Brushing off scabs after FUE, 13 days post op.

Question

I had an FUE transplant 13 days ago of 3500 grafts. For the first week I washed very gently by tapping on the area with shampoo in the shower and washed my head with a cup. After 8-9 days I started gently brushing my head with my fingers to take off some scabs and crust. I was told it's too soon to do that but the scabs were just resting on my scalp. I didn't pick at them and most of them fell without hairs, no bleeding. Am I ok? I was a little worried that I may have damaged some grafts.

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

It sounds like you were very diligent with your post-op care.By 9 days the grafts are completely incorporated into the scalp and generally cannot be injured.Based on your description it is very unlikely that you damaged anything and now it is time to wait and watch the growth!

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.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It was a little soon for you to begin more aggressively removing the scabs from your scalp but chances are very good that you did not do any damage. The follicle base is fairly well entrenched after 3 to 4 days. Moving forward, I would be very careful to follow the post-op instructions of your hair restoration surgeon.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

I wrote a paper on when it is safe to treat the recipient area normally. When there are crust, to pick off or brush them off could cause graft loss. Once the crusts are off naturally, then you can do whatever you want. This is our routine: 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 are 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 7-10 days with daily washing

Brushing off scabs after FUE, 13 days post op.

Answers (5)

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