What Is Recovery Like After Hair Transplant?

There are a lot of things to be done prior to getting a hair transplant. It's important to know what the recovery process is like. Here, we'll give you an overview of what to expect in the days and weeks following your procedure.

In the same way that we take excellent health and youth for granted, the majority of us do not appreciate our hair until they are no longer with us. A hair transplant can help many people achieve the appearance of having a full head of hair or at least a head that is fuller than it was previously.

By knowing what to expect, you can be better prepared for the healing process. Remember that you may have a different recovery experience than we describe here. However, this should serve as a useful preview of things to come.

The extent and difficulty of the operation will determine how you feel afterwards. Pain medicine provided by your doctor can ease any discomfort, whether it be a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. If bandages are applied, they are typically removed after one day. Within the first two days after surgery, you can gently wash your hair. In a week to ten days, we will remove your stitches. Consult your surgeon about the potential for postoperative drainage, bruising, and swelling.

Avoiding vigorous exercise and sporting activities for at least three weeks may be recommended after a hair transplant or a surgical incision, as these activities increase blood flow to the skin and can increase the risk of bleeding. Avoiding sexual activity for at least ten days after surgery is recommended by some doctors.

Your doctor will want to check on you frequently in the first month after procedures to make sure your wounds are healed appropriately. You should take seriously the recommendations made during these checkups.

What Is Hair Transplant?

It is a sort of surgery that repositions the hair that you already have in order to fill in a region that has either very little hair or none at all.

In most cases, the procedure will take place in the healthcare provider's office. After the back of your head has been numbed with medication, the surgeon will then clean your scalp and perform the procedure.

The transplant will be performed using either follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE), depending on which procedure your doctor deems more appropriate.

The time it takes to complete the transplant procedure might range from 4 hours to 8 hours. If your hair loss persists or you decide you'd want fuller hair at a later date, you may need more treatment.

Expectations and Recovery

Following surgery, your scalp could feel particularly sensitive. It's possible that you'll need to take pain medicine for a few days in a row. At the very least, for the next couple of days, your surgeon will instruct you to cover your scalp with bandages.

They might also give you a prescription for an anti-inflammatory or antibiotic medication to use for a period of several days. The majority of patients are able to go back to work anywhere from two to five days after the procedure.

Within at least three weeks after surgery, the transplanted hair may start to fall off, but new growth should be visible within a few months.

After six to nine months, the majority of people will observe fresh hair growth, which accounts for sixty per cent.

It is unclear how effective the hair-growing medication minoxidil (Rogaine) is; however, some surgeons do prescribe it in an effort to boost the rate of hair growth following transplantation.

Getting Things Back to How They Were

How quickly you are able to get back to your regular activities after surgery is directly proportional to the time, degree of difficulty, and procedure that you had.

After a few days of rest, you might start to feel better and be able to resume normal, light activities, including going back to work. Many patients who have undergone hair transplantation (either plugs or other types of grafts) are shocked to discover that their "new" hair begins to fall out approximately six weeks after the procedure.

You need to be aware that this is a normal situation and that it will almost always be brief. Following the cessation of hair loss, it will take an additional five to six weeks before new hair growth begins.

You can anticipate a growth rate of approximately one-tenth of an inch every month.

Healing After Having a Hair Transplant

It is extremely important that you carefully follow the aftercare instructions that have been laid out for you by your physicians.

After a hair transplant, you will need to regularly use a saline spray on your scalp in order to hasten the recovery of the follicles, protect the incisions from infection, and prevent scabbing from occurring.

The following are some helpful hints for spraying the transplanted and donor areas:

• Your left side should be sprayed with your left hand, and your right side should be sprayed with your right hand.
• If it is more convenient for you to do so, ask a member of your family or a close friend to spray the area for you.
• After you have finished spraying for the allotted 12 hours, you should have some rest for a few hours.

You should prioritise resting as much as reasonably as you can in the days after your hair transplant.

This is not only due to the fact that the surgery itself makes your body tired but also to the fact that resting helps speed up the recuperation process.

Drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking cigarettes, and engaging in high-impact exercise, and other activities such as swimming should be avoided during these few days following a hair transplant since they pose a risk to the newly transplanted hair.

Spraying your scalp with saline solution on a regular basis will help keep it moist and healthy throughout this time.

If you absolutely need to comb your hair, do it with extreme caution while it is drenched in water in order to prevent any bleeding or irritation from occurring.

Follow-up Appointments

It is possible that after your incisions have healed, you will discover that you need a "touch-up" operation in order to get results that have a more natural appearance.

In other instances, this will call for blending, which refers to the procedure of filling in the hairline utilising a variety of grafts from different donor areas.

Or, if you had a treatment called a flap, a little lump on the head known as may still be evident after the procedure.

Following the completion of the healing process, your doctor will be able to surgically remove this.

In most cases, it is preferable to plan ahead and assume that you will require some sort of touch-up operation.

The amount of any necessary follow-up surgeries may usually be correctly estimated by your surgeon.

This is crucial since everyone heals at a different pace, so we can make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary with your recovery, and it also provides you more time to ask our specialists any remaining questions you may have regarding aftercare and the potential outcomes for your hair.

Returning to Your Haircare Routine

A few days following the procedure, your scalp will most likely be pink and covered in scabs.

People with fair skin may experience this condition for a longer period of time than others, as it can persist anywhere from ten to fourteen days on average.

Your follicles will enter a state of dormancy once the pink skin and scabs have completely healed. As a result, all of your newly grown hair will fall out, and you will appear exactly the same as you did before the hair transplant was performed.

This is all a normal aspect of the procedure, which will, in the end, result in the follicles that were transplanted into your scalp producing thick, healthy new hair.

At this point, you should be able to resume your regularly scheduled hair washing as normal.

The query "what may be the greatest shampoo to use after a hair transplant?" comes up rather frequently in our line of work.

It is not necessary to switch shampoos as long as the one you typically use is not overly harsh or abrasive. You can continue to use it.

After a hair transplant, you may resume your regular hair cleaning routine by doing so:

• Bring some clean, warm water to a bowl.
• Mix a small amount of natural shampoo with the water until it forms a soapy solution.
• Carefully pour the solution from a cup or pitcher onto the transplanted and donor sites.
• Pat down softly on the grafts and gently cleanse the suture line in a circular motion in the transplanted area.
• Ensure to rinse your head properly with some regular, clean water on all sides.

Regrowth of Hair Begins Naturally, and Hair Loss Disappears

Two to three months following your treatment, you'll notice the first signs of natural hair regrowth, albeit it will be sparse and uneven since different follicles will activate at different periods.

Most hair follicles will begin producing new hairs between the ages of 5 and 8, and by ten months after a hair transplant, the vast majority of patients will have achieved full, natural, healthy hair growth.

The hair at this point normally needs a trim to get it back to being uniform in length.

Hair Transplant: What to Do and What Not to Do

You want to make sure you know how to take care of the most valuable of products when you get home from a hair transplant—the grafts of hair that were just transplanted. They need some extra care and TLC before they can properly establish themselves.

Important Things to Do After a Hair Transplant

• After your surgery, you should arrange for a ride home. Hair transplant procedures seldom necessitate heavy sedation, but if you do receive one, our doctor will not let you drive for at least 24 hours. A trusted friend or family member must sign you out before you leave.
• Keep your head raised while you sleep for the first week or as long as the swelling lasts. Most people only suffer edema for a few days, and some never feel it at all. An easy way to improvise a bed is with a recliner.
• If you have any doubts about whether or not you should take a certain drug, consult your doctor or nurse.
• On the third or fourth postoperative day, when edema is most likely to occur, apply cold packs immediately above the eyebrows.
• For the first five days, starting on day 3, treat your hair gently when washing it.
• Rinse the scalp with water from a cup.
• If your scalp is itchy, try applying conditioner to it gently.
• If you think you won't be able to wait the recommended four weeks before your operation, you can always dye your hair right before the appointment. There is no harm in dying your hair before a hair transplant procedure.
• Be sure to drink lots of water before and after getting a hair transplant.
• After around 2–4 weeks, you may see some hair loss in the transplanted areas. This is a perfectly normal and expected aspect of the hair development process. That's not to say that the hair follicles are destroyed. Within three months, your hair should begin to come back.

