The risk of hair transplant infection is an inherent fear that comes with any procedures. Whether small or big, a piercing or a surgery, we find our selves looking for guidance on how to keep the wound clean. Hair transplants, FUE in particular, are considered microsurgery since the wounds are all micro in size.
But, that does not mean risk-free, because you know what else is micro in size? Bacteria. As the ancient song goes, where there are wounds there is a risk of infection. Thankfully, there are ways to handle the risk of hair transplant infection! Below you will find tips to prevent a hair transplant infection.
How Common Is A Hair Transplant Infection?
Because the procedure is a micro-surgery risk of a hair transplant infection is very low. According to a rel=”nofollow” href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212293/”>study published by NCBI, only 1% of hair transplant cases develop into a hair transplant infection. This can be very serious and even life-threatening at times.
But the process of avoiding a hair transplant infection depends on two sides. One is the hospital side and the other is aftercare. We highly recommend you only operate in surgery rooms in fully equipped hospitals. This is the biggest precaution you can take.
How Do Infections Happen
The skin acts as the prime barrier of protection against microbial invasions. To function efficiently, the cells are so tightly interwoven with each other to ensure no bacteria can transcend through it. But, as humans, we are prone to mistakes. Whether you fell and scraped your skin, got a tattoo, a piercing, or underwent surgery, you have created a passage for microbes.
As is obvious by now, breaking your body’s first line of defense is inevitable. It almost happens on the daily. For this reason, open wounds need to be treated to avoid future complications.
Symptoms Of A Hair Transplant Infection
Realizing the symptoms of hair transplant infection can be tricky to identify. The confusion results from the similarities between healing and infection. One way to find out is to pay attention to redness, swelling, and itching that does not reduce within a week. Seek professional help for any symptom that is out of the ordinary.
Avoiding A Hair Transplant Infection
Microorganisms have been humanity’s most treacherous nemesis. But here are five measures you should take to prevent the risk of hair transplant infections.
1- Operate In Surgery Rooms
The number one step to take is to operate in surgery rooms to avoid a hair transplant infection. The place you get your hair transplant shapes your recovery. Most cases of hair transplant infection happen due to poor environments during surgery. Since surgery rooms are very hygienic settings, they prevent all risks of hair transplant infection. This way you can ensure safe entry to recovery. From here on it depends on how well you handle your wounds.
2 – Do Not Touch Your Scalp
Because your scalp consists of small incisions, it provides a pathway of entry for germs. Our hands are the most contaminated of our body parts as we use them to touch disease-ridden items around us. Passing your hand to your scalp will send a pool of diverse germs to your wounds. As a result, you should abstain from touching your scalp, unless necessary. And even then make sure your hands are sterile.
3- No-Scratch Rule
As tempting as it gets, do not scratch your scalp. It is frustrating that as wounds heal, they tend to become itchy. But, self-control is essential for the greater good. If your wounds are healing, do not disrupt the process for three seconds of relief. If you will keep re-opening wounds, you increase risks of hair transplant infection. Instead, visit the pharmacy for anti-itching serums that would ease the symptoms. In most cases the itching is tolerable.
4 – Do Not Smoke Or Consume Alcohol
You knew this will make the list, seeing as cigarettes and alcohol have never been on good terms with the medical field. The drama is not for nothing. Both cigarettes and alcohol delay the healing process of wounds. The faster the wounds heal the better it is. Remember that slow healing increase possibilities of hair transplant infection.
5- Spray Saline Solution
On a gauze, spray saline solution and dab it gently around your scalp for 30 minutes. Repeat this twice a day. A saline solution will remove debris and excess skin from the scalp without imposing harm. Moreover, it creates a hostile environment for bacterial growth. In other words, it’s your cost-efficient guardian.
6 – Antibiotic Ointments
To tend for your wounds, use antibacterial serums that contain Polysporin, Bacitracin, or Aquaphor. Apply the serums on both the donor and recipient sites for extra immunity.
7- Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Your surgeon has more experience in the field. Much of the instructions can prevent a hair transplant infection if you abide by them. Your surgeon will provide you with all the necessary products to use. Apply them as instructed.
Key Takeaways
Infection is a possibility that exists where there is a wound. Naturally, we fear it affecting us and delaying our progress. But, two things come in the favor of hair transplants patients. The first is that the risk of hair transplant infections is around 1%. , the scalp care routine is quite simple to follow.
To ensure you are practicing all the right measures, only operate in hospitals. And in specific hospitals that perform the micro-surgery in surgery rooms.
From there, the process relies on how well you handle your aftercare.
Abstain from playing with your scalp and from smoking and consuming alcohol. Finally, saline is your best friend along with antibiotic ointments. Follow the directions as posted, and you shall sail smoothlyto recovery.
Contact us for further information and guidance, and we will gladly assist you.