Hair transplant infection: Everything you need to know

Sept, 27 2022 | By Dr. Sangay Bhutia (Hair Transplant Specialist in Delhi)

Every surgical procedure has a risk of having infection but there are certain ways to prevent it and have proper results with minimum problems.

Hair transplant although it is an out patient or procedural room surgery but still it carries a good amount of risk of having infection unless one goes to a professional, trusted clinic/doctor. Let us first know that what are the basic types of hair transplant procedures

Basically, there are two types of procedure, FUT and FUE. FUT involves removal of skin strip from the safe permanent hair zone and then dissecting it into follicles which are then transplanted in the recipient area. In FUE single graft follicle is extracted one at a time, these are then transplanted into the area of hair loss. Both the procedures have their own risks and complication. Infection can occur in any of the two procedures.

Let’s see how these infections can happen?
Infection in hair transplant can happen due to many reasons. Important reasons being improper care after the surgery, Improper sterilization and hygiene protocol, underlying medical condition like diabetes, any autoimmune problem, kidney problem.

After surgery formation of scabs and crusts is a normal phenomenon but one need to maintain proper hygiene. One should follow the advice given by the doctor diligently so as to have a comfortable post-operative experience. Washing the head as instructed by doctor is very important. One can use very mild medicated or baby shampoo. This generally keep the area clean and promotes healing. But if there is excessive crusting then it may be an indicator of infection. Scratching the area may also sometimes introduce infection into the scalp area.

It is important to know what are the signs and symptoms of infection or in other words how to know that the hair transplanted area is infected?

Every surgery is generally associated with some discomfort, redness and swelling but if these persists for longer duration that this may point towards some infection. Some common symptoms are increase in pain, Redness or discoloration which is not subsiding, undue itching, fever and swelling. These are the symptoms which should alert for the possibility of infection.

If there is increase in crusting, bleeding or blood stain discharge from the transplanted area, if there is more formation of pustules then also one should immediately visit the treating doctor so that timely medicines can be given and control the infection if there is any.

If there is suspicion of infection after procedure, it is better to meet the treating doctor so that examination can be done and proper assessment can be done. Doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Some antibiotic ointment may also be helpful and doctor may prescribe one depending on the situation or instruct you about how to clean the area and maintain proper cleanliness of the area which may be infected.

Is there anything that you should consider to prevent any infection?
Before going for hair transplant, one should do a thorough search for the clinic regarding the experience of the doctor and the results of the procedure. One can ask for contact number of the operated patients also.

One should always take the consultation personally which can give idea about the cleanliness, behavior and attitude of the staff also.

After the procedure always follow the post-operative instructions and take the prescribed medicines timely. Visiting the doctor for the advised follow up is very important to assess the progress and to act timely if there is any problem