Can the Use of Alcohol Swabs on the Forehead Damage Hairline Grafts?

Dr. Rassman,

My doctor recommends that I use vitamin E on the recipient area. The use of vitamin E results in a sticky forehead. Will the use of an alcohol swab to clean my forehead damage any of the frontal grafts in the early days post-surgery? I am worried the alcohol will migrate to the grafts through diffusion.

Thanks.

In our practice, we do not recommend using alcohol swabs in the first days post-op, because of the potential harm this could cause to the grafts. Your question is appropriate. After a few days have passed, the alcohol should not be a problem. I don’t recommend vitamin E for the very reason that it results in a sticky forehead.

It is highly recommended that you speak with your hair transplant surgeon about this.