Q: I have developed a rather large, hard lump beneath the skin at the base of my scalp in the donor area that I first noticed this about two or three weeks after my hair transplant. What is this? — A.R. Bronx, N.Y.

A: You are describing an enlarged lymph node, a condition commonly seen as a normal part of the post-op course following hair transplants.

This is a normal part of healing in response to the surgery. It will resolve on its own in about 3-6 months. It doesn’t require any treatment and it should not be a cause for concern.