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

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,

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

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.

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.

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.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

vigorous rubbing 1 months after a hair transplant is never a good idea. If the scalp is red, then you need to have your doctor look at it to make sure that you don't have an infection

Can vigorous rubbing 1 month after hair transplant affect grafts?

Answers (6)

More Hair Transplant Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Hair Transplant Questions

Could I achieve a thicker beard with a beard hair transplant? (Photo)

It’s been 1 month and 25 days since my FUT hair transplant. Are my results good? (Photo)

Is it normal for new transplanted hairs to grow immediately after procedure?

Is it okay to scratch my scalp with a brush in the shower to get rid of hair concealer fibers that get stuck to my skin?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS