A hair transplant represents the only truly permanent hair restoration solution for men and women suffering from thinning hair or pattern baldness. While hair transplants are minimally-invasive outpatient procedures, they are quite delicate operations and do require a fair amount of time to properly heal. The most noticeable symptom following a hair transplant is scabbing of the recipient area. Below, you will find a timeline for healing following a hair transplant procedure and tips for caring for your scalp over the next days and weeks.
What Causes Scabbing?
During a hair transplant, the surgeon must create thousands of minuscule channels in the recipient area into which the healthy hair follicles will be placed. These incisions are typically only around 1mm in size, however, a hair transplant may require as many as 8,000 grafts – each potentially requiring its own channel. These incisions will naturally heal over the coming days and scab formation is a normal, natural part of that process.
When Will Scabs Appear?
Following a hair transplant, scabs will typically form within 24-72 hours. This is a completely normal and expected part of the healing process.
How Do I Care For My Scalp?
The most important thing to remember is to not pick or scratch the scabs. This may cause the hair follicles to fall out and risks causing an infection of the recipient site. Following your hair transplant, your surgeon will provide you with all necessary medications and instructions for their use. It is important to follow this advice carefully and completely.
Over the first 3 days, it is advised not to touch, wash, or brush your hair as the grafts need time to take root. Once the scabbing begins after the third day, it is once again possible to resume washing your hair with the shampoo provided to you. Wash slowly and carefully – yet somewhat vigorously. The scabs will begin to fall off during the wash over the next week or so.
When Will The Scabs Fall Off?
The scabs will begin to fall off within 3-5 days and will continue to shed over the next 5-10 days. When the scabs fall out, it is normal for the hair to fall out with them. This is expected and is a normal part of the healing process. By the tenth day, the majority of scabs should have fallen out. If scabs are still present after 14 days, you may need to wash more vigorously. Do not hesitate to contact our offices with any follow-up questions or concerns you may have. Your care doesn’t end when you leave the clinic.
Conclusion
Scabs following a hair transplant procedure are a perfectly normal part of healing. They pose no health risks, nor do they indicate lackluster results. Hair transplants are permanent solutions to hair loss. Taking proper care of the area in the weeks following your procedure will provide life-long benefits.
Hair Transplants At The Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic
At The Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic, we specialise in both Sapphire Fue and DHI hair transplants. Dr Aygin has more than 25 years of experience and has treated over 15,000 patients with a hair regrowth rate of 98%. In 2019, he received the European Award for Medicine in the field of Hair Transplantation. Our all-inclusive hair transplant packages cover every aspect of your pre- and post-operative care and we will assist you in creating a detailed after-care routine and provide you with all necessary medications. Contact us today to schedule your full, free consultation.
