Greasy implanted zone almost 2 months post-surgery

[Supersmooth]

Dear All

Was wondering if you could help of offer advice or relate to me?

It's almost 2 months post-surgery. Most of my implanted hairs have shed. There are still a few tiny hairs left, which are spikey hairs on implanted zone, where I can see two hairs in one follicle but they are not growing!?. however, I am not sure if they are new hairs or still the implanted hairs which have yet to shed?

What I am a little concerned about now is a greasy scalp - it is very oily. Firstly is this normal 2 months post surgery and secondly with this affect new hair growth?[):h::

Attached a photo of my most recent pic.

Has anyone experienced a greasy/oily scalp 2 months post hair transplant surgery? Any advice or support would be much appreciated.

Thanks & Kind regards

Sean

 

[Crudance2006]

Try Nizoral twice a week.

 

[Dr. Josephitis]

Supersmooth,

This oily scalp can be quite a normal result after surgery. Actually, I have seen patients with an incredibly oily scalp and also patients with a very dry scalp.
One of two things can be going on. First, make sure you are daily washing your hair well with shampoo. Some people are still very careful even after months and don't wash there scalp forceful enough. At this point, you should be washing the entire scalp the same. A condition known as seborrheic dermatitis may result on the scalp. If this is the case, the scalp and hair can be greasy as well as contain a yellowish crust. I am not sure I saw this on the photo or heard this in your note.
Also, you may just be experiencing an oily scalp post op. This is most common and we are not really sure why it occurs.
For both of these, I would recommend washing daily with shampoo very well. I agree with Crudance that nizoral is also a great option for the next couple months. After using that medicated shampoo, you can switch to a shampoo for oily hair.
If you are not experiencing any improvement in next 6 weeks you should follow up with dermatology or your hair surgeon.

 

[Supersmooth]

Dr. Josephitis wrote:

Supersmooth,

This oily scalp can be quite a normal result after surgery. Actually, I have seen patients with an incredibly oily scalp and also patients with a very dry scalp.
One of two things can be going on. First, make sure you are daily washing your hair well with shampoo. Some people are still very careful even after months and don't wash there scalp forceful enough. At this point, you should be washing the entire scalp the same. A condition known as seborrheic dermatitis may result on the scalp. If this is the case, the scalp and hair can be greasy as well as contain a yellowish crust. I am not sure I saw this on the photo or heard this in your note.
Also, you may just be experiencing an oily scalp post op. This is most common and we are not really sure why it occurs.
For both of these, I would recommend washing daily with shampoo very well. I agree with Crudance that nizoral is also a great option for the next couple months. After using that medicated shampoo, you can switch to a shampoo for oily hair.
If you are not experiencing any improvement in next 6 weeks you should follow up with dermatology or your hair surgeon.

Thanks for you advice.

Will an oily scalp impact hair growth of new hair? Or am I worrying too much?

 

[Dr. Josephitis]

An oily scalp in and of itself should not impact the regrowth of the hair. Problems can develop if the oil clogs the pores and prevents the scalp from becoming cleaned properly. Dirt and debris can sometimes get trapped on the scalp and if not cleaned can lead to inflammation. Inflammation and the like can hinder some of the growth of hair.

Having said all that, the short answer, is that you should not worry as long as you are cleaning the scalp on a regular basis.

 

[Supersmooth]

Dr. Josephitis wrote:

An oily scalp in and of itself should not impact the regrowth of the hair. Problems can develop if the oil clogs the pores and prevents the scalp from becoming cleaned properly. Dirt and debris can sometimes get trapped on the scalp and if not cleaned can lead to inflammation. Inflammation and the like can hinder some of the growth of hair.

Having said all that, the short answer, is that you should not worry as long as you are cleaning the scalp on a regular basis.

Yes... shampoo every day! I have also developed some pimples /spots and used a warm damp cloth in shower over the implanted zone.

I am a performer too - and first appearance is everything. I usually use Nanogen Fibres (powdery substance) and locking mist if you know of it? - It conceals the thinner balding areas of scalp but I asked my Doctor who carried out the procedure and said it's forbidden as it may clog up the pores. However, I can resume using Nanogen after 6 months..- I guess by that time I won't need too!? ha!

As frustrating as it can be, I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. I spent money and time on my hair so need to make sure it's worth it.

Are you an HT surgeon may I ask? - I am 2 months post operation I assume it won't be long until I start seeing growth? 3 or 4 months? Some say 5 months?! Yet I have seen others on here have said they have had growth 2 months post surgery.

 

[Dr. Josephitis]

Supersmooth,

I am one of the surgeons at Shapiro Medical Group in Minnesota. It is wise to follow the recommendations of your physician. Still, I personally find no harm in using the topical fibers as a concealer. Yes, they do clog the pores, but the important note with using them is that you wash them off every night. If they remain on the scalp and build up you can run into issues as I mentioned before with irritation and inflammation. The fibers themselves don't damage the newly growing hair. Also, with your profession, I feel that it might be worth using.

Hair growth is highly individual. If your hair grows fast in general, then you most likely will experience earlier results. Typically you shouldn't see much for 3-4 months. After that, it is variable. We tell patients that at 12 months you have a majority of the final results. That is average as some will already have their final results by 9 months and others may even have to wait until 18 months.

 

[thincity]

Hi Supersmooth,

I had the exact same issue around month two post-op as well. My transplant repair was done by Dr. Ron at Shapiro Medical and I had emailed Janna about the greasy/oily scalp. It lasted for about two months and then stopped. More than once I had to wash my hair (my pre-existing hair had regrown by this time) twice a day. I was a slow grower, and quite honestly, I don't think my full result was in until eighteen months. Happy growing!

 

[Supersmooth]

Dr. Josephitis wrote:

Supersmooth,

I am one of the surgeons at Shapiro Medical Group in Minnesota. It is wise to follow the recommendations of your physician. Still, I personally find no harm in using the topical fibers as a concealer. Yes, they do clog the pores, but the important note with using them is that you wash them off every night. If they remain on the scalp and build up you can run into issues as I mentioned before with irritation and inflammation. The fibers themselves don't damage the newly growing hair. Also, with your profession, I feel that it might be worth using.

Hair growth is highly individual. If your hair grows fast in general, then you most likely will experience earlier results. Typically you shouldn't see much for 3-4 months. After that, it is variable. We tell patients that at 12 months you have a majority of the final results. That is average as some will already have their final results by 9 months and others may even have to wait until 18 months.

Thanks for all your advice Dr Josephitis. Time will tell.

Last night I had what looks like 3 hair follicles that have fallen out with the root?

Not sure if these are newly growing hairs or implanted hairs that were due to fall out - just strange how they are stuck together unlike regular hairs that shed after transplant do so separately Like I have experienced.

These were not separate as you can see in attached photo!? Have I lost a graft? Hair follicle/root?

Attached close up photo - just feeling worried, because they didn't shed separately.[):h::

I hope this isn't the new hair that has grown back partially and then shed? If so will the new hair grow back at that part of the scalp where if came out?

That part looks a little red now.