Hair Transplant Recovery - Time, Process & Pictures

While hair transplant is a comparatively safe procedure, it has some side effects like any other surgery. Some immediate side effects after the surgery include:

1. Pain: You might experience pain for a couple of days after the procedure, especially in the donor area. If the pain persists, consult your doctor immediately. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you manage post-hair transplant surgery.
2. Itching: It is common to experience some itching all over the scalp a week or two after the hair transplant. In most cases, itchiness is an indication of recovering tissue. However, if it worsens, you can take an antihistamine drug only after consultation with your doctor. 
3. Swelling: Swelling is your body’s natural reaction to an injury or trauma and one of the most common side effects of a hair transplant. After surgery, you may experience swelling on your forehead and around the eyes for two to five days. Apply a cold press on the swollen area to minimise the symptoms. Moreover, keep your head elevated and avoid sleeping on your stomach. The doctor may also give you a drug called dexamethasone to reduce swelling. 
4. Bleeding: Bleeding in the area where the grafts have been implanted is normal on the day of the procedure. However, if you experience bleeding even after the procedure, gently apply pressure (do not rub) to the area with a clean cotton bud or swab. Also, inform your surgeon, as bleeding could mean you have lost a hair follicle. 
5. Infections: Infections are the most common side effect after any surgery. The transplant should be done in a sterile surgical room to prevent infections. If you do get an infection, it can be easily treated with antibiotic tablets. 

Other long-term side effects of the surgery include:

1. Hair loss: Hair loss or shock loss is a normal process after a hair transplant. It starts to occur about ten days after the surgery. Once the shedding stops, new hair will begin to grow for the next 8 to 12 months. 
2. Scalp laxity: It refers to the skin’s ability to stretch when subjected to tension or force. The stitches in the FUT procedure limit scalp laxity for six to eight months post-surgery. However, sometimes, the damage can be permanent. Certain scalp laxity exercises can help loosen a tight scalp. 
3. Nerve damage: Nerve damage can happen in techniques such as FUT, where the depth and area of the wound interfere with the nerves. It can lead to temporary (six months) or permanent nerve damage.

The doctor will provide some hair transplant care instructions after the surgery. It is important to follow these post-operative guidelines for FUT and FUE hair transplant recovery. 

1. Hair Wash
   Washing hair is one of the most critical things in achieving the desired hair transplant results. You do not need to wash your head for the first four days after the transplant. Post four days of surgery, you must wash your head once or twice a day until the scabs fall out and the transplanted area becomes clean. Chemical shampoos and creams should not be used on your scalp for the best recovery. Instead, use medicated shampoos and creams as prescribed by your doctor. 

   1. Cover the transplanted area with a lotion, oil, or moisturiser. The lotion will help soften the scabs around the transplanted and donor area, removing traces of dried blood and ensuring faster recovery. It should be used until the scabs fall off. Wash the scalp with warm water after 15 to 30 minutes. Next, lather a small quantity of special medical shampoo between your hands and apply it to your entire scalp using your palms without pressure. 

   2. After washing the scalp, gently pat your hair dry using a paper towel. 

   3. Shampoo daily to remove scabs. If required, you can wash your hair more than once a day after the procedure. No more dried blood or scabs will be left 7 to 10 days post-surgery. You can start washing your hair normally after two weeks.

2. Food
   Eating a well-balanced diet is crucial for healthy blood flow and adequate hydration during hair transplant recovery. Nutritious food can help achieve soft, strong, healthy, thick, and beautiful hair. 

   1. Take supplements rich in protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, protein, and biotin. 

   2. Avoid eating fast foods, processed and packaged foods high in salt, sugar, and sweetened syrup.

   3. Do not consume alcohol or coffee, as it can elevate your blood pressure levels. 

3. Sleeping Position
   You should avoid touching the recipient areas of your scalp during the first-week post-surgery. Therefore, sleep on your back with your head elevated on a few pillows to achieve this.

4. Physical Activity
   Immediately after the surgery, you can engage in activities that do not make you sweat. Furthermore, you can resume your rigorous exercises ten days post-operation. Ensure to take a shower after the workouts to reduce the risk of infections. 

5. Sun Exposure
   During the first two weeks of hair transplant recovery, staying away from direct sunlight is important. Sunburns can affect skin pigmentation and damage your transplanted hair. You should wear headwear whenever outside for the first six months. Choose a headwear that is not too tight on the recipient area and does not pull on the newly transplanted grafts. 

6. Alcohol Consumption and Smoking
   Do not consume alcohol or smoke for at least two weeks after the procedure, as it can increase the healing time of wounds.

You will achieve satisfying results if the hair transplant is performed in a renowned hospital or clinic with modern facilities and experienced surgeons. While FUE and FUT hair transplant recovery takes 7 to 10 days, the results can be observed for up to a year. Following all post-operative guidelines during the recovery period is important to achieve the expected results. 

If you have any more doubts about recovery or hair transplant care after surgery, you can contact a HexaHealth expert TODAY! We will help you select the best hospital and surgeon for a hair transplant. Moreover, our team will provide you with assistance throughout your recovery phase.