Wearing helmet after HT

[PGDMMB]

I am due to return to work 11 days after HT and my job requires that I wear a helmet

Is this enough time? And is this safe to do so?

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

At 11 days post -op all the scabs from grafts in recipient area should be gone and you are safe to wear a helmet. I have had patients in a similar position and some chose to wear a thin cap under the helmet for a few weeks. 

[PGDMMB]

1 hour ago, Dr. Glenn Charles said:

At 11 days post -op all the scabs from grafts in recipient area should be gone and you are safe to wear a helmet. I have had patients in a similar position and some chose to wear a thin cap under the helmet for a few weeks. 

Thanks

[Melvin- Admin]

To be honest, I wouldn’t risk it. I mean you’re probably fine, but why even risk it. That’s my opinion.

[PGDMMB]

13 minutes ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

To be honest, I wouldn’t risk it. I mean you’re probably fine, but why even risk it. That’s my opinion.

Because I have to work haha

how long would you suggest I leave it?

[Melvin- Admin]

Personally, until the grafts have shed. Obviously, I’m a patient myself, so it’s just my paranoid cautious side speaking. You’ll probably be fine as Dr. Charles mentioned. 

[baldlivesmatter]

Yeah, I tend to lay on the more cautious side as well and would suggest 2 weeks (so an additional 3 days).

Looks like this specific question was discussed on real self (link ) with the majority of surgeons agreeing with Dr. Charles while a few more conservatively said to wait a month.

[purple18]

What kind of helmet is it?  11 days is probably fine but might be cutting it a little close.  I think it matters some how tight the helmet is and how much it rubs when coming on/off, and how often you do that.  Does it get sweaty under there?

[HopefulRaven]

I'm obviously not a doctor but I personally wouldn't have even considered wearing a helmet so soon.  My main concern would be infection and irritation of the scalp. I'm admittedly very paranoid about these things, though  

[Shera]

You haven't mentioned if you are having FUT or FUE.

After 11 days you will be lucky if all your crusts have fallen off unless you force them off when washing your scalp. It can take upto 14 days to be scab free.

If you are going down the FUE route then a tight fitting helmet will cause you irritation in both the donor and recipient areas, it will be uncomfortable for you.

If you are going down the FUT path then it's probably wise to fully heal up before wearing the helmet. If you reopen the wound you could be looking at a bad scar.  Also it is likely you will experience similar discomfort in the recipient zone.

If you must wear a helmet, see if you can wear one a few sizes up and underneath wear a bandana to protect your scalp (possible use aloe vera/other anti-irritant cream too) and pad your oversized helmet until it fits snug.

Edited January 22, 2019 by Shera