Scratched recipient area after 11 days

[bakerjin]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum.  11 days ago I received a 2500 graft FUE for my hairline.  I followed the doctor's instructions as much as possible and only showered with light water from a cup on the recipient area.  I was lucky and my donor area didn't really scab much and looked relatively normal by the 3rd day.

I was told I could finally shower normally after 8 days - last night I showered with the regular shower head using baby shampoo for the first time since the operation.  A lot of scabs or crusts started falling off the recipient area with just gentle rubbing - sometimes hairs too but I was told that would be normal as long as there is no blood.

Unfortunately, I think I got a little too aggressive out of the shower and scratched a few areas on the recipient area too vigorously - large clumps of crusty material and some hairs would fall out and now there are some vaguely noticeable spots of no hair in my hairline.  Thankfully there was no blood at all, but I am kicking myself for scratching so early on.

Did I screw up?  Is it true that if there is no blood, I hopefully did not dislodge any grafts?  I haven't had any bleeding in my recipient area at all since the operation.

Thank you!

 

Before Op:

 

Day 0:

 

Day 7:

 

Day 11 after shower and scratching:

[Turkhair]

If after 9 days grafts should be secure. See this fantastic study 

https://www.bernsteinmedical.com/research/graft-anchoring-in-hair-transplantation/

 

[bakerjin]

20 minutes ago, Turkhair said:

If after 9 days grafts should be secure. See this fantastic study 

https://www.bernsteinmedical.com/research/graft-anchoring-in-hair-transplantation/

 

Thank you, that's reassuring.  When I googled this question, I saw article after article warning not to scratch the scalp for at least 4-6 weeks after operation.  I've learned my lesson and won't be scratching with my nails as much as I can, but I'm just hoping I didn't cause irreversible damage.  Hopefully, since there was no blood or anything, it's just regular scabbing and hairs that fell out without any grafts...

[Turkhair]

2 hours ago, bakerjin said:

Thank you, that's reassuring.  When I googled this question, I saw article after article warning not to scratch the scalp for at least 4-6 weeks after operation.  I've learned my lesson and won't be scratching with my nails as much as I can, but I'm just hoping I didn't cause irreversible damage.  Hopefully, since there was no blood or anything, it's just regular scabbing and hairs that fell out without any grafts...

It’s not for reasons of dislodging the grafts, it’s because you may get an infection when you scratch with dirty fingers or injure the sensitive scalp.

If you’re paranoid like me then just do saline spray for 14 days after that start washing and try to get the scabs off. 

Edited September 9, 2023 by Turkhair

[TheGreatPretender]

38 minutes ago, Turkhair said:

If after 9 days grafts should be secure. See this fantastic study 

https://www.bernsteinmedical.com/research/graft-anchoring-in-hair-transplantation/

 

I was a bit paranoid too because I may have popped a pimple within a redish area (on day 11) and slightly bleeded a little. Probably because I kinda drained it out but no hairs fell with it. 

I kept supervising the grafts sourounding it but both of them that were in the area of impact staid. At that point my fear was mostly damaging them but nothing happened as they only shedded a week or two later.

But yeah, after 10 days I'd say you're in the clear as Melvin says in the video. Scabs were gone by the end of day 9 anyhow so there wasn't really much I could do at that point to dislodge them, its only the inflamation that I needed to treat and unfortunately I wasn't cleaning the scalp very well which probably led to the infection. 

Seems like more and more people like op kind of get caried away by day 11, lol. 

[bakerjin]

22 minutes ago, Turkhair said:

It’s not for reasons of dislodging the grafts, it’s because you may get an infection when you scratch with dirty fingers or injure the sensitive scalp.

If you’re paranoid like me then just do saline spray for 14 days after that start washing and try to get the scabs off. I didn’t follow my clinic’s instructions. I saw Pitella patients had scabs even 21 days post op and still fantastic growth so I chose to wait it out. It has worked great for me, I didn’t get any mini heart attacks like you did when washing my hair lol I am not a gentle person I am an animal and I did scratch my scabs a little harsh but 2 weeks post op there was no way I could dislodge them 😂

Ah, that's a great point.  Even though I scratched with my nails, I didn't break any skin... I was just amazed that so much crust/scabbing was falling off, haha.  I guess that's what happens when I don't directly shower the recipient area for the past 11 days.  I've only been massaging it with a bit of baby shampoo then pouring water gently from a cup.

7 minutes ago, TheGreatPretender said:

I was a bit paranoid too because I may have popped a pimple within a redish area (on day 11) and slightly bleeded a little. Probably because I kinda drained it out but no hairs fell with it. 

I kept supervising the grafts sourounding it but both of them that were in the area of impact staid. At that point my fear was mostly damaging them but nothing happened as they only shedded a week or two later.

