Hair Restoration Blog

Hi Dr. Mohebi,

A couple of questions for you and the blog perhaps.

Just wondering - I’ve noted that one LA area hair transplant doctor has used Vaseline on patient’s heads after surgery to prevent graft scabbing - what’s your opinion on this?

By the way I’m mentioning this as I feel I may have a greater tendency to scab as despite the twice daily washings my three grafts that you so kindly placed scabbed up and still are scabbed on this 6th day out, Sunday, but seeming to loosen up a bit now (patient had a FOX test with us to check his candidacy for FUE procedure and we implanted the three intact grafts that we biopsied to his crown). I’ve had prolonged scabbing before despite the washings and frequent wetting that I was advised with prior procedures. Also, I don’t necessarily mind the scabs other than I’d prefer not to have to return to work with them if they could be minimized with the Vaseline possibly or something similar.

Otherwise I’m wondering if Neutragena shampoo is okay post op vs. baby shampoo? Here’s a Neutragena link for reference.

http://www.drugstore.com/qxp14485_333181_sespider/
neutrogena_shampoo/shampoo_anti_residue_formula.htm

Thanks much,

Patient’s name

A:

Scabbing after hair transplant is very important and if not treated properly may affect the growth of the transplanted hair grafts. We are very meticulous on the care after hair transplant especially hair wash after hair transplant.

Many shampoo s are recommended and used by different hair transplant doctors, but we really don’t have a strong researched based proof for many of those. The only thing that I can tell you is to increase the number of washing in every day to minimize the chance of scabbing. In terms of using shampoos, I prefer using baby shampoo for the first 4 days that skin incisions area still healing, but after that you can use whatever you were using before. We know that there are some solutions and shampoos that can minimize the scabbing and crusting that is seen in the process of wound healing, but since we don’t know how they affect the growth of transplanted grafts we really cannot recommend them in our Los Angeles hair transplant centers. Not until we can have the evidence of their safety on the grafts from a medical study.

Using Vaseline falls in the same category. I prefer not using it in the first two days when the tiny incisions on the recipient area might not be quite sealed.

 

Q:

I have two questions:

1. Have you heard of a post surgery shampoo called Procyte Graftcyte? It contains aloe ver a and a copper peptide micronutrient that is supposed to aid in quicker healing of the scalp.
2. Also, at how many days do you feel that the grafts are secure and cannot be dislodged? It is now day three and I have begun to wash my head by just patting the shampoo lightly onto my scalp and then pouring a cup of water over the head to rinse it. I am not standing directly under the shower for fear that the grafts may be dislodged.

Thank you very much for your time.

Best regards,

Patient’s name

A:

1. Procyte Graftcyte is a product that is recommended by some hair transplant surgeons. Its ingredients are: Water, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Aloe Vera Gel, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Copper Tripeptide-1, Propylparaben and FD&C Blue. There is not a significant evidence to support the beneficial effect of any of these components on transplanted grafts. I myself use and recommend baby shampoo for the first few days that is inert and has the minimum irritating agents. I don’t do not have any problem with my patients using Graftcyte.
2. I answered to your question of hair wash after hair transplant before, but our policy at US Hair Restoration is: Gentle hair wash for 4 days as instructed without any rubbing twice a day and after that back to washing hair routinely. Scalp scab can be seen after hair transplant surgery that could potentially hurt the growth of the grafts. During your after hair transplant care, you should not try to remove scabs by pulling them off. You can eliminate the scabs by increasing the frequency of washing your hair to twice or three times a day or even more.You are right about not letting forceful water from the shower directly hit the transplanted area. I recommend pouring water gently for the first four days and then back to showering at least at day five.

Have a great weekend,

Dr. Mohebi