Important Things to Avoid After Getting a Hair Transplant

• DO NOT touch your new hairline against a pillow or sleep on your stomach or side.
• Swelling is common following surgery; it's nothing to worry about, especially on days three and four.
• DO NOT place ice on the parts of your scalp that have just undergone a hair transplant. Any contact with these places should be avoided at all costs.
• Don't worry about avoiding scalp scabs. It is normal for scabs to appear after your scalp has been poked and prodded; this is a sign that the wound is healing. You should allow the scabs on your head to form naturally until they naturally fall off, just like you would scab on your knee once it has healed.
• For the first 48 hours, REFRAIN from washing your hair.
• When it comes to your head, DON'T scratch it. Itching is common in the days immediately following a hair transplant.
• DO NOT put on any sort of headwear for the first three days. In order to harden, the scabs that form following a hair transplant need around three days. Now is a good time to avoid having anything contact your head. Face masks should be avoided by those who have recently undergone a beard transplant for the same reasons.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight on your scalp for the first two weeks. After three days, you should probably start wearing a hat outside. It's normal for people who have had a hair transplant to take a vacation to help them heal, and as long as you take precautions to avoid getting sunburnt, you'll be fine to spend time at the beach or outside. The same holds true for scuba diving.
• Avoid strenuous exercise in the days immediately following your hair transplant. Be cautious with physical activity; your blood pressure and heart rate should remain within a healthy range until the swelling danger has passed. Workout enthusiasts may find this challenging. Light cardio may need to replace heavy lifting and long-distance running.
• DON'T do anything that could make you sweat excessively.
• DO NOT dye your hair for at least four weeks after your treatment since the harsh chemicals may reduce the viability of the transplanted follicles.
• AVOID alcohol for around five days following the procedure because it slows blood flow to the brain.
• For at least a month after surgery, you should NOT smoke. Again, adequate blood supply is crucial for new hair to develop. If you haven't already done so, you should really consider quitting smoking entirely.

Conclusion

Many people can benefit from receiving a hair transplant in order to create the impression of having a full head of hair.

How you feel after the operation will be based on the extent and degree of difficulty of the procedure.

Your doctor should be able to prescribe pain medication that will alleviate any type of discomfort, whether it be a slow ache or a sudden, stabbing pain. It's possible that a hair transplant operation could take anywhere from four to eight hours to finish from start to finish. It is possible that the hair that was transplanted will begin to fall out at least three weeks after the procedure.

Within the next few months, you should start to see new growth. The majority of patients will see new hair growth somewhere between six and nine months after beginning the treatment.

It is important to maintain your scalp wet and healthy during this period, and spraying it with saline solution on a daily basis is one way to do so. If you need to comb your hair while it is wet, you should do it with utmost caution in order to prevent any bleeding or irritation from occurring. This will ensure that you get the best results possible.

Your scalp will most likely be pink and covered in scabs after you have a hair transplant procedure done.

This is all a perfectly normal part of the operation, which will, in the end, result in the follicles that were transplanted into your scalp creating new hair that is full of life and healthy.

Between the ages of 5 and 8, the majority of hair follicles start the process of creating new hairs. In the event that you do require strong sedation for your hair transplant treatment, however, your physician will not allow you to drive for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

After around two to four weeks, you may notice that the transplanted areas are beginning to show signs of hair loss. This is a natural element of the progression of the hair growth process.

Within the next three months, you should notice that your hair is starting to grow back. Avoid washing your hair for the first forty-eight hours after the treatment.

The days immediately following a hair transplant are typically marked by intense itching. During the first two weeks, you should try to limit the amount of time your scalp is exposed to direct sunlight. After having surgery, you should refrain from smoking for at least a month.

