Essential Advice on Hair Transplant Recovery
Deciding to have a hair transplant is a big step, and if you have just undergone the procedure, you may be wondering what comes next. The recovery stage is an essential part of your overall hair transplant experience. We are going to discuss several of the best tips for recovery after a hair transplant to support the best results from your transplant.
Recovery varies from person to person. However, recovery itself can be based on general principles that will help you through the process. Generally, you can expect the initial recovery period to take from seven to ten days. During this time, it would not be unusual to expect some level of redness, swelling, and/or scabbing. Full recovery - including the eventual hair growth - can take more time, and may be anywhere from several weeks to months.
The immediate days after Surgery
The first few days following your hair restoration are a very crucial time. During this period, follow your surgeon's instructions as best as possible to minimize your risk of complications and promote healing.
Rest and Relax: Allow your body some time to begin the healing response, and continue to rest and relax in the first days following surgery. You should avoid strenuous exercise and keep your head elevated as much as you can to minimize swelling.
Avoid Touching and Scratching: It is not unusual to have itching while healing occurs. While you may feel compelled to scratch, it is best to avoid doing so and touching the transplanted area so you do not disrupt the grafts.
Follow Medication Instructions: Your surgeon may provide you with medications to mitigate swelling, discomfort, or the risk of infection. Please take medications as instructed by your surgeon
Post-Operative Care Instructions
Your scalp needs special care after the surgery to ensure a proper recovery. Please use the simple care instructions provided below to start your own post-operative care:
Hair Washing
You will be recommended to stop washing for a few days after surgery. Once everything is clear, you will want to use a gentle shampoo with lukewarm water. Do not directly spray water on the graft. Instead, use a rinsing cup to rinse off the graft.
Take it easy: You will want to try and use only your fingertips, and gently massage in the shampoo as opposed to any vigorous scrubbing.
Pat dry: Avoid rubbing the scalp dry with a towel. Instead, lightly pat the towel to dry the hair.
Protecting Your Scalp
Proper scalp care is vital to recovery and hair growth.
Avoid Sun: Do not expose your scalp to direct sunlight, or wear a loose fitting hat for approximately one month after surgery.
Do Not Use Hair Products: You should not use any hair products or hair styling products, including hair gels or sprays, until your doctor tells you it’s okay to.
Lifestyle Changes for Enhanced Recovery
There are a few lifestyle changes you can make that will benefit your recovery and hair transplant success.
Diet and Nutrition
Eating a well-balanced diet can aid in hair and scalp healing and promote hair growth.
Eat Protein: Hair is mostly made of protein, so be sure you are consuming enough protein. Lean meats, fish, beans, and pulses are all great sources of protein.
Eat Vitamins and Minerals: Eat food sources rich in vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and iron for healthy hair and hair growth.
Harmful Habits
Some habits will impede recovery and affect hair growth after surgery.
Quit Smoking: Smoking will reduce blood flow to your scalp, thus delaying your recovery if you're smoking.
Limit Alcohol: Alcohol will dehydrate you and slow down the recovery process. It is best to limit your alcohol intake or eliminate it completely during recovery.
Monitoring Your Healing Process
It's beneficial to monitor your recovery and hair restoration after surgery. Here are some tips on how to track your progress:
Consistent Follow Ups
At Follicle we see patients for follow up appointments at weeks 1, 1 month, 6 and 12 months into their hair transplant recovery. This helps us to monitor the success of each transplant, continue assisting your recovery, and communicate if there are any changes that may be needed. We also have optional check-in points at 3 and 9 months if you have concerns and would like to have closer monitoring during those times.
During the check-in appointments, we also perform the three included with the surgery light therapy sessions that stimulate hair growth during the healing process.
Photo Documentation
It is also recommended that you take photos of your scalp at regular intervals documenting your hair growth after surgery. This can give you visual progress in your hair restoration process, and help to have a photo to show your doctor if there are concerns.
Typical Issues and Solutions
The recuperation following a hair transplant can be a difficult time. Typical concerns and solutions are listed below:
Itching and Sensitivity
After surgery itchiness can be a common sensation that some people experience. Most types of sensitivity can be treated or alleviated using either a saline spray or a very weak moisturizer that your surgeon can suggest.
Shock Loss
Some patients may develop a temporary hair loss condition, "shock loss" occurs several weeks post-surgical hair restoration. This natural phenomenon is a normal part of the recovery process and you will eventually grow hair back into all of these areas.
Newly Growing Hair
You may check your hair shortly after surgery and may initially look uneven or patchy. The hair will eventually grow evenly and develop into a fuller appearance. Almost always between six to twelve months later most patients will see significant growth
Follicle supports its clients through every step of Recovery
If you are considering getting a hair transplant, Follicle Clinic Sydney is the best place to start. Our specialists will guide you from the first consultation through to the recovery period, ensuring you achieve a natural aesthetic with long-lasting results. Start your journey to increase your confidence and have the hair you have always wanted.
Take the first step and reach out today so we can assist you in organizing an appointment with Follicle Clinic Sydney. We will guide your recovery and regrowth process.