Tue 13 Jul 2010
How Long Before The Redness From A “Hair Plug” Removal Fades?
Category: Complications , FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) , General Hair Loss Topics , Graft Size , Hair Transplant Repair , Hair Transplant Surgery , Other Hair SurgeriesThis question comes from a member of the Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums:
Years ago, I underwent an antiquated hair transplant surgery where multi-unit, hair plug grafts were implanted in my hairline. After years of turmoil, I’ve decided to have these pluggy grafts removed, or punched-out, and seek a modern, state-of-the-art hair transplant procedure at a later date. However, I’m wondering how long it will take before the redness caused by the hair plug removal procedure fades away?
Because of the size of multi-unit, plug grafts, it’s reasonable to worry about redness and swealling from a removal procedure. Keep in mind that although hair plugs are removed much like follicular unit grafts in a follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure, the trauma caused by the size of the punch grafts will result in some swelling and redness in the extraction area. For the sake of comparison, a typical follicular unit extraction tool will measure 0.7 – 0.9 mm in diameter, whereas the average plug graft measures (and will require an extraction tool) 3.5 – 4 mm in width.
On average, the redness created by hair plug removal will last anywhere from 2 – 3 weeks. However, keep in mind that the wider the graft, the more trauma caused during extraction, and the longer the area will remain red. For example, a micro or mini-graft (a plug graft dissected into smaller, but still unnecessarily large segments) extraction would remain red for less time than a punch or plug graft removal.
Some consider hair to be the most aesthetic part of the face. As such, baldness can dominate one’s appearance, drawing attention from a beautiful face. The hairline is where your scalp hair borders your forehead and frames your face, thereby bringing out the beauty and richness of one’s features. When the hairline starts to recede, one’s facial features also recede into the background. A primary reason for seeking hair restoration is to restore your appearance to the condition before hair loss. One of the more critical decisions in hair restoration is determining where your new hairline should be, which should carefully be discussed with your physician. The physician should follow several cosmetic rules to design the hairline. The doctor should place the hairline in correct position. The doctor should use all of the cosmetic guidelines, rules and tools available for creating the hairline such as the following:
Your impression is correct, in that the great majority of the hairs that are transplanted (most of which are only 1/8th inch long) are shed during the first few months, before the “real” hairs appear 3-4 months post-operatively. They usually shed in one of two ways: some fall off with the scab at the 6-10 day point, while others just “sit in place” in the skin, even though down deep in the skin they are literally disconnected from the follicle (the living part of hair), which shrivels up and hibernates for that time period. These short stubs then can sit there for weeks or they can fall off at anytime. The best way to tell a “disconnected,” non-growing one from one that is going to grow is to simply look at it a couple of weeks later. If it is longer, then it is growing. It’s as simple as that.
Creating a soft and natural hairline with surgical hair restoration should be addressed by the hair replacement surgeon during the procedure.


