The Do’s and Don’ts Post Hair Transplant Surgery

Once you leave the operating room after hair transplant, a new journey of post hair transplant will begin. This period of time is very crucial and highly counts for the success of your surgery.

Therefore, you should carefully adhere to the post-operative instructions and follow your surgeon’s instructions.

In this blog post we will discuss the entire process of hair transplant aftercare, what to expect and things to avoid.

So, without further ado let’s get right into it!

Overview about Recovery After Hair Transplant

The recovery period after hair transplant is very short unlike other surgical operations. It actually takes between 10-14 days to fully recover after hair transplantation. That’s why it’s known as a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure.

During this period of time patients will experience some side effects that include swelling, scabbing, redness, scalp numbness and itching.

These side effects will subside within maximum 1-2 weeks and patients can go back to their normal routine.

What to Expect After Hair Transplant?

Besides the normal side effects that patients will experience after hair transplant, there are some other things to put in mind. Patients should expect their newly transplanted hair to start falling out 2-3 weeks after the surgery. This is completely normal and shouldn’t cause any problems.

The new hair falls out as a way of adjusting to the new environment and allowing for new permanent hair to grow. You can expect your hair to grow back again by the beginning of the 3rd month.

Once the hair starts to grow it will never fall out again. However, at the beginning you will notice that the hair shafts are thin and brittle.

But don’t worry! Over time, the hair will grow much stronger and thicker.

You can expect to see initial results after 6 months; however, it will take 8-9 months to see some actual and satisfying results. For some other patients it may take more than this period of time to obtain the final results.

This period of time can take up to 12-18 months which depends on the patient’s hair growth rate. That’s why it’s very important not to compare your results with other people as everyone heals at different pace.

Do’s and Don’ts After Hair Transplant

Now that we discussed the expectations and recovery after hair transplant, let’s talk about what to do and the things to avoid.

Instructions to Follow After Hair Transplant

There are certain things you should do post hair transplant to guarantee smooth recovery and successful results. These include:

• Sleeping After Hair Transplant

After hair transplant patients must sleep in an elevated position for the first 5 nights. This will help reduce swelling and prevent dislodging the grafts. To help raise your head you can use two pillows and a neck pillow to prevent your head from tilting left or right.

• Taking Necessary Medications

Once you finish your hair transplant surgery, the clinic will provide you with some medications that include antibiotics, painkillers and vitamin C.

You should take these medications as instructed to ensure smooth recovery and avoid any pain or infections.

• Washing After Hair Transplant

You can start washing your hair 48 hours after hair transplant. It’s very important to use a mild shampoo and avoid hot water when washing your hair.

Also, make sure to gently massage your scalp with your fingertips in a circular motion for about 5 minutes then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

 

Avoid using any products that contain harsh chemicals and stick to the products given to you by the clinic. Usually, most hair transplant clinics in Turkey will provide you with an aftercare kit that includes a mild shampoo and lotion to soften the blood clots and scabs.

• Using Ice Packs

In order to reduce the swelling after hair restoration surgery, you can apply an ice pack on your forehead and cheeks for 15 minutes. But be careful not to apply it too close to the hairline as this can detach the hair grafts.

In addition to that you have to drink plenty of water at least 2 liters per day to avoid dehydration and reduce swelling.

• Wearing the Head Band

Hair transplant clinics normally provide their patients with a head band that helps reduce ad control swelling. You can wear the band around your forehead for the first 5 days and remove it before you sleep.

Things to Avoid After Hair Transplant

There are certain things you should avoid after hair transplant to make sure the grafts take root and your results are successful. These include:

• Avoid Touching or Scratching Your Head

After hair transplant, you might feel an urge to touch or scratch your head but try to resist it. Touching or scratching your head can irritate the scalp causing infections and damage the grafts.

If you feel like you can’t help but scratch your head, you can spray saline to minimize the itching sensation.

• Avoid Physical Activities

It’s important to avoid any type of strenuous activities that can cause sweating for the first month post hair transplant as this can lead to infections. This includes, weight lifting, running, cycling, swimming, football (or soccer) and basketball.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight and High Temperatures

You should avoid exposure to direct sunlight or going to the sauna and steam room for at least 2 weeks after surgery. Exposing the scalp to high temperatures can cause sweating with leads to bacteria build up and infections.

Heat and ultraviolet rays can also damage the surface of the skin causing scars and prevents the grafts from taking root.

• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Both alcohol and smoking either before or after hair transplant can damage the grafts and delay healing. It’s best to avoid them altogether for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the surgery.

• Avoid Covering Your Head

It’s important to keep your head uncovered for at least 10-14 days after hair transplant. This helps the grafts from getting dislodged and allows the scalp to breathe.

For individuals who have to cover their head for religious reasons, they may start using a loose hat or scarf to protect their heads from UV rays and dust. But, make sure not to use a tight fitting hat as this can cause pressure on the grafts and damage them.

• Avoid Shaving Your Hair

After a hair transplant, it is important to wait until the incisions have healed before shaving your head. This typically takes about one month.

Be sure to use a clean tools and avoid shaving too close to the skin, as this could irritate the healing tissue. If you are unsure about how to shave your head after a hair transplant, talk to your doctor or surgeon for guidance.

Additional Instructions Post Hair Transplant

In addition to the list above there are some additional instructions to follow as part of the hair transplant post-op care.

• You should avoid using hair styling products for at least 4 weeks after hair transplant as they can irritate the scalp and cause infections.
• Abstain from sexual intercourse for a week after the surgery.
• Avoid bending as this can increase swelling.
• Do not pick at the scabs.
• Do not use any hair dyes for at least one month.
• Do not use a blow dryer on high heat for the first month after hair transplant. If you need to use it you may do so after 2 weeks but on a cool setting.

In conclusion, by following these simple tips you can make sure your post hair transplant care and recovery goes smooth and successful.

And if you want to get the best results, make sure to choose a reputable clinic like Avrupa Hair Transplant that has experienced surgeons and a proven track record.