Infection After Hair Transplant – A Complete Guide

Infection after hair transplantation is not a symptom commonly experienced by patients. In fact, it is a rare condition. Typically, common side effects include;

 

• Itching,
• Swelling,
• Crusting,
• Light bleeding,
• Shock loss & sudden hair loss.

 

Infections related to hair transplants affect less than 1% of patients. However, it is still vital to be aware of the risk of infection after a hair transplant surgery. [1]

If you are suffering from bad hair transplant results, we are here to help. Contact us today to arrange a call with our expert medical team.

Symptoms of a hair transplant infection

The infection occurs during the healing process of the miniscule holes made for the transplanted hair follicles. It occurs within 3 to 7 days after the hair transplant procedure. If the open wounds are not cared for properly or hygiene rules are not followed during the procedure, they can become infected. 

 

Infected hair transplant follicles have the following signs:

 

• Oozing pus
• Pus-filled abscesses
• Discoloration and redness
• Swelling
• Warmth and burning
• Pain
• Itching 
• Bleeding

 

Some types of infections are just side effects of the surgery and do not cause permanent damage to the patient’s scalp and hair anatomy. As long as they do not cause any change in the scalp hair growth circle, we can consider them as a simple side effect, and it’s possible to manage them with some medicines. However, infections that cause the following systematic symptoms are serious:

 

• Fever
• Darkened skin
• Crusty sores
• Lethargy and fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headaches
• Bumps that contain pus
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Causes of hair transplant infection?

There can be many underlying causes of infection after hair transplant. There are many underlying causes of infection after hair transplantation. Improper hygiene, bacterial contamination, excessive scabbing, non-sterile instruments and underlying medical conditions are some of them. Let’s now examine the causes in detail:

 

• Improper hygiene

 

Immediately after the hair transplant, the recipient and the donor area are cleaned and bandaged. Although it is cleaned and bandaged, blood crusts form in the transplantation area after a while. You need to use special shampoos and creams to soften and shed the crusts. If hygiene rules are not followed, there is a risk of infection of the scalp in the first 10 days. It may prolong the postoperative healing time and may cause results including: 

 

• unusual hair loss, 
• broken hairs, 
• excessive shedding, 
• scalp inflammation,
• scarring.

 

• Bacterial contamination

 

Bacterial contamination after a hair transplant procedure that leads to infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter the surgical site. This can happen during the surgery itself, through non-sterile medical equipment or inadequate surgical hygiene. Once bacteria enter the scalp, they can:

• multiply, 
• leading to inflammation, 
• pus formation,
• other signs of infection. 

Poor wound care or not keeping the area clean after surgery can also cause bacteria to appear. 

 

• Excessive scabbing

 

Indeed, scabbing is one of the most common symptoms after hair transplantation. However, excessive scabbing is not common and can be associated with infection. If you feel the need to itch a lot, this can cause the wounds not to heal and pave the way for bacterial growth. It also extends the healing process [2].

 

• Non-sterile instruments

 

Non-sterile instruments used during a surgical hair loss treatment can introduce harmful bacteria or other pathogens into the surgical site, causing infections. Instruments that the clinic does not properly sterilize can carry bacteria from previous procedures or the environment to the patient’s scalp. Once inside, these bacteria can multiply and cause infection, leading to symptoms such as: 

• inflammation, 
• pus formation,
• delayed wound healing. 

This is why it is essential that you choose a reliable and sterile clinic.

 

• Underlying medical conditions

 

If your immune system is compromised while you are recovering from a cosmetic procedure, your existing condition can delay the healing process of your scalp or even lead to infection. 

Medical conditions that can increase the risk of infection after a hair transplant include:

• Diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer undergoing chemotherapy
• Chronic liver or kidney disease
• Immunodeficiency disorders
• Chronic steroid use
• Poorly controlled hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

 

Talk to your surgeon before your procedure to discuss whether the hair transplant procedure is suitable for your conditions.

How to Minimize the risk of Hair Transplant Infection

If you’re wondering how to prevent infection after a hair transplant, here are 7 ways:

1. Choose a good clinic. Get your hair transformation in a professional and reliable clinic with good hygiene practices.
2. Take prescribed medicines when required. Depending on your surgeon’s assessment, you may be prescribed topical or oral antibiotics.
3. Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Follow critical ones such as the use of sprays, preferred shampoo, hair massage techniques, and sleeping positions. 
4. Avoid touching your wounds – if you have to touch them, make sure you wash your hands beforehand. The scabs will have already fallen off after 10 days. 
5. Pause heavy exercise and activities until your surgeon gives the OK.
6. When there is spot bleeding, apply pressure with the sterile gauze provided. 
7. Attend all after-care meetings recommended by your surgeon

Dos and Don’ts after Hair transplantation

Here is a list of things you can do & don’t do to prevent infection after hair transplantation. 

DOs:

• Be gentle when shampooing or rinsing the transplanted area for the first 10 days after surgery.
• Rest at home for the first three days. 
• Choose loose hats. Make sure that the hats you use are made of sweat-proof fabrics like cotton.
• You can dry your hair with a hair dryer. However, do not use the hot mode. 
• If recommended by your surgeon, apply ointment to the hair transplantation area 2 times a day. If you have stitches, they will be removed on the tenth day.

 

DON’Ts:

• Do not rub, scratch or remove the scabs as this may dislodge the grafts.
• Do not panic if you notice shock hair loss after the first week, it’s a normal part of the hair growth circle after transplantation.
• Avoid hair dyes, tar-based shampoos, and chemicals after the procedure as they may hinder graft growth.
• Do not use hair spray, gel and other cosmetics for at least 15 days.
• Do not smoke or reduce smoking for one week before the procedure and 2 weeks after it. Smoking can cause a slowing of hair growth. 
• Avoid exposure to sunlight for three months. When going outside, you should use a strong sunscreen.

FAQs about Infection after Hair Transplant

Sources

1. Zito PM, Raggio BS. Hair Transplantation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/ 

‌Kerure A, Patwardhan N. Complications in hair transplantation. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2018;11(4):182. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_125_18

Article Review By: Dr. Jyothi Shenoy V
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MBBS, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG(UK)
23 Years Experience Overall