But yeah, after 10 days I'd say you're in the clear as Melvin says in the video. Scabs were gone by the end of day 9 anyhow so there wasn't really much I could do at that point to dislodge them, its only the inflamation that I needed to treat and unfortunately I wasn't cleaning the scalp very well which probably led to the infection. 

Seems like more and more people like op kind of get caried away by day 11, lol. 

Yeah, I probably did get carried away, haha.  Honestly I didn't even think I was scabbing that much until I took that first direct shower onto my scalp last night.  Lessons learned, but I appreciate both of you alleviating my fears.

[TheGreatPretender]

Just now, bakerjin said:

Ah, that's a great point.  Even though I scratched with my nails, I didn't break any skin... I was just amazed that so much crust/scabbing was falling off, haha.  I guess that's what happens when I don't directly shower the recipient area for the past 11 days.  I've only been massaging it with a bit of baby shampoo then pouring water gently from a cup.

Yeah, I probably did get carried away, haha.  Honestly I didn't even think I was scabbing that much until I took that first direct shower onto my scalp last night.  Lessons learned, but I appreciate both of you alleviating my fears.

Don't worry, happens to us all. I know how easy it is for us to go hard on ourselves post surgery over minor things even now I still do.  

But then I think that I have done exactly as my clinic instructed until they deemed the grafts to be fully rooted and realize there is nothing really to worry about. Its all part of the proccess, I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.

[bakerjin]

1 hour ago, TheGreatPretender said:

Don't worry, happens to us all. I know how easy it is for us to go hard on ourselves post surgery over minor things even now I still do.  

But then I think that I have done exactly as my clinic instructed until they deemed the grafts to be fully rooted and realize there is nothing really to worry about. Its all part of the proccess, I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.

Thank you very much! I really should stop worrying so much and let the process take over. I’m ready for the shedding and shock loss but hoping I won’t lose all my previous hair so it will look a bit more natural. 

[TheGreatPretender]

4 minutes ago, bakerjin said:

Thank you very much! I really should stop worrying so much and let the process take over. I’m ready for the shedding and shock loss but hoping I won’t lose all my previous hair so it will look a bit more natural. 

It will go by quick trust me. I had my surgery on the 28th and 29th and it still kinda feels insane saying that I am already on month 3 already seeing some growth kicking in but still have ways to go, patience is always the key. Expect some bad days and good days though because at times you may start feeling doubts and worries, such things are normal. I have been doing some pep talk to myself and it has helped a lot ease my insecurities.

[bakerjin]

Thank you all.  I'm feeling much less worried about my scratching, but thankfully have refrained from any vigorous scratching from my last post, haha.

It's now a full 2 weeks since operation, and I've noticed when sleeping on my side, some of my non-grafted hairs seem to be shedding.  I've never woken up to see so many hairs on my pillow case in a very long time, haha!  I know that shock loss and transplanted hair will shed within 1 week - 3 months after operation, but is it normal for non-grafted hair to shed too?  And if so, how much of that will shed?

At this point it's not noticeable at all except from all the medium length hairs I see on my pillow case.  I'll update with a photo if it gets more noticeable though.  Thankfully it's only happening on my side where my hair is relatively thick anyway (I think only the area near my temple/hairline had transplates in the side area).  I do not sleep on my stomach at all.

[TheGreatPretender]

5 hours ago, bakerjin said:

Thank you all.  I'm feeling much less worried about my scratching, but thankfully have refrained from any vigorous scratching from my last post, haha.

It's now a full 2 weeks since operation, and I've noticed when sleeping on my side, some of my non-grafted hairs seem to be shedding.  I've never woken up to see so many hairs on my pillow case in a very long time, haha!  I know that shock loss and transplanted hair will shed within 1 week - 3 months after operation, but is it normal for non-grafted hair to shed too?  And if so, how much of that will shed?

At this point it's not noticeable at all except from all the medium length hairs I see on my pillow case.  I'll update with a photo if it gets more noticeable though.  Thankfully it's only happening on my side where my hair is relatively thick anyway (I think only the area near my temple/hairline had transplates in the side area).  I do not sleep on my stomach at all.

Yes its normal. Some of the native hair that is next to the grafted folicles will end up falling, its mostly temporary and these folicles should come back in a few months down the road. 

[bakerjin]

That's reassuring.  I'm almost scared to sleep on my side now after getting this ugly bare patch on the side of my head haha.  I thought it wasn't noticeable at first, but it's definitely staring at me after taking a shower!  It looks rather unnatural since it's in the middle of my hairline, though perhaps the rest of the hairline will start shedding too to match, haha.  I'm fairly certain these aren't transplanted hairs though because the shedded strands on my pillowcase seem too long - might be wrong though.

[Rahal Hair Transplant]

@bakerjin,

While it’s not a good idea to be aggressive while working off the scabs in the shower, at 11 days out from your hair transplant procedure, the follicles will have set and have become deeply rooted underneath the surface of the scalp.

