washing and scab removal

Answer: Yellow dead skin

Answer: Yellow dead skin

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.