Combined Use of Povidone-Iodine and Rifampicin in Hair Transplantation

This randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining 10% povidone-iodine with 125 mg rifampicin for preoperative scalp antisepsis in hair transplantation procedures. The study was conducted in a private hair transplantation clinic between December 2021 and May 2022. A total of 65 adult patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental group (n=34), which received the combined povidone-iodine plus rifampicin protocol, and the control group (n=31), which received povidone-iodine alone as the standard preoperative antisepsis protocol. Data collection included the use of standardized forms, intraoperative and postoperative observation records, and photographic documentation. Follow-up assessments were performed on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. The primary aim of the study was to assess the potential of this combined antiseptic protocol to improve wound care and infection prevention practices in hair transplantation surgery.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the combined use of povidone-iodine and rifampicin for scalp antisepsis in hair transplantation. The study employed a randomized controlled design, involving adult patients undergoing elective hair transplantation procedures. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving the combined antisepsis protocol or a control group receiving standard povidone-iodine alone. The inclusion criteria included patients over 18 years of age, undergoing elective hair transplantation, and providing informed consent. Exclusion criteria included hypersensitivity to the antiseptic agents or active dermatological conditions on the scalp. The antiseptic agents were applied preoperatively before the transplantation procedure. Patients were monitored postoperatively at scheduled intervals, and the antisepsis process was documented using standardized photographic assessments. The total sample included 65 patients. The study duration involved approximately 14 days of follow-up. No interim analysis was conducted. The study protocol was approved by the Bahcesehir University Clinical Research Ethics Committee. This clinical protocol aims to contribute to the evidence base regarding the use of combination antiseptic protocols in minor surgical procedures.