Will scratching off scabs after FUE hair transplant affect the hair growing back?

Question

I got a FUE hair transplant done a few days ago and I knew I wasn't supposed to touch the scabs on the receiving area so I didn't, but I didn't think much about scratching the donor area(where it was shaved). It started itching a couple days after the procedure so I started scratching and scratched off a lot of scabs. But now I see all these posts about how scratching the scab off is a big no no because the hair won't grow from that part. I want to know if it applies to the donor area as well.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,
The donor area after FUE, whether by hand or ARTAS, takes some time to heal.  Most patients heal atraumatically over a period of weeks.  As your hairs begin to grow, the donor area becomes harder to see.  Daily washes with mild soap can help keep the donor area clean.  If scabs form, mild soap and water can be helpful.  We use PRP in the donor area to facilitate healing as well.  
Best,
 Anil Shah

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is best to contact your doctor about post operative care and instructions since each doctor has a different regimen.  It is not advisable to scratch off your scabs.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

I wrote a medical paper on scratching off crusts a few days after a hair transplant and warned that if crusts were present, grafts could be lost.  An FUE is treated just like a regular hair transplant with regard to the recipient area, but the donor area has open wounds which require daily washing with soap and water. An FUE is treated just like a regular hair transplant with regard to the recipient area, but the donor area has open wounds which require daily washing with soap and water. Within 3 days of surgery, you can resume full activities, heavy exercises if you wish. The recipient area requires daily washes as well to keep the recipient area free of crusts. I generally recommend the use of a sponge and supply my patient with a surgical sponge to fill with soapy water and press on the recipient area daily. By repeating this daily, all crusts can be washed off without any fear of losing grafts. IF any crust is present, use a Q tip and dip it into soapy water, and roll it on the crusts and that will lift them off without dislodging them, but never rub them, just roll the Q tip on the recipient crust. I like to see no evidence of any crusting in the recipient area and the crusts from the donor area gone in 3-4 days with daily washing. To get the crusting off if you did not follow this routine, you need to leave the shampoo on your hair for 10 minutes and as the crust become water logged, then will come off with gentle finger action.

Will scratching off scabs after FUE hair transplant affect the hair growing back?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

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

Will scratching off scabs after FUE hair transplant affect the hair growing back?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

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