I picked at scabs 5-6 days after my FUE hair transplant and some hair came out with it, did I ruin my transplant? (Photos)

Question

after 5-6 days I picked at some of the scabs in the crown area of my head and when I did that some hair fell out with the scabs also when I went to bed the next morning there was more shedding of hair so now I’m worried that the crown area of my head is ruined and that the transplant went to a waste. Will the hair grow back or did I pull out the roots since it was only about 5-6 days post op

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is best to ask your surgeon about post operative care as each doctor has their unique regimen.  Picking on scabs is not generally recommended.

William Woessner, MD · Answer

Probably you lost just a few grafts - if any - by picking at the scabs. After 5-6 days it's likely that the hair bulbs were not removed. Start using Rogaine & hope for the best. Hair grows better on an optimistic head. Especially since it's not likely you did any significant damage.

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

Aggressive rubbing to the scalp should be avoided post hair transplant. Itch could be managed with baby oil applied to the scalp.

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

During the first week following your hair transplant surgery you do need to be extra cautious with your transplanted grafts. You may have done some minor damage to this area by scratching at the scabs. It is best that you follow up with the doctor to get a proper assessment of this area.

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

You did not ruin it but probably killed the ones you pulled out. All surgeons will have their own post operative instructions. Contact your doctor about appropriate follow up care

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Picking at the grafts in the first week runs the risk of pulling out grafts. 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, I tell my patients that they can resume full activities, heavy exercises if they 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 and you should be clean of crusts within a day. 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 7-10 days with daily washing

I picked at scabs 5-6 days after my FUE hair transplant and some hair came out with it, did I ruin my transplant? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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