Dear Dr. Epstein,
I am considering having my second transplant in the future.
After my first tranplant I was concerned that I may have lost some grafts due to wearing a hat (which I require for work) and also I had some concern about loosing grafts while sleeping and washing.
Could you please tell me, If I do decide to have another transplant, at what time do the grafts become totally secure in the scalp? (in how many days/weeks)
Also for what reason do you believe this to be the case?
Kindest Regards
Max- Very unlikely that the wearing of a hat- unless it caused bleeding and/or was quite constrictive- can lead to poor growth or loss of grafts. I advise my patients that the wearing of a loose baseball cap is just fine the very next day, and at 6 days, complete resumption of all activities, with the exception of swimming, is permitted.
If you’d like, send me some photos and I’ll be glad to evaluate your situation. Unlikely I can find an explanation for the poor growth-but I can assure you that even in the best surgeons’ hands, there can be the occasional case of that, but it is less likely to occur.
Please expect Jon from my office to contact you, and please feel free to email with any questions.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS