Skin around hair transplant recipient site is darker than my actual skin color, 3 weeks post op. (Photos)

Question

skin surrounding recipient site of my fut graphs (3,000 graphs with a-cell injection) is darker than my normal skin color. Is this normal after 3 weeks? This is my 2nd transplant (1st one done 24 years ago), and I don't recall this happening the first time. Should I be concerned? Will it fade to my normal skin color? There is no pain, just numbness and light occasional itching sensation in random, isolated spots, similar to sensation you get due to male pattern baldness. (Photos attached).

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

The scalp will show inflammation after a hair transplant, and this may result in swelling, redness, or discoloration of the scalp. As time progresses, the inflammatory process should die down and the skin will typically return to its normal preoperative state and appearance. As always, any concerns after a surgical procedure should be discussed with the surgeon who performed the procedure. I also recommend hair transplantation being performed by a surgeon who is highly experienced in hair transplantation such as a surgeon who is fellowship-trained in hair restoration surgery.Best,

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

Darker skin types can have skin darkening around the transplant sites post surgery.  This is usually caused from inflammation..  It should fade over time to a lighter color of your normal skin, make sure to try to avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process to avoid any extra hyperpigmintation of the area.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is best to follow up with your doctor for post surgical issues.  Some redness and discoloration may be normal after surgery.  It may dissipate over time.

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

You
are currently 3 weeks post-op after FUT, it is common to have some redness and
inflammation.  You need to give it more
time to calm down and avoid sun exposure so you don’t further darken the skin as
your scalp heals.

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

Some redness/discoloration isn't too unusual following a transplant. If it doesn't start to fade after a month, contact your doctor about some possible treatment options.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

The redness and that darker skin coloration  remains just after surgery and it is "normal" to stay 3 weeks or more. That pinkish redness/ dark discoloration may fade away in a long time up to 3-4 months . İt depends on your skin color/fitzpatrick classification .(Lighter the color of your skin , more reddish discoloration on skin after surgery) ..I recommend you to use nothing for that temporary situation

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The blood supply to the transplanted area makes the skin darker than normal and I believe that is what you are seeing. It is not a problem and it will eventually become normal in color

Skin around hair transplant recipient site is darker than my actual skin color, 3 weeks post op. (Photos)

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Skin around hair transplant recipient site is darker than my actual skin color, 3 weeks post op. (Photos)

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