Prevention of Redness and Swelling after Hair Transplant
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008Q:
I had a hair transplant two days ago and would like to use Bromelain to aid in reducing inflammation. I have heard that bromelain interferes with fibrin which holds the grafts in place. Do you know if this is true or not?
A:
Bromelain is a combination of some enzymes that are naturally found in the pineapple juice and stalk. One of the uses of Bromelain is for its improving effects on swelling, bruising and irritation of skin after surgical procedures and injuries. You are right about the fiblinolytic (dissolving fibrin) effect of Bromelain and for the same reason you should not use it on the transplanted areas of your head. Microscopic clots that initially form around the transplanted grafts are necessary to seal the follicular grafts in place within the first few days after surgery, when grafts are still fragile and can get dislodged.
There are some medications that can improve your swelling and redness after the surgery such as steroids that are proven safe for the growth of hair grafts. You need to ask your hair transplant surgeon about what to use to decrease the swelling and redness after hair transplant surgery.
