Can Antibiotics Affect Hair Growth after Hair Transplant Surgery?

The following response to a question from the Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums, was written by forum member “Gillenator”.

Hi, I’m 5 days out from follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) in Thailand with a reputable hair transplant surgeon, 2 days ago the swelling on my forehead went down but today iv noticed my forehead is quite swollen again, not sore, just swollen. I’m now back in New Zealand, I emailed my Thai Surgeon and he said to get some more anti-inflammatories, and to start wearing the forehead band again to contain the swelling away from my eyes. My NZ doctor today who I visited said she knew nothing of hair transplants, she said the Strip scar donor site was looking good and stitches were looking healthy, but she was concerned about the forehead swelling, she said there could be a risk of a facial abscess so she prescribed me Flucloxacillin antibiotics 500mg 4 times a day.

I’m concerned the antibiotics, or in particular that type could compromise my hair growth, as I know she has no knowledge in the field, wheres my Thai hair restoration surgeon has only recommended Naproxen and the head band. I have emailed my Thai surgeon, with the same question, but do you think its safe to use the antibiotics my NZ doctor told me to, after all she is just being cautious and admits to not knowing anything about hair transplants.

Most post-op instructions will cover the issue of potential swelling. Ice packs work well “if” used immediately following the procedure because once the swelling occurs, it’s hard to reduce even with ice. And I’m referring to a high level of swelling otherwise ice can work wonders if the swelling is not acute.

Also, many docs will provide and/or prescribe an oral steroid (Prednisone) and that can also really help. But at this point in time, you pretty much have to wait it out IMHO. Let’s hope you won’t get any darkened eyes from this.

Gillenator
Supporting Hair Restoration Physicians: Dr. Glenn Charles, Boca Raton, FL – Dr. Jerry Cooley, Charlotte, NC – Dr. Jim Harris, Denver, CO – Dr. Robert True & Dr. Robert Dorin, New York, NY

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David
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator

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