How to Identify, Prevent, and Treat Hair Transplant Infections

If you’re part of the estimated 50 percent of men who experience male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) by the age of 50, you may be considering a hair transplant to restore your hair. Hair transplants are generally safe and effective, but it’s important to be aware of the risks, like hair transplant infection.

What does an infected hair transplant follicle look like? How can you spot a hair plug infection? If you’re considering a hair transplant and want to learn about potential side effects, or if you suspect you have an infection, you’re in the right place.

Read on for hair transplant infection symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment.

Hair transplant infections are rare, affecting less than one percent of cases.  They typically stem from poor hygiene, excessive crusting, or preexisting risk factors (more on these later).

But since someone has to be in that one percent, it's important to know what to watch out for.

Symptoms of a hair transplant infection include:

• Persistent redness and swelling around the transplant site

• Pain or tenderness on the scalp that doesn’t get better with time

• A bad smell coming from the transplant site

• Blisters or sores around the grafts

• Redness and warmth around the grafts

• Oozing abscesses

• Papules (small red raised bumps)

• Healing that is slower than the typical recovery time

If the infection spreads, you may also experience systemic symptoms that affect your entire body, including:

• Fever

• Chills

• Muscle Weakness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headaches

• Fatigue

All hair transplants involve moving hair from one part of the scalp (the donor area) to other areas where there’s thinning or balding (the recipient area). There are two main types of hair transplant procedures: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is an older technique, also sometimes called “the strip method.”  During FUT, a healthcare professional removes a small linear strip of skin and hair from the back of the head in a single piece, extracts the follicles, and implants them in the recipient area.

During an FUE hair transplant, surgeons use an instrument to make small “micro punches” in the scalp — without a scalpel. The tiny incisions reduce visible scarring around the transplanted hair follicles.

Infections are rare with both FUT and FUE procedures. But, FUT carries a slightly higher risk due to it involving a larger incision, tighter sutures, and longer recovery time.

You can learn more in our guide to FUT vs FUE hair transplants.

There are several causes of hair transplant infection, which we’ll cover in more detail below.

Excessive Crust Formation

Crust formation (AKA scabbing) is a natural and important part of the hair transplant healing process. However, too much scabbing can be a problem.

Research shows that excessive crust formation can increase the risk of infection. Very tight stitches (AKA high-tension closures) can sometimes lead to excess scabbing. Excessive scabbing can lead to itching, which can allow bacteria to enter the wounds.

Unsanitary Tools

If a surgeon uses unsanitized tools for a hair transplant procedure, bacteria can enter the wounds, potentially causing infection. This is why choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon or dermatologist is so important.

Improper Aftercare

Not following your healthcare provider’s post-op care instructions can lead to infection. While each doctor might have slightly different guidelines, you should generally avoid the following during the healing process:

• Direct sunlight

• Wearing a hat

• Intense workouts

• Scratching your scalp

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your scalp or changing your dressings to keep bacteria at bay.

Anyone considering a hair transplant should know that infections are a possibility. However, some people are more at risk than others, including:

• Immunocompromised people. This includes people living with diabetes and HIV, or people undergoing treatments that can affect immunity, like chemotherapy.

• Smokers. Smoking can reduce blood circulation, making healing more challenging.

• People with pre-existing scalp conditions. Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or any ongoing scalp infections can increase your risk of developing a post-transplant infection.

If you don’t get treatment for a hair transplant, it could potentially lead to septicemia, a life-threatening type of blood poisoning.

Experiencing both localized (think redness and swelling) and systemic (fever, chills) symptoms of infection might indicate sepsis.

If you spot any signs of infection, speak with a healthcare professional right away. Early treatment lowers your risk of serious complications.

Treatments for hair transplant infections include:

• Antibiotics. Doctors usually prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.

• Cleaning. Regularly cleaning the affected area with antiseptic solutions helps reduce bacterial growth and promote healing. Your provider may prescribe an antibacterial shampoo after hair transplant surgery to lower your risk of infection.

• Drainage. Pus or fluid accumulation might require drainage by a healthcare professional. Never try to do this on your own, as it could worsen the infection.

• Pain management. You can use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or medications your provider prescribes to manage infection-related pain and swelling.

• Follow-up care. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider ensure the infection is resolving and you’re no longer at risk for further complications.

• Surgical Intervention. In severe cases, you may need minor surgery to remove infected tissue and help promote healing.

Good news: With a bit of prep and research, you can reduce your chances of infection after a hair transplant. Here’s how:

Find a Qualified Healthcare Professional

Worried about hair transplant failure or infection? The culprit is often an unskilled surgeon.

To avoid hair transplant mishaps, do your research and ask surgeon’s about their experience. Look at before-and-after photos from previous surgeries and talk to past patients.

Use this physician finder tool to find a reputable hair transplant surgeon near you.

Be Mindful of the Cost

We all love a good deal. But when it comes to cosmetic surgery, it’s not the time to hunt for discounts.

The average cost of a hair transplant in the United States is around $13,160, according to a 2021 study.

If a clinic is offering hair transplants way below that price, it might be a red flag.

Avoid Picking Scabs

After your hair restoration surgery, your scalp might feel scabby and itchy. Resist the urge to scratch to keep bacteria away. Instead, try a saline spray to help with itching.

Be Diligent About Aftercare

Set yourself up for success with proper aftercare. If any instructions are confusing, ask your provider for clarification. Make sure you are clear on how to clean your wounds, how long before you can wash your hair, and when it’s okay to wear a (clean) hat again. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands before touching your scalp.

Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco During the Recovery Period

Smoking, even just one cigarette, can delay healing after surgery. Research also shows that alcohol delays wound healing and increases infection risk.

While hair transplants are generally safe and effective, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects beyond infection alone.

Side effects and complications of hair transplants may include:

• Pain and swelling

• Folliculitis (a type of bacterial infection)

• Scarring

• Cyst development at the suture site

• Bleeding

• Keloid scarring

• Anesthesia complications

• Heart problems during surgery

• Dissatisfaction with hair transplant results

• Shock hair loss

Hair transplants are typically safe, and the healing process usually goes smoothly. But like with any procedure involving skin incisions, there’s a risk of infection.

Here’s what to remember about hair transplant infections:

• Recognize and act on symptoms. Identifying the early signs of infection, like unusual redness, pain, or oozing blisters, is key to preventing more severe complications. If you notice signs of a hair transplant infection, consult a healthcare provider ASAP.

• Prioritize proper hygiene and aftercare: Sticking to strict hygiene practices and following your provider’s post-op care guidelines, like avoiding scratching and keeping the area clean, can significantly reduce your risk of infection after a hair transplant.

• Choose a qualified surgeon: Ensuring that an experienced, board-certified professional performs your hair transplant is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections and other complications.

If you’re interested in learning more about hair transplants, you can learn more in our guides on stem cell hair transplants and the hair transplant death rate (it’s extremely low).

To find out more about your hair loss treatments options, we can connect you with a licensed healthcare provider. Get started by taking a short quiz!