What does Redness after Hair Transplant Indicate?

8 April, 2019 | Post Hair Transplant Care | Author : Shveta Virmani

A hair restoration surgery is the most effective way to get rid of the horrors of hair loss and get your self-confidence back. However, you need to consider various consequences that can arise after the procedure, one of them being redness.

Why does redness occur after hair transplant?

Redness after a hair transplant surgery occurs due to the transplantation of hair follicles and the healing process. Experiencing redness after a hair restoration surgery is completely normal and it takes anywhere between one and three weeks for it to disappear. Unfortunately, patients with a lighter skin color are at a higher risk.

The hair transplant procedure involves the extraction of follicular units of your hair from the donor area, one by one. The surgeon makes a small, circular incision with the help of a micro-needle around the hair follicles. The hair follicles are then pulled out, leaving a tiny hole in the skin. Each follicle unit contains one to four hairs. These follicular unit grafts are then transplanted into the balding areas of your head, where they are bound to grow into healthy hair follicles.

After a hair transplant, there can be some redness and swelling around the scabs or crusts present over each transplanted graft. With proper washing and following other preventive instructions as given by the surgeon, the scabs or crusts will fall off within five to eight days.

What are the post-surgery guidelines after hair transplant?

Following the post-surgery guidelines, as suggested by the doctor, is extremely important to ensure best results after the surgery. Some of them include:

Sleep in a semi-sitting position as it will help in reducing the swelling faster and prevent you from accidentally touching the transplanted area.
Avoid touching, rubbing, and scratching the areas where the hair follicles have been transplanted.
Cover your head with a bandana or hat to avoid direct contact with harmful UV rays.
Do not shower under very hot water.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks after the surgery.
Take medications as recommended by your surgeon to reduce redness and swelling.

According to the best hair transplant clinics in Delhi, redness after a hair transplant lasts between 2-4 weeks, depending upon the body of the patient. Also, people with sensitive and light colored skin may experience redness for a little longer time. However, if the redness persists even after 2 months, you should directly inform your surgeon as the risk of getting an infection is higher in such cases.

Undergoing the best hair transplant can be a great solution to your hair loss problem as it will not only help you to get a natural looking hairline, but also the exemplary care provided at the top hair transplant clinics will support your recovery and healing process.

FAQ’s

Is redness after a hair transplant a cause for concern?

In most cases, redness after a hair transplant is normal and not a cause for concern. It’s a natural response of the body to the surgical procedure and the healing process. However, if you experience excessive redness, swelling, pain, or other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your doctor promptly. These symptoms could indicate complications such as infection or allergic reactions, which require medical attention to prevent further issues and ensure a successful outcome from the transplant.

What can I do to reduce redness?

To help reduce redness and promote healing after a hair transplant, it’s essential to follow your doctor's post-operative care instructions diligently. This may include gently cleansing the scalp with a mild shampoo, avoiding activities that could irritate the area, and using any prescribed medications or topical treatments as directed. Additionally, maintaining good overall health, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking can support the healing process and contribute to minimizing redness. Patience and adherence to the recommended care routine are key to achieving optimal results.

Can I cover up the redness?

While it’s natural to feel self-conscious about the redness following a hair transplant, it’s important not to cover the scalp with hats or other headwear immediately after the procedure. Doing so can hinder the healing process by trapping heat and moisture, increasing the risk of infection, and interfering with blood circulation to the scalp. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines on when it’s safe to cover the area and may recommend using sunscreen or protective clothing to shield the scalp from sun exposure during the healing phase.

Will the redness affect the results of my hair transplant?

Generally, the redness that occurs after a hair transplant does not affect the final results of the procedure. As the scalp heals and the newly transplanted hair follicles take root, the redness gradually diminishes, revealing natural-looking hair growth. It’s important to understand that the redness is a temporary phase in the recovery process and should not be a cause for concern regarding the long-term outcome of the transplant. With patience and proper post-operative care, you can expect to see satisfactory results from your hair transplant.

Can certain activities exacerbate the redness?

Engaging in strenuous activities or exposing the scalp to extreme temperatures, such as excessive heat or cold, can potentially worsen the redness post-transplant. It's essential to avoid activities that may increase blood flow to the scalp, as this can prolong the duration of redness and delay the healing process.

Does the type of hair transplant procedure affect the severity of redness?

Different hair transplant techniques, such as FUT (follicular unit transplantation) and FUE (follicular unit extraction), may result in varying degrees of redness post-procedure. FUT typically involves a linear incision, which may cause more noticeable redness initially, whereas FUE involves tiny puncture wounds scattered across the scalp, resulting in less conspicuous redness. Your doctor can discuss the expected redness associated with your chosen procedure during the consultation.

Can underlying medical conditions contribute to prolonged redness?

In some cases, underlying medical conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis may contribute to prolonged redness post-hair transplant. If you have a pre-existing skin condition, it's essential to inform your doctor before undergoing the procedure. Your doctor can assess your medical history and develop a personalized treatment plan to address any underlying conditions that may affect the healing process and redness.