Blog

By Ashley Gregory
Patient Care Coordinator

Hi there and welcome back to our video series where we dive into the ins and outs of facial plastic surgery. Today we’re going to talk about what you can expect when recovering from a hair transplant. I want to make sure you’re well prepared for the journey ahead. Let’s get started.

Preparing for a hair transplant recovery.

What Can I Expect During the Hair Transplant Recovery Process?

All right, let’s kick things off with what you can expect right after your hair transplant.

The initial healing phase. Expect some redness and swelling in the transplant area for the first few days. It’s all a part of the process, like as a sunburn fades over time.

Depending on if you had an FUE or an FUT procedure, you may or may not have sutures on the back of your head. There’s also scabbing and shedding. Tiny scabs will form around the transplanted hairs and typically shed around 14 days. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. It’s also common for some hairs to come off with the scabs, but don’t worry because the actual follicle is already implanted in your scalp and should have its blood supplied by this point.

New hair growth. Patience is key. New hair will start to grow around three to four months post surgery with full results visible in nine to twelve months. The hairs will get thicker over time as well. Usually 18 months after surgery is when you’ve made a full recovery.

What Should I Do Immediately After My Hair Transplant?

Let’s get into those crucial first steps right after your surgery.

Follow post op instructions. Your surgeon will provide a detailed care instructions and stick to them like glue.

Be very gentle with your hair care, especially when washing your hair. Use a mild baby shampoo mixed in a cup of water and avoid scrubbing the transplanted area. Around two weeks post op, you’ll be able to resume your normal hair washing habits.

Do not wear a hat or put any hair products in your hair. You’ll also want to protect your scalp, keep your head elevated and avoid direct sunlight. Do not wear a hat while you still have scabs. And if you do have to wear a hat after that point, make sure you wear it very loose. You want to make sure the wind can blow it off, and only wear it for short periods of time.

How Can I Manage Pain and Discomfort During the Initial Days Post-Transplant?

Managing discomfort is easier than you might think.

You’ll have pain medication and take your prescribed pain medications as directed by your surgeon. They’re designed to keep you comfortable. Pushing through the pain can actually raise your blood pressure and push out the grafts before they are healed and ready.

Cold compresses. So you can apply ice to your forehead or over your eyes to help reduce swelling. Just be careful not to place ice directly on the transplanted area.

Rest and relaxation. Take it easy and rest. Your body heals faster when you’re relaxed and not stressed.

What Are the Typical Patterns of Swelling and Shedding?

Understanding the normal recovery signs can ease your worries.

Swelling. Swelling typically peaks around day two or three and should start to subside by the end of the first week. Swelling is most common on the forehead and eyes.

The shedding phase. The transplanted hairs will shed around two to three weeks after the procedure. Don’t panic, this is a normal part of the growth cycle.

Long term growth. New hair growth usually begins around three to four months with the most noticeable changes by the six month mark.

How Long Should I Rest Before Resuming Normal Activities?

Here’s your guide to getting back on your feet.

The initial rest period. Take it easy for the first two to three days. Avoid any strenuous activities. You’ll want to avoid any physical activities like heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for at least four weeks to prevent strain to the transplanted area.

And protect your scalp. Avoid activities that could impact your scalp, like contact sports, for at least a month. If you have to wear a helmet of any kind, first, get the go ahead from your surgeon, and we recommend to wear a bandana underneath to help protect your new follicles from friction that can damage them.

Are There Dietary Recommendations to Aid Recovery?

What you eat can make a big difference.

Stick to a nutrient rich diet, focused on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods high in protein, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E are particularly beneficial.

And stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Hydration supports overall healing. And avoid alcohol and caffeine because they can dehydrate you and actually interfere with the healing process.

What Can I Expect During Follow Up Appointments?

Follow up appointments are your recovery checkpoints.

They’re crucial for monitoring. These visits are essential to ensure everything is healing properly and to address any concerns. You’ll get healing assessments, so your surgeon will check the healing of the transplants and donor sites and can provide additional care instructions if needed.

Long term monitoring. Regular follow ups over the first year help track hair growth and ensure the best possible outcome.

What Are Signs of Complications?

Know when to seek help for infection symptoms. So watch for signs of infection such as excessive redness, swelling, pus, or fever. Contact your surgeon immediately if these occur.

Excessive bleeding. Some bleeding is normal, but if you experience significant or prolonged bleeding from the transplant site, seek medical attention.

And severe pain. Persistent pain that isn’t relieved by medication should be reported to your surgeon.

How Long Does it Take to See Final Results?

Patience is key with hair transplants.

There are gradual results. So initial shedding occurs within the first few weeks, with new growth starting around three to four months post surgery.

Full results typically tell nine to twelve months.

Use gentle shampoos and avoid harsh hair treatments to protect your new hair growth.

And keeping a healthy lifestyle. Maintain a healthy diet, manage stress, and avoid smoking to support long term hair health and maintain transplant results.

And there you have it, a comprehensive guide to recovering from a hair transplant.

Remember, every recovery journey is unique, so always follow your surgeon’s advice and be patient and trust the process. Thanks for watching!