Question:
I have had two hair transplant procedures for my hair loss in the last few months, one in October and one in November. There is this one scab on the top of my head that has been lingering ever since my first hair replacement surgery. Part of it has come off in the shower, but the other half an inch is still present. I was told that it was an ingrown hair, which is normal, but when should I expect the scab to fall? Is this normal? How concerned should I be? What can I do besides shower to moisten it? I have used Bactroban and vaseline, but nothing has helped so far. Any suggestions?
Answer
Thank you for your inquiry. Scabbing for the first few weeks to a month after hair transplant surgery is normal as scabbing is a sign of healing. The scabbing in the beginning few weeks after hair restoration surgery is from the incision wound healing. With proper hair transplant postoperative care, these wounds and scabs typically heal and fall off in the first couple of weeks to a month.
Between 2 and 3 months, hair transplant patients sometimes get pimples on their scalp which is a sign of hair growth activity underneath the scalp. These pimples can burst, creating slight bleeding and new scabs. This is normal. Just be sure to keep the scalp clean by washing daily.
However, if this scab has been lingering for 3 or 4 months, be sure to talk with your hair restoration physician to ensure that you don't have any kind of infection. I hope this helps.