Hey guys,
I'm a little over 6 weeks post op from having 1200 grafts to create my new hairline. The last couple days, I've been getting a few pimples in the recipient area and they hurt. I busted a few of them and I can feel a few more coming. Is it ok to bust them? I don't want to mess anything up. Thanks for any replies.

ya, those suckers hurt like a SOB!! This is quite normal. If you don't have any problems busting them, then may all means. But if it gets really bad, I would suggest seeing your regular doctor. Maybe he can give you something for them.

Brando,

Those pimples are quite normal. I had quite a few myself. They have passed for the time being for me, though. I hear that for some people they can last for up to a year or so.
I popped a few of them and that seems to be ok. Just don't scratch at them.


-Robert

Apply a hot compress and use Neosporin-- the key to to keep the area clean/sterile for the first few weeks (try not to do things that make you sweat a lot). Clean the recepiant area several times a day if you have oily skin. If you catch these "pimples" early your OK-- the trouble is when it gets infected or turns into a boil.

quote:

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Originally posted by Forum Moderator and Satisfied Patient:
They have passed for the time being for me, though.
-Robert

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Did I ever speak to soon. Just this morning when I woke up I saw two staring right back at me! Thanks a lot, Brando! sheesh! haha, jk.

I was given some Clindagel at one of my follow-ups. It works great on exising pimples. I forgot to add that in my first post.



-Robert

Thanks for the replies guys! Smoothy, Hairbethere, and Social (Robert).
Hey Social..I'm just going to have to quit asking questions about anything negative because I always seem to jinx you! lol
The gray hair, the pimples, I just hope I never have to ask you a question about my penis shrinking! lol You'd kill me!

Ain't that the truth. In this case, just do me a favor and let's leave the discussion on hair between me and you, huh? hahaha

-Robert

Has anyone noticed these pimples at four plus months post-op? I did and these can be ingrown hairs trying to break the surface of our scalp, especially those with curly hair.

I would recommend using a clean, warm, wet washcloth and then hold it on the pimple for say a minute or so. This makes it much easier to pop and also keeps the area clean. Try to not use your fingertips when popping them as alot of bacteria and germs collect under our fingernails.

Even something as basic as an alchohol pad to wipe the area afterwards works well too.

Treat it before it gets infected, larger, or turns into a boil. Use a hot compress and Neosporiun. Keep scalp extremely clean and try not to sweat-- if so clean even with saline.

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Originally posted by gillenator:
Try to not use your fingertips when popping them as alot of bacteria and germs collect under our fingernails.

Even something as basic as an alchohol pad to wipe the area afterwards works well too.

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Ouch. Yes, Gillinator is absolutely indispensible for picking up where my ramblings leave off. Thanks, Gill!

I never involve the fingernails in popping those little suckers. Think back to when you were popping zits in the mirror in high school. When you used your fingernail to scratch at the zit, you could very well cause a scar or infection. I learned the "proper" way to pop a zit from my family doctor when I was around 14:

Just like Gillenator said, use a washcloth wetted with warm water and some soap to clean the area.

Grab a small piece of tissue so that your fingers are not actually touching your face. The tissue lies between your fingers and your face.

Squeeze firmly but remember that youre not trying to create a vise-like pressure. Just enough to coax that juice out of the white-head. I know, I know; It won't give you the satisfaction of seeing it hit the mirror, but it will keep your grubby mits away from the opening.

Remember, don't pop it unless there is a white-head present. If there isn't one present, you can just make it larger and increase your chances of infection.

Don't scratch or pick at those bumps. Even a couple of months post op it can be possible to scratch and pick your way to having a graft in your hand or the sink instead of in your head like you paid for.

That's it; Pimple-popping 101. Now, just remember not to stab your prom date with the corsage pin and youre all set

-Robert

I still get these damned things, more than 10 months in. Less often, though. I just pop them.

Ingrown hair lead to pimples which in turn may get infected when you try to nick them and you may end up losing a precious graft that way.

I was advised Betnovate-C/ diprovate. Its much safer and the pimple went in a couple of days.