What To Do and What Not To Do After a Hair Transplant

You’ve just had a hair transplant! After care is extremely important following a surgical procedure for many reasons. For one, we want to help our patients achieve the best possible outcome. But most importantly, with proper after care it can help avoid some serious risks such as infection.

Whether you went with FUE (follicular unit extract) or FUT (follicular unit transplantation) the list of dos and don’ts are going to be pretty similar with the exception of a few things that are unique to each surgical method.

FUE Hair Transplant Method

The FUE method does not involve any incisions, which makes recovery quick and much simpler than the FUT method. Instead of an incision, the donor grafts are carefully extracted from the back of the scalp. The grafts are then aesthetically placed where the patient is experiencing hair loss. This is determined on a case-by-case basis and is discussed during the patient’s pre-op.

Following surgery, patients can expect some pinpoint bleeding where the grafts were obtained, as well as in the areas where the grafts were transplanted. With proper care, the back of the scalp can be expected to heal within 3-5 days. The transplanted grafts will develop small scabs that will fall off on their own within 10-14 days.

FUT Hair Transplant Method

The FUT method involves a little more after care than the FUE method because the linear incision on the back of the scalp where the donor grafts are obtained. Because the donor grafts are used from the excised strip of tissue, the patient will have to follow proper aftercare for the incision for about one week.

Dos:

Follow hair washing and incision aftercare instructions that are provided during pre-op

Apply ice to the forehead (NOT where grafts were placed)

Sleep elevated to help with swelling in the brow/forehead area

Don’ts:

Avoid exercise and strenuous activity for the first week

DO NOT pick at the scabs, let them fall off naturally

Avoid nicotine and alcohol before and after surgery, this will help minimize infection and will allow for a faster recovery

Don’t wear anything tight fitting on the scalp for at least 5 days.

Avoid direct sun exposure until the scalp can be protected with a hat

Avoid hair dye for at least 4 weeks following surgery

Activities to Avoid Post-Transplant

After undergoing a hair transplant, it’s essential to give your scalp the care and attention it needs to heal properly. This involves avoiding activities that can strain the scalp, cause excessive sweating, or disrupt the healing process. Activities such as heavy lifting, rigorous workouts, or any other physical endeavors that may put undue strain on the scalp should be avoided for at least two weeks after the transplant.

While it might be tempting to resume your normal exercise routine, it’s crucial to be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal. Intense physical activities can increase blood flow to the scalp, potentially leading to complications such as increased swelling or even dislodging newly transplanted hair follicles. It’s essential to listen to your body and follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure a successful recovery.

Furthermore, steering clear of activities that lead to excessive sweating is equally important. Profuse sweating can introduce bacteria and impurities to the scalp, potentially leading to infections or other complications. It’s advisable to limit activities that cause you to sweat heavily during the initial phase of recovery.

For instance, engaging in hot yoga sessions or spending extended periods in a sauna can lead to an increase in sweat production, which can be detrimental to the healing process. Therefore, it’s prudent to avoid such activities until you’ve received clearance from your surgeon.

By heeding these precautions and refraining from physically demanding activities during the recovery period, you’re actively contributing to a successful outcome and allowing your hair grafts to take hold securely. It’s crucial not to underestimate the significance of these restrictions and understand that they play a critical role in ensuring optimal results from your hair transplant procedure.

Managing Stress and Hygiene After a Hair Transplant

Understandably, a hair transplant can be a life-altering experience, and managing stress during the recovery process is crucial. It’s normal to feel anxious about the results or worry about appearance. However, it’s important to acknowledge that heightened stress levels may negatively impact recovery.

To effectively manage stress, incorporating calming techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and light physical activity can significantly contribute to a sense of well-being and promote a positive recovery experience. These practices not only aid in reducing stress but also offer an avenue for relaxation, which supports the healing process.

Consider integrating short walks or gentle stretching exercises into your daily routine. Engaging in these activities can support healthy blood circulation and overall well-being without exerting excessive strain on the scalp area. Additionally, practicing mindfulness can be an effective tool to alleviate any post-transplant stress.

Furthermore, maintaining proper hygiene is essential in promoting optimal healing while preventing infections and complications after the surgery. Following your surgeon’s instructions regarding the use of mild, non-medicated shampoos for scalp washing is crucial. This practice ensures that the scalp remains clean without irritating the newly transplanted hair follicles.

