How long does fluid stay in scalp after FUE?

Question

I had my FUE HT in Turkey on January 30. 1500 grafts were performed at the hairline. The worst of the swelling for me occurred 7 days after the procedure. I actually looked like a Klingon. Ten days post HT, I am still feeling streams of fluid flowing under my scalp. I do have an oddly shaped scalp with ridges and dents. Still, I would think the fluid should be gone long gone at this point. I sleep with two pillows and use a travel pillow as well, but just cant seem to get rid of this

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

Swelling or edema after a transplant is due to the accumulation of anesthetic that has been injected in addition to the loss of fluid from capillaries that occurs after an "injury"(all the little incisions for the grafts).Maximal fluid loss or inflammation usually occurs 48-72 hours after the procedure and can last for up to week or more.By 10-14 days the swelling should be gone or minimal.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you have swelling on your forehead after your surgery, it may last about one week.  If you are concerned, it is best to contact your doctor for a follow up examination.

Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Some transplant surgeons use a large amount of fluid to tumesce the scalp during transplant.  I see that you live in New York, but had the procedure done in Turkey.  If you took a flight back to New York within the first 7-10 days after your procedure, you may have delayed swelling because of the partial pressure in the plane on such a flight can cause swelling.  Otherwise, most of the fluid from procedures is usually gone in 10-14 days.  I agree that you should contact your surgeon and send photos if you are still having issues after 14 days.

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

Swelling generally occurs within the first week, and by day 7-8 I would expect most of the swelling to have gone down, or disappeared completely. If you still have significant swelling at day 10, I would recommend checking in with your doctor since they know your specific case details and may have an explanation/solution for you.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Oedema may happen around root of your nose (between both eyebrows) after 3-4 days after surgery and ends in 1 week.I recommend you to make a massage on oedema.

Ilker Apaydin, MD · Answer

In general 6-7 days after the hair surgery edema fades away.If you also have some fever in the zone it would be better to check with your surgeon.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The post op edema in the scalp is usually gone by the 5th or 6th day. Swelling is normal for people who had frontal grafts

How long does fluid stay in scalp after FUE?

Answers (7)

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