1 year post-op - was leaving scabs on head over a month safe for grafts?

Question

I had a hair transplant over a year ago. 2 weeks after the procedure, I started the process of removing the scabs. My surgeon told me not to remove them because I was going to see him 2 weeks later (totaling 1 month), so he wanted to be able to see the scabs, so that he could see the previous work he did, prior to touching it up a bit. Was leaving the scabs on my head over a month safe for my grafts and their breathability? My Transplant didn’t turn out as planned.

Sibel Ulusan, MD · Answer

It's generally not recommended to leave scabs on your scalp for over a month, especially if you've recently undergone a hair transplant or other scalp grafting procedure. Leaving scabs on your scalp for an extended period of time can interfere with the healing process and potentially lead to complications, such as infection or scarring. Additionally, removing scabs gently and properly can help prevent damage to the newly transplanted hair follicles and promote healthy growth.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Leaving scabs on your head for over a month after a hair transplant procedure is not recommended as it can potentially harm the grafts and their growth. Scabs can form as a natural part of the healing process after a hair transplant, but it's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions for proper care.

Removing the scabs too early or too aggressively can damage the newly transplanted hair follicles and potentially lead to poor growth or graft failure. However, leaving scabs on for an extended period can also create an environment that's not conducive to proper healing and can lead to infection or other complications.

It's best to follow your surgeon's specific instructions for aftercare, including when and how to clean the scalp and when it's safe to remove the scabs. If you're concerned about the results of your hair transplant, it's important to discuss your concerns with your surgeon and undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if any corrective measures are necessary.

In general, hair transplant procedures have a high success rate when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon and when proper aftercare instructions are followed. However, individual results can vary, and it's important to have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. Generally speaking, leaving scabs on your scalp one-month post-transplant is not recommended. Doing so can interfere with your healing. Removing scabs typically prevents damage to the newly transplanted hair and aids growth.  Best of luck to you.
Dr. T

Firdavs Ahmedov, MD · Answer

Hello, we can not make a certain statement about this because we do not have full knowladge about the details of your operation. But we do not recommend taking off the scabs if they are not leaving on their own.

1 year post-op - was leaving scabs on head over a month safe for grafts?

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Answer: Leaving scabs on head over a month

Answer: Leaving scabs on head over a month

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1 year post-op - was leaving scabs on head over a month safe for grafts?

Answers (4)

Answer: Leaving scabs on head over a month

Answer: Leaving scabs on head over a month

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Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

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