Is the risk of infection higher with hair transplant in summer?

July, 17 2021 | By Dr. Sangay Bhutia (Hair Transplant Specialist in Delhi)

Modern hair transplants techniques are safe and minimally invasive. The risks and complications associated with it are very low. However, since hair transplant is a cosmetic surgery and has an impact on how people look, if something goes wrong, it can have a massive psychological impact on the patient.

Every patient must be aware of the complications and risks associated with hair transplants so that they are able to make an informed decision. Patients also need to be aware so they can address their concerts with their surgeon during consultation. Discussing the risks and concerns also helps the doctor in creating an individualised surgery experience for the patient and plan according to their specific needs and circumstances.

The risk of infection is an important cause of concern for hair transplant patients. It is also important to know that infections can be prevented as well as managed if they do happen. Infections can be treated using medication before they cause any harm to the donor or the recipient sites on the scalp. In general, infections are not uncommon; when the skin is bruised, wounded, or cut, it essentially can mean that disease-causing microbes can enter our body leading to an infection. But they still are relatively rare when it comes to hair transplants.

Patients are often concerned about summer hair transplants and believe that the heat and humidity may be bad for healing and even cause an infection easily. That isn’t so. Summer is a perfectly good time to have a hair transplant. Blood circulation is higher during the summer months, and so is the skin regeneration, which is all helpful when it comes to hair regrowth post a transplant. Although hair regrowth is not significantly different in different weather, summer is as good a time to have a transplant as any.



However, is the risk of an infection higher in summer? Not directly. But hygiene is an important concern when it comes to avoiding infections post a transplant. Therefore, during summer, especially in tropical countries, the risk of infection is a real concern if a person sweats too much and is living in unsanitary conditions. But if proper post-operative care procedures are followed, and the person is not spending too much time in direct sunlight, not engaging in strenuous physical activity leading to sweating, their chance of an infection is minimal, and the same as in any other season.

However, it is important that if we notice signs of infections like excessive itching or redness on the scalp, swelling, discomfort, or a burning sensation, we should inform the doctor immediately. These infections can turn serious if not taken care of timely. They are not just harmful to the transplant but to your general health as well. An infection can lead to poor growth or even scarring. It can also ruin the hairline designed by the surgeon for the patient.

So, how can you prevent an infection post your surgery, Here are a few tips:

● Do not unnecessarily touch the donor or the transplant areas past surgery. You can wash your hair a few days post surgery but avoid touching the scalp frequently.
● Do not scratch or pick on your scabs. Scabs are a sign that the operation wound is healing, they will fall off on their own anyway.
● Follow all the post operative care instructions on how to keep your scalp clean and sanitary.
● Avoid being in direct sunlight especially when the sun is at its hottest between 12-3 pm.
● Avoid engaging in too much physical activity that can cause excessive sweating. You can walk or do light exercises, or yoga, but nothing too strenuous while you are in recovery.
● Avoid smoking or drinking. These may interrupt the healing process
● Go for all your follow up visits and inform the doctor if you have had any kind of bleeding or notice anything unusual on your scalp.