6 weeks post op Facelift, when can I color my hair?

Question

I still have scabs on my head and it has been almost 6 weeks since my facelift. I wanted to know when it is safe to color my hair. I asked the PA who seen me 2 weeks ago and she said do it when scabs are a little better. Would it be safe to do it in 2 weeks then it would be 2 months.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

In my opinion I would recommend that you wait until there is complete healing before you color your hair. This means no scabs!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In my own practice I permit patients to deal with their hair as soon as a sutures are out. Specific instructions however should come from your own surgeon.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

One
can resume hair-coloring products 4 weeks after facelift
surgery in order to give the incisions time to heal.

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

The incision lines from your face lift should be healed over before Chemicals in hair coloring are applied to the scalp. This timeline is usually six weeks after surgery but can vary so you should get clearance from your surgeon before you proceed.

David W. Rodwell III, MD · Answer

Like many other facelift surgeons, I advise my patients to wait 1 month after the procedure to color their hair.  There are 2 main reasons for this:Coloring one's hair can be very irritating to a freshly healed incision.  There is also the potential to cause some discoloration of the incision itself, although this is extremely rare.Once the skin has healed over after any stitches or staples have been removed there is no longer much of a risk of direct irritation from coloring the hair.  However, the hair follicles near the incisions around the hairline are already under stress from the recent operation.  There is no need to add additional stress from harsh chemicals.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

I allow my patients to color their hair 4 weeks after the procedure.  On occasion it can be three weeks.  Hair coloring can be modified also to avoid the incision area if done earlier.   Hair coloring should not be done where there is still scabbing. In fact i would want to wait a few weeks after the scabbed area to heal.  However it would be ok to color in the normal healed areas.  You may want to let your hairdresser know as she can modify her technique.

Christian L. Stallworth, MD · Answer

In general, hair coloring and styling is safe by six weeks.  However, I cannot examine your incisions, and you really should defer to your surgeon - not the PA. In addition, I am uncertain from your post what other procedures were done.  Are scabs only in the temporal and post auricular hairline or did you have a brow lift at the same time?  This is an issue for my patients as transient scalp numbness can result following a brow lift.  Numbness can actually exist near any incision following rejuvenation surgeries.  This can pose a risk for patients exposed to hot water or using high heat driers.  Make sure your sensation has returned so you avoid thermal injury to your skin/scalp.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

In my practice I usually advise patients that its safe to color their hair once all the scabs are healed.  Speak to your plastic surgeon for their advice about your individual progress and their recommendation as they are in the best position to advise you.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

The chemicals in hair dye can highly irritate surgical scars and it will take a number of weeks before you can dye your hair without causing irritation. It is recommended that you wait at least a month after surgery before having your hair dyed again, but as each individual heals at their own rate, please wait for the final word from your surgeon to be sure that you are safe to do so.

Henry Mentz, MD, FACS · Answer

Recovery time is different for each patient. It should be okay to color your hair 4 weeks following surgery. Please consult with your surgeon.

6 weeks post op Facelift, when can I color my hair?

Answers (13)

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