AFTER HAIR TRANSPLANT
Hair transplant recovery timeline
During your first two weeks after your operation, the hair grafts will not be completely secure so be careful. Any impacts to your head during this period can have a detrimental effect on the overall outcome.
To be safe, we recommend cutting down on exercise during the first 2 weeks of recovery. This also helps reduce the build up of sweat and dirt within the exposed areas. Patients must use the provided required to help with the healing process.
After 1 to 5 days of surgery, any bandages can be removed but the recipient area and grafts should not be touched. During this time your scalp will be at its most susceptible damage, so ensure you keep it protected by wearing a cap. During this time swelling around the eyes or on the forehead may be noticeable so it’s important to try and reduce this where possible with our instructions on sleep and medication. Choosing to undergo an FUE hair transplant does mean the tiny incisions to the donor area will heal quickly compared to other hair loss surgeries. Most patients will have a healed donor area within 5-7 days.
On day 5, patients will be able to wash their hair very gently. A detailed set of instructions will be included in the aftercare package. By this time the grafts would have adapted to the transplanted area which means they are less likely to be dislodged. However, you must still be careful as scabs may be present so refrain from itching or scratching your scalp.
After two weeks, the transplanted hair is expected to fall out. But not to
worry, this is normal and it will start to grow back.
After 3-4 months, new hair will start to appear, giving the patient a more voluminous look.
Finally, after 12 to 18 months the final results should be clearly visible. The long anticipated, exciting end results will be on display which means you are able to show off your new hair with confidence and enjoy the many benefits of having a full head of hair.
Considerations
Hair transplants are generally a safe process with a very high satisfactory rate. But, like all medical procedures, there is always a list of do’s and don’ts you should adhere to during the aftercare and recovery process for your health and safety. Certain habits should be avoided and normal routines put on hold in accordance with the aftercare and recovery instructions.
A few considerations are listed below:
- Sleep in an elevated position using a soft pillow for 7-10 days after surgery and avoid sleeping on your stomach
- Do not participate in any strenuous activities, including going to the gym,for at least two weeks
- Do not expose yourself to direct sunlight after surgery for at least two weeks
- Wait at least 5 days until you wash your hair
- Avoid harsh shampoos
- Do not consume alcohol for 7 days prior to the surgery
TIPS FOR RETURNING TO WORK AFTER A HAIR TRANSPLANT
If you have to return to work as soon as possible after your transplant, it’s important to use these tips and tricks to help you stay safe and recover quickly.
We recommend:
- Rest as much as possible
- Allow yourself time to heal
- Spray your scalp with the solution we provide
- You may need to wear a cap to protect your hair and conceal your transplant
- Try and avoid direct sunlight
- If possible, wait 10- 14 days before returning to work