Spraying Saline After Hair Transplant

Q:

Hi Dr. Mohebi,

Before I ask my question, I wanted to thank you for the amazing job you did on my hairline. You, as well as your whole staff, are just wonderful to work with and I am very excited to see what will happen as my hair continues to grow in the coming months.

Here is my question:

In the first few days after my hair transplant, I was looking online and saw that spraying a saline solution on the transplanted area is supposed to promote healing and help the scabs come off easier. What is your opinion on this theory? I don’t want to do anything that might slow down the healing process or mess up the work you have performed.

I am experiencing some itchiness in the transplanted area. I am guessing this is normal but I’m also not certain about that fact. I can keep from scratching but I was wondering if there was something I should do about it. Will it subside on its own or should I try the saline solution idea?

Thank you,

A:

I am glad you had a positive experience with your procedure and our staff during your hair transplant surgery.  We strive to make sure all of our patients are comfortable during the hair restoration process.

Spraying normal saline solution on the transplanted area is not necessary after a hair transplant surgery. When you are getting ready to address the scabs on your scalp, you need to wash them off your head using tap water and the shampoo we provided you in our office after your hair transplant. The main reason you need to wash the transplanted area is to get rid of the scabbing that is present on the scalp as the scabs may harm the growth of your transplanted grafts.

Do not worry if you are experiencing some itchiness for a few days, to a few weeks, after your hair transplant. This is normal in both the transplanted and donor area of the scalp. Occasionally the itching after hair transplantation may become more uncomfortable and a prescription of a mild steroid might be required.

I will be meeting with you in our Los Angeles hair transplant office for your follow-up appointment. During this appointment, I will examine both the transplanted and donor areas on your scalp and will address this issue if it is still a concern for you. However, please don’t wait until then if you are still suffering from itchiness or discomfort on your scalp. Please feel free to contact us if there are any additional questions or concerns before your next appointment.

In the meantime, have a great week and I look forward to seeing you during your next appointment.

– MA