Did massaging scabs in the shower cause me to lose hair grafts 10 days after my hair transplant?

Question

I had a hair transplant roughly 12 days ago. On day 10-11, I had approx. 90 percent of scabs on my head. The scabs were small, but I decided to try and work them off. On day 11, I had a shower and massaged my head with some degree of pressure. I cleared my head over the course of two showers. Is it possible that I dislodged grafts? I don't recall any blood. Is it possible to cause trauma to the grafts and cause them to die? Should I be concerned? My head is a little red, swollen, and itchy.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It would be unlikely to lose grafts in the shower after 10 days post surgery.  If you are concerned check with your doctor for a follow up exam.

Scott K. Thompson, MD · Answer

By 10 days, your grafts should have developed sufficient connections to the surrounding tissues such that gentle massage with your fingers (not fingernails) should have helped to loosen the scabs but should not have extracted the grafts.  Good luck with your transplant!

Hardik Doshi, MD, FACS · Answer

Mustang,
It's safe to say that by day 10 your transplants are well healed into the recipient sites and will not dislodge with vigorous pressure. Furthermore, since they are well healed into the surrounding tissue by this time, cleaning the scabs will not have caused trauma leading to graft failure. At this point, the most important thing is to keep a close eye on the swelling & itchiness that you are experiencing to ensure it improves. If there is any worsening of the condition, I recommend speaking to your transplant specialist to ensure appropriate healing. Hope this helps!

John Kahen, MD · Answer

The chances of losing hair grafts after 10 days is minimal. After 10 days, you may resume regular washes. Massaging the scalp will not result in lost of hair grafts because they will be healed. If the redness, swelling and itchiness persist, talk to your hair transplant surgeon to discuss it.

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

At day 10 after your hair transplant you can wash your hair normally without any risk of losing the grafts. You can find out more about what you should expect and to do following your hair transplant in our after FUE hair transplant page.

Did massaging scabs in the shower cause me to lose hair grafts 10 days after my hair transplant?

Answers (9)

Answer: 10 Days Post Op Hair Transplant

Answer: 10 Days Post Op Hair Transplant

Answer: 10 days after hair transplant

Answer: 10 days after hair transplant

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.

Did massaging scabs in the shower cause me to lose hair grafts 10 days after my hair transplant?

Answers (9)

Answer: 10 Days Post Op Hair Transplant

Answer: 10 Days Post Op Hair Transplant

Answer: 10 days after hair transplant

Answer: 10 days after hair transplant

Browse related questions

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.