In other words, the follicles are safe underneath the surface of the scalp and though you may have found scabs and hairs in your fingernails or in the shower, etc., the follicles are safe and sound and will begin regrowing hair between 3 to 5 months post-op.

The above post is a general timeframe that most patients relate to in terms of the beginning of new hairtransplant growth.  Long story short, I don’t believe you damaged the hair root/follicle and I expect you will see everything grow normally when the time comes.

Best wishes,

Rahal Hair Transplant

 

[TheGreatPretender]

On 9/12/2023 at 12:57 AM, bakerjin said:

That's reassuring.  I'm almost scared to sleep on my side now after getting this ugly bare patch on the side of my head haha.  I thought it wasn't noticeable at first, but it's definitely staring at me after taking a shower!  It looks rather unnatural since it's in the middle of my hairline, though perhaps the rest of the hairline will start shedding too to match, haha.  I'm fairly certain these aren't transplanted hairs though because the shedded strands on my pillowcase seem too long - might be wrong though.

If this helps you sleep better I contacted my clinic today regarding this and they told me exactly what Rahal mentioned in the previous post so you should be fine. 😉

[bakerjin]

On 9/12/2023 at 1:18 PM, Rahal Hair Transplant said:

@bakerjin,

While it’s not a good idea to be aggressive while working off the scabs in the shower, at 11 days out from your hair transplant procedure, the follicles will have set and have become deeply rooted underneath the surface of the scalp.

In other words, the follicles are safe underneath the surface of the scalp and though you may have found scabs and hairs in your fingernails or in the shower, etc., the follicles are safe and sound and will begin regrowing hair between 3 to 5 months post-op.

The above post is a general timeframe that most patients relate to in terms of the beginning of new hairtransplant growth.  Long story short, I don’t believe you damaged the hair root/follicle and I expect you will see everything grow normally when the time comes.

Best wishes,

Rahal Hair Transplant

 

 

On 9/13/2023 at 5:10 AM, TheGreatPretender said:

If this helps you sleep better I contacted my clinic today regarding this and they told me exactly what Rahal mentioned in the previous post so you should be fine. 😉

Thank you both for your reassurances.

I went back to my clinic for a check up and the doctor provided the same reassurance that no grafts could have fallen out after 11 days, especially with no blood involved.

He believes the small "bald" spot near my temple is just shock loss and hopefully should fill back in over the next couple months.  I'm positive that the area with hair loss is non-transplated hair, but he said that does sometimes occur due to shock loss.  Hopefully it won't be too noticeable soon!  

Thank you all!

[bakerjin]

Hi all, I have another question.

I did see my doctor since my last posts and he confirmed that area of shock loss is normal.  It's now exactly 1 month after my FUE operation, and I've been shedding quite a bit of my transplanted hair.  I've read this is normal so I'm not too worried though.

28 days after FUE:

 

However, I've also noticed that the patch of transplanted hair next to my area of shock loss of native hair is not only shedding but seems a bit more red and bumpy.  I don't think it's pimples but it's hard to tell.  Is this unusual?

I also frequently have pimples or bumps in my donor area, but they seem to subside after a few days.  I'm guessing this is normal as well...

Thank you!

[TheGreatPretender]

Redness and bumps are all normal, you're fine. 

[bakerjin]

On 9/28/2023 at 12:57 PM, TheGreatPretender said:

Redness and bumps are all normal, you're fine. 

Thanks, appreciate the assurance.  Hopefully the bumps will go away after a week or so.  I was ready for the small bumps and pimples but not for the larger raised bump on this front-left side.  Guess I'm full steam ahead for ugly duck phase   Hopefully I'll turn a corner by December!

[Gatsby]

Yep you can expect this. In fact I found the two month mark to be the worst point post op. After this it’s just patience and keeping yourself busy. All the best! 👍

[bakerjin]

2 month update:

So the weird shock loss area on my left temple is slowly filling back in, thankfully.  I think I've shed most of the transplanted hairs by this point so hoping to see some growth in another month, though I know that varies from person to person.

I also had PRP about 3 months ago and that's when I started oral Fin/Min; I'm not really noticing too much growth on my crown (no transplants there) but it does seem like the hair is getting a TINY bit thicker.  I know that the main goal for Fin/Min is to stop further hair loss so I may never see any true growth there, but my doctor said I may not have enough donors to get to my scalp in the future so I'm hoping it'll at least thicken up slightly.  Maybe I'll pursue SMP for the crown if it doesn't get better.

[bakerjin]

4 month update!

Happy to say that the shock loss area near my temple has completely grown back.  I can see my hairline slowly starting to fill out now.  I've also been on Fin/Min for the last 5 months and it seems like my upper scalp/crown area is starting to thicken a bit (no transplants in that area).  Happy to see progress and I'm hoping it'll all fill out even more over the next 6 months!