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 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 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