What are hair transplant scabs? How much time is required for hair transplant scabs falling off?
If you have recently undergone a hair transplant and have started looking for how to remove crusts after hair transplants, read to get complete insights.
What are hair transplant scabs? How to remove scabs after a hair transplant?
Hair transplant scabs are formed within three days of the transplant. In the beginning, it is tightly attached to the scalp and safeguards the grafts. Thus, it should not be picked. It is formed due to the incisions made while grafts insertion in the scalp. It takes around 7-14 days to get rid of scabs after a hair transplant. It also depends on the number of grafts inserted, the density of hair and the size of the incisions made.
Hair Transplant And Scabs Falling Off With Implanted Hair
As the scabs fall out, they also risk the short hairs falling out. But it is completely normal for it to fall out. That is because the hair follicles are inside the scalp, and they will grow within 3-4 months. If the hair follicles do not shed along with the scabs, they would grow for 3-6 weeks and shed out later.
How to clean the hair transplant scabs falling off?
After a hair transplant, be gentle with your hair. Here are a few points to help you get a clearer understanding:
- Use baby shampoo to wash your hair after 72 hours of surgery.
- Soak your head in the water in a bathtub. You can add baby oil for removing scabs from the donor area.
- Do not pick the scabs with your nails. It can displace the grafts from their position.
- It is helpful to use saline sprays for enhanced healing and completely safe for the grafts.
If you are experiencing scabs on your scalp after a hair transplant, get in touch with your surgeon to understand how you can remove them.
Why remove crusts after hair transplants?
Here are a few reasons to remove the scabs after a hair transplant:
- Minimise itching: The hair transplant crust removal period depends on the size of the incision, density and amount of grafts implanted. The scabs usually fall off on their own in a few days. They can be itchy and result in scratching or trying to pick them off. However, removing scabs on your own may damage the scalp and the newly placed grafts. For removing crusts after a hair transplant, you can gently wash your scalp with baby shampoo and follow your doctor’s instructions. It helps keep the scalp clean and breathable after the surgery.
- Growth of grafts: In the initial days after the surgery, the scabs are protective to keep the newly placed grafts in their position. However, it is necessary to remove scabs after a hair transplant after some days. It is because scabs create a damp, humid environment which promotes bacterial growth. Thus, hair transplant scab removal would prevent bacterial infection and inflammation leading to healthy hair growth. If you have undergone FUE, hair transplant scab removal is necessary. The surgeons generally use an enzyme-based solution spray for removing crusts. It works by dissolving it hence a simpler way of scab removal.
- Prevention of scarring on the transplanted areas: The scabs are extremely itchy and hard to resist. At the beginning of their formation, if the scabs are scratched over, it can lead to scarring of the scalp. It not only scars but also can result in displacing the newly placed grafts from their position. The itching of the transplanted area can result in dislodging of the grafts hence damaging the end goal of the hair transplant surgery. It is necessary to control the scratching urge until all proper hair transplant scab removal treatment is done.
For the reasons mentioned above, removing crusts after a hair transplant is vital for scalp health.
How to manage your hair after a hair transplant?
Here are a few guidelines on how to get started on your journey of repair and healing:
- Avoid any kind of alcohol drinks post-surgery as it thins out blood and interferes with the recovery.
- Avoid any blood-thinning medications such as ibuprofen, vitamins and arthritis medicines. They can thin out blood and result in bleeding through the incisions.
- Inform your doctor about all your medications like antibiotics, prednisone, pain relievers, etc.
- Avoid doing any physical activity for at least one week.
- Maintain your upper body in an elevated position most of the time.
- In case of light bleeding from the graft incisions, gently press the area with a moist cotton pad.
- Avoid the use of heat for styling or drying your hair for at least 5 days after the surgery.
Following these tips can ensure proper healing post-transplant. Be patient as it may take nearly 1 to 1.5 weeks to get rid of scabs after a hair transplant. In case of any doubt, contact your doctor.
You may also get in touch with doctors at ALCS India to get complete insights on how to remove scabs after a hair transplant.
Our expert doctors can perform an excellent treatment and remove the scabs after the hair transplant procedure to provide you with successful results.
