Help to navigate post-op symptoms almost 1 years, 8 months after

[mark1x12110]

Greetings everyone,

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. As a newcomer to this forum, I'm unsure if this is the appropriate place to discuss my issue. Please forgive me if it's not and kindly redirect me to the appropriate forum.

I underwent a hair transplant procedure at Cosmedica in Turkey back in September 2021. The clinic provided me with excellent service and professionalism, and everything was progressing smoothly until recently.

Two weeks ago, I suddenly started feeling discomfort in both my implanted and donor areas. They are very sensitive and tight, even without touching them, and I also experience a slight burning sensation in both areas. Although I always experienced some scalp discomfort when pressed hard, the intensity has increased in the past two weeks and it feels similar to how it felt post-surgery. At this point, I do not see anything visually that could point me in the right direction (see attached pictures)

These symptoms often result in headaches that can be very uncomfortable, and I have been feeling this way every day for the past two weeks. Over-the-counter headache medication is helping a bit, but it is clearly just a band-aid.

I don't understand why it is happening now after such a long time since my surgery, as I had a normal recovery timeline and was feeling well.

I haven't made any changes to my lifestyle, used new hair products, or gone swimming recently, so I'm unsure why this sudden discomfort has emerged.

Unfortunately, since the clinic is located far away from me (I'm in the US), it's not feasible for me to travel for a checkup. I've also sent them my symptoms and I'm waiting for their response, but I understand that it will be challenging to diagnose remotely.

Have you seen any other patients experiencing this? What should I do? What doctor should I see?

I am considering to engage local transplant surgeons to see if they can help me but it is unclear if they'd be willing to help.

 

[Filename Arial]

You may have Lichen planopilaris (LPP). It is a condition that causes inflammation in your scalp. The condition may lay dormant and then activate from the surgical trauma. A dermatologist and possibly a scalp biopsy will find the cause.

Pain when pressing your scalp may be FUE Neuropathy which effects the donor and recipient area.

 

[mark1x12110]

Thank you for the insights

The symptoms of FUE Neuropathy do sound similar to what I am feeling but hopefully, we're both wrong. I'll check with my primary doctor

 

[Filename Arial]

What is your location? An experienced hair restoration surgeon could help with a diagnosis. Unless your primary care physician specializes in Neuropathy or scalp conditions they may not be able to diagnose. Ask for a referral if they are unable to help.

The transplant was a success?

 

[mark1x12110]

I am in Miami, Florida


The transplant was a success at least superficially (see the attached screenshots for comparison). I archived a considerable increase in volume and density and I never had any side effects until recently.

I had the surgery in September 2021, and at the year mark, I was feeling fully recovered with no side effects. Just recently (two weeks ago) is that I started feeling the symptoms I described above. They appeared unexpectedly and with no apparent sign in advance.

 

[Filename Arial]

It is a stellar result!

Your pain may be totally unrelated to your surgery. It can occur for a variety of reasons. The pain may be stemming from inflammatory skin conditions such as dandruff, fungal infection, psoriasis, or eczema. The pain may also be secondary to an underlying neurological dysfunction, temporal arteritis or trigeminal neuralgia.

Start with your primary care physician as planned.

 

[mark1x12110]

In case it helps in any way, one other side effect that I am feeling starting yesterday is a very itchy scalp. I am doing my best not to scratch it as it does not help

Thank you for your help. I scheduled an appointment with my primary doctor. It is just challenging to see them quickly and I would appreciate some insights in the meantime

I am worried about potential nerve damange and the potential side effects of that. So hopefully that's not the cause

 

[Filename Arial]

When is your appointment?

 

[Bigmac]

What has the clinic advised? If it were nerve damage it would not just appear now. I think you possibly have some sort of scalp condition that has activated. A dermatologist should be able to help you diagnose the cause.

 

[mark1x12110]

I posted an update in a new thread with more context. Unfortunately, I am still experiencing this