Scabs After Hair Transplantation

Crust formation after hair transplantation

In a hair transplant, tiny incisions are made in the scalp to insert the hair follicles. As with any other wound caused by a cut injury, the escaping blood clots after a short time and forms a protective crust for healthy healing. In order for this healing process to run smoothly, patients who have undergone hair transplantation should follow certain rules and guidelines.

Immediately after the hair transplant

Immediately after the operation, the immune system starts to close the small wounds on the scalp. The coagulation of the blood and thus the formation of a crust does not only have the purpose of stopping the bleeding. The resulting crust is at the same time a protection against dirt and other external influences. The healing process continues under the crust, which is why the crust must remain on the scalp for a certain period of time.

As a rule, the formation of a crust is complete just a few hours after the operation.

Discipline is important now

We all know it: resisting the temptation to feel the scab of a wound and to help a little with your fingers often turns out to be a big challenge. This temptation must be resisted in any case after a hair transplant, even if a slight itching is felt. Especially in the first few days after the hair transplant, the grafts are not yet connected to the scalp and would come off together with the crust. The grafts fall out by themselves after 4 to 6 weeks, but then the hair papilla, which is important for hair growth, has firmly anchored itself in the scalp.

The first five days

The first five days are probably the most delicate time after a hair transplant. During this period, the transplanted area should only be touched very gently and very carefully. Despite everything, preparatory work can already be carried out to accelerate the crust solution. Normally, all scabs should fall off after 10 to 14 days at the latest. Prolonged crust formation should be discussed with a doctor.

In order to accelerate the healing process, you can wash your hair 48 hours after the operation according to the following scheme:
Gently dab a very mild lotion onto the transplanted area, never rub or massage in. The lotion now has to act for about 40 minutes. It is then rinsed off with lukewarm water without using your hands. A shampoo can also be used, but it should be a pre-foamed shampoo to avoid rubbing in and foaming by hand. Dab on again, leave on for about three minutes and also rinse off with lukewarm water. Drying is of course also done very carefully by dabbing, for which a smooth and lint-free cloth should be used. Terry towels are rather unsuitable due to their coarse structure.

Daily repetition

The washing process of the scalp described, including the action of the lotion, can now be repeated once a day for a period of 10 days. This also provides relief from any itching that may occur. Physical exertion should also be avoided during this time, because perspiration has a counterproductive effect on the healing of the wounds.

All scabs should have fallen off the scalp no later than the 15th day after the hair transplant. After about 12 to 14 days, stubborn scabs can be removed by gently rubbing – no scratching! – to be helped.

Of course, the donor area of the scalp also needs care, but the shampoo is sufficient here and it can be rubbed a little.

As a rule, you will receive certain behavioral guidelines from the operating doctor for the time after the operation and often also appropriate aids such as a neck support for bedtime and a special hat to protect the transplanted hair from the sun.