One of the most frequent asked questions from patients is about scalp inflammation and redness after a hair transplant.
Why is my scalp red after my hair transplant?
Redness after hair transplantation occurs after the operation due to planting hair follicles and the healing process. Your body pumps blood to the area that has been operated on, so the cells can get more oxygen and nutrients and can heal quicker. It is the blood which gives the red color.
Patients with lighter colored skin experience more visible redness. But it happens to everyone and the only difference is that it is more visible in people with lighter skin. The redness usually lasts between one and three weeks.
Furthermore, because many tiny holes in the donor and transplanting area are opened during the operation, and the roots are placed in their new holes, there can be some scabs and crusts. With the washing process, the recipient area may have some redness on it. You may also see that your scabs turn white and/or swell up.
What can I do about it?
Because it is a normal part of the healing process after your hair transplant, patients can not entirely avoid redness. However, it is possible to alleviate it. These two steps are very important:
1: Taking care not to shower under very hot water.
2: Wearing a hat on sunny days.
Apart from such steps, cream or lotions recommended by the doctor may also be used for redness after hair transplantation. Do not use any cream or lotion without permission from your specialist doctor.
How long will it take to heal?
Redness after hair transplantation varies according to the body of the patient. Usually it fades after between one and three weeks.
Some patients may experience redness for slightly longer. In the most extreme cases, people with very pale or sensitive skin may have redness for up to two months.
If the redness is increasing gradually after hair transplantation, or continues after more than 2 months has passed, you should directly inform your doctor because it may be the case that your scalp has become infected.
Cosmedica after surgery care services are designed to support your recovery and the healing process. Get your free consultation with Dr. Acar today.