Content Summary

• Hair transplants require many decisions.
• Know the recuperation process.
• Knowing what to expect can help you heal.
• How you feel after surgery depends on its scope and difficulty.
• You can wash your hair two days following surgery.
• Postoperative drainage, bruising, and swelling are possibilities.
• Some doctors advocate avoiding sexual activity for ten days after surgery.
• In the first month after surgery, your doctor will want to check on your wounds often.
• Transplants can take 4 to 8 hours.
• If hair loss persists or you want fuller hair later, you may need further treatment.
• Your scalp may be sensitive after surgery.
• You may require pain medication for several days.
• Your surgeon will tell you to bandage your head for a few days.
• Most patients can return to work within two to five days.
• The transplanted hair may fall out three weeks following surgery, but new growth should appear within a few months.
• How quickly you can return to normal following surgery depends on the length, difficulty, and procedure.
• Many hair transplant patients are surprised to see their "new" hair come out six weeks after the treatment.
• After hair loss stops, new hair growth takes 5-6 weeks.
• Follow your doctor's aftercare instructions carefully.
• After a hair transplant, apply a saline spray to speed follicle regeneration, protect wounds from infection, and prevent scabbing.
• You should relax after spraying for 12 hours.
• After a hair transplant, you should rest as much as possible.
• Spraying saline solution on your scalp will keep it wet and healthy.
• After healing, you may need a surgical "touch-up" to create more natural results.
• Plan ahead and know you'll need a touch-up operation.
• Your surgeon can generally estimate follow-up operations.
• This is important since everyone heals at a different speed, so we can make sure there's nothing unusual with your recovery. It also gives you more time to ask our specialists any lingering questions about aftercare and hair outcomes.
• Your scalp will be pink and scabbed after the operation.
• Your freshly grown hair will fall out, and you'll look the same as before the transplant.
• This is normal, and the transplanted follicles will eventually produce thick, healthy hair.
• Two to three months after treatment, you'll notice scant, uneven hair regrowth since various follicles activate at different times.
• When you get home from a hair transplant, you want to know how to care for the grafts.
• Plan a ride home after surgery.
• If you can't wait four weeks before your surgery, you can colour your hair right before.
• Dying hair before a transplant is safe.
• After a hair transplant, drink lots of water.
• After 2–4 weeks, transplanted areas may lose hair.
• Your hair should return in three months.
• DO NOT freeze newly transplanted hair.
• Avoid scalp scabs.
• DON'T wash your hair for 48 hours.
• DON'T scratch your head.
• FIRST 3 DAYS: NO HEADWEAR.
• Hair transplant scabs take three days to solidify.
• Avoid head contact now.
• Avoid sun exposure for two weeks.
• After a hair transplant, avoid excessive exertion.
• DO NOT colour your hair for four weeks after treatment since the harsh chemicals may diminish transplanted follicle vitality.
• After surgery, don't smoke for a month.

FAQs About Hair Transplant

Which Transplant Is Better FUE Or FUT?

Some argue that the FUT procedure yields a greater number of high-quality grafts. This is based on the view that the surgeon can isolate the highest quality follicular units from the strip graft with less risk of damaging them and that there's an overall higher survival rate than with FUE grafts.

How Long Does A Hair Transplant Last?

The good news is that when performed by a trained, experienced hair restoration specialist, a hair transplant procedure can last a lifetime. That's because the genetic predisposition for hair loss resides in the follicle rather than in the scalp.

Is Hair Transplant Permanent?

Hair transplants are a treatment option for hair that is visibly thinning. The results of a hair transplant are considered permanent because you cannot undo them. However, that doesn't mean that the way your hair transplant looks after it heals is the way that it will look for the rest of your life.

Is A Hair Transplant Painful?

You'll likely feel pain or soreness at the transplant site as well as in the area where the hair was taken from. For the next few days, your surgeon may prescribe: pain medications, such as ibuprofen antibiotics, to prevent infections.

Can Hair Transplant Fail?

A diverse range of factors can cause hair transplants to fail, including graft rejection, eligibility for hair transplant, non-realistic expectations, poor post-hair transplant care, and inexperienced clinic.