Can vigorous rubbing 1 month after hair transplant affect grafts?

Question

Went to the clinic I got surgery from today, and was trying out concealer to hide the redness for an occasion. Turned out I did not like the concealer, and the patient coordinator proceeded to very vigorously rub the area with an alcohol swap, so much so it was hurting, became more red, and I had a tingling sensation for quite a while after. No skin was broken, but it definitely hurt. Can this affect my grafts and the overall outcome of the surgery? Very concerned. thanks

Sara Salas, MD · Answer

You should not have had that type of aggressive rubbing with  alcohol. You may have had a reaction to the alcohol. Hopefully you will be ok and not have damage. Time will tell and keep in contact with your contact with your hair surgeon.

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

Grafts are stabilized and firmly implanted by 1 week post op hair transplant.  After 1 month massaging and rubbing the scalp won’t dislodge the grafts

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. At one month, your grafts have likely taken hold. I would suggest that you review your grafts and results with your medical team and board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Joseph MacDonald, MD · Answer

Though you always want to be gentle with the scalp, luckily after one month the transplanted grafts are pretty safe and sound under the skin. It's a bit unusual though to have redness in the recipient area one month after surgery. I would discuss this with your surgeon and make sure the scalp looks healthy.

Neil Verma, HBSc, MD, FCFP - Account Suspended · Answer

Rubbing the scalp post op is not recommended. Its unlikely that the rubbing caused grafts to disloge.

Can vigorous rubbing 1 month after hair transplant affect grafts?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rubbing hair after surgery

Answer: Rubbing hair after surgery

Answer: Rubbing post op

Answer: Rubbing post op

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Can vigorous rubbing 1 month after hair transplant affect grafts?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rubbing hair after surgery

Answer: Rubbing hair after surgery

Answer: Rubbing post op

Answer: Rubbing post op

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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.