It’s advisable to use a mild shampoo specifically provided by your surgeon for washing the scalp from the fifth day after the procedure. It’s equally important to be mindful of gentle washing routines and techniques to prevent dislodging newly transplanted hair follicles.

Some hygiene practices to consider include utilizing gentle hair washing twice a day, using mild shampoos without any medicated properties, and avoiding scratching or picking at the scalp during recovery. These steps work together to support optimal healing and safeguard against potential complications.

By proactively managing stress levels and adhering rigorously to hygiene guidelines post hair transplant, you are taking significant steps towards ensuring a smooth recovery process and optimal results.

Mastering the art of post-operative care is instrumental in cultivating flourishing results and enjoying the fruition of your hair transplant journey. Let’s now delve into the enthralling phase of observing hair growth after transplant.

Consequences of Neglecting Hair Transplant Care

Properly caring for your hair transplant isn’t just about following a set of instructions—it’s about ensuring that you achieve the best possible results and avoid unnecessary complications. Neglecting proper aftercare can lead to several undesirable consequences that could significantly impact the success of your surgery. Let’s explore some of the potential pitfalls of neglecting hair transplant care.

Increased Risk of Infection

Neglecting hair transplant care significantly increases the likelihood of developing an infection at the transplant site. Without diligent aftercare, there’s a 60% higher chance of infection, which can compromise the overall success of the procedure and lead to discomfort and potential scarring. Proper care significantly reduces this risk and promotes healthier recovery.

Poor Growth and Unsatisfactory Outcome

Neglecting essential aftercare steps—such as avoiding sun exposure, refraining from scratching the scalp, and abstaining from smoking and drinking for a certain period—can result in poor growth of transplanted hair. The likelihood of reduced hair growth without proper care can be as high as 75%, leading to disappointing results that do not meet your expectations or the goals set during your consultation.

Complications and Unwanted Side Effects

Neglecting post-transplant care isn’t just about compromising the aesthetic outcome; it can also lead to unwanted complications such as itching, swelling, and scabbing. Without the proper attention and care, the risk of experiencing complications increases by 40%, potentially prolonging recovery time and causing unnecessary discomfort.

Prolonged Recovery Time and Increased Scarring Risk

Neglecting post-transplant care can extend the overall recovery time by approximately 30%. This means that what could have been a smooth, straightforward recovery may become prolonged and more challenging due to complications arising from inadequate aftercare. Additionally, there’s an increased risk of scarring by 50% without proper care, impacting both the visual outcome and the comfort of your recovery.

By recognizing these potential consequences, we reaffirm the critical role that proper aftercare plays in ensuring the success and satisfaction of your hair transplant journey. Adherence to recommended aftercare guidelines is not just a formality—it directly impacts your long-term results and overall experience.

As we’ve seen, neglecting aftercare for a hair transplant can have significant implications.

Timeline to Resuming Normal Lifestyle After a Hair Transplant

After a hair transplant, it’s crucial to provide your body with adequate time to heal and adjust. The initial recovery phase is pivotal for the success of the procedure. Since individuals recover at differing rates, patience and attentiveness to your body’s signals are essential. Let’s outline the timeline for gradually resuming regular activities after a hair transplant.

Initial Recovery Period

In the first few days following the hair transplant surgery, prioritizing rest and relaxation is imperative. This period enables the scalp to recuperate from any swelling and tenderness resulting from the procedure. Surgeons frequently advise keeping the head elevated while sleeping to minimize swelling. Additionally, it’s vital to diligently adhere to post-operative instructions, including taking prescribed medication, following a healthy diet plan, staying well-hydrated, and refraining from physical exertion.

Resuming Physical Activities

The timeline for reintroducing physical activities varies based on the surgeon’s specific guidelines. Light physical activities can typically resume after about two weeks post-transplant, followed by moderate activities around the four-week mark. Strenuous physical activities such as heavy lifting or high-impact exercises should be avoided until approximately six weeks after the surgery to ensure complete scalp healing and reduce the risk of dislodging newly transplanted hair follicles.

The recovery period following a hair transplant demands patience and strict adherence to post-operative directions, allowing your scalp to heal properly and enabling secure hair follicle establishment.

Additional Resources

If you are someone who is considering a hair transplant, UFP Hair Restoration offers excellent options.
Contact us to schedule a hair restoration consultation or call 801-776-2220.

What To Do and What Not To Do After a Hair Transplant