Scabs lingering in donor weeks after

[NewHare]

I'm about three and a half weeks out from my fut and still have some spots of lingering scabs on my donor scar. Is this normal ?

 

I don't want to force them off as that may cause further problems. Is there anything I could do or should I just wait ?

[ArochaHair]

Before anything you should consult with your clinic.

 

In general, this is not unusual and it only takes mild encouragement through the use of hot water from your shower or even the use of vitamin E oil to help lift the scabs. This will be a lingering but very minor issue from time to time over the next few months as the donor area continues to heal. If you had some sort of tricophytic closure then the hairs, as they emerge through the scar tissue, can create small scabs and you may even wake up in the morning with small spots of blood on your pillow case. It is normal and does not indicate anything adverse. But again, consult your clinic.

[gillenator]

Aloe vera cream also works well to help heal the scar and remove the scabbing.

 

In another couple of weeks there should be little if any scabs left.

 

Congrats on your recent procedure...

[NewHare]

Thank you both...

 

Gil are you then saying that scabbing can stay with you for well over a month (maybe even two) ?

 

As long as this is considered normal I guess I will just have to wait it out.

[gillenator]

NewHare,

 

Yes it certainly can. It took my last strip approximately 8 weeks or so before all of the scabbing was gone and the scar was tender for at least 4 months.

 

We all heal at different rates and this especially true for a strip scar. Staples were used on my last procedure and will never have that type of closure again.

 

But each month will show improvement and eventually you'll be back to normal.

[NewHare]

NewHare,

 

Yes it certainly can. It took my last strip approximately 8 weeks or so before all of the scabbing was gone and the scar was tender for at least 4 months.

 

We all heal at different rates and this especially true for a strip scar. Staples were used on my last procedure and will never have that type of closure again.

 

But each month will show improvement and eventually you'll be back to normal.

 

 

 

Thanks Gil, 8 weeks and 4 months are far more than I had expected. But as you said we all heal at different rates

[Louisjams]

IMHO, in some pts scabs last a lot longer than most docs say they will. I do not think this is a sign that anything went wrong and should not affect outcome, but it can be very frustrating. Gentle shampooing will ultimately do the trick, but I have heard many people say they still had scabs in the 4-8 week period.

[Dr Blake Bloxham]

NewHare,

 

Good advice provided thus far. Definitely speak with your clinic. Specifically, ask them how aggressively they want you to wash the healing donor incision scar at this point. Like I few others said, I think some of these scabs could likely be broken up and washed away with slightly more aggressive washing. However, this is something that varies by clinic. Doesn't sound concerning or out of the ordinary however.

 

Grow well!