Reasons for hair transplant scabs and how to manage them

Hence, Dr G.K. Sharma of QHT Regrow Hair Clinic, Haridwar, clears all misconceptions about hair scabs on hair transplant procedures and how to manage them to ensure a successful hair transplant experience. QHT Regrow Hair Clinic, Haridwar is synonymous with Hair Transplant in India with more than 7 years' experience performing a range of hair transplant procedures.

India is a hub of hair transplant and other cosmetic procedures, with ample board-certified plastic surgeons offering the same. Moreover, the cost of hair transplant procedures in India is affordable and reasonable compared to that across the globe.

Hair transplant scabs are the body's reaction to the hair transplant procedure. Scabs develop as the body repairs and damages the scalp/donor region. In a way, these scabs protect the injured tissue and are considered the first step towards healing and recovery.

As the procedure involves small incisions, the platelets from the blood turn into a thick layer over these incisions to stop the bleeding and prevent the germs from entering the wound, which could lead to infections.

During the hair transplantation procedure, the surgeon has made small incisions to insert the hair grafts, which ooze out some blood and tissue fluids which stop in some time. But the scab formation in the donor area can take a day or 2 - 3 days, which indicates that your incisions are healing and well protected.

But these scabs and crusts are dry and can irritate the scalp while the patient would prefer to itch and remove them, which are highly unadvisable. In addition, the patient should avoid itching as it could lead to excessive bleeding and infection. Also, the recently implanted hair follicles are likely to get removed along with the scabs resulting in unsatisfactory results of the hair transplant procedure.

It is also likely that the patient may require an additional hair transplant procedure to restore their original hair pattern or style.

Most hair transplant surgeons emphasize strict following of post-operative instructions. These instructions play a significant role in properly implanting hair follicles and restoring hair growth.

Also, they guide the patient in how to wash hair and use proper shampoos, creams and lotions to get the best possible results of the hair transplant procedure.

The patient is cautioned not to touch the scabs in the initial three to four days as the newly implanted grafts are very delicate and will be dislodged or harmed, leaving empty patches on the scalp.

After the end of week one after the procedure, the grafts would be quite stable and regular bathing is permitted. Next, the patient can moisturize the hair to release the scabs and crusts.

A gentle scalp massage is permitted two weeks after the procedure, and the scabs will fall off. These scabs are completely dry and do not require special effort to remove. So, by the end of the 10 - 15 days of the procedure, the scalp will be scab-free and the hair follicles quite securely implanted in the donor site.

When washing hair, the patient has to use small cups of water and not hot pressurized water. The patient should gently massage the hair using fingertips and not nails. The grafted follicles may get dislodged if the patient exerts pressure when massaging.

The FUE Hair transplant procedure involves implanting hair follicles in place (recipient area) where there is hair loss and hence scabs are likely to occur. Therefore, like any other procedure of similar nature, certain post-operative care and precautions need to be undertaken for viable results. Also, satisfactory results of hair transplant procedures across the globe indicate it to be a safe and effective procedure.

QHT Regrow Clinic, Haridwar is one of the leading hair transplant centers in North India and performs hair transplant procedures for domestic residents as medical tourists. Dr G. K. Sharma heads the clinic, a highly expert cosmetic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience with a team of 6 doctors who are well trained and experts in performing hair transplant procedures.