Hair Transplant Recovery Process, So, you have finally decided to have a hair transplant and get rid of your balding spots permanently. You have probably been gathering all sorts of information in detail about hair transplants to get yourself ready for the operation. Now it is time to learn more about the recovery process – one of the most important determinant factor for patients who are considering going through an operation.
Going Back Home After Your Hair Transplant
Hair transplant procedures usually take about 5 to 6 hours, and you are free to go home after the operation. But you have to be careful not to hit your head anywhere. Any damage may cause your newly transplanted follicles to lose their grip and move away from their proper places. For this, you will be wearing a protective cap that covers your donor and target areas. This cap will also prevent any swelling. Your doctor will remove this protective cap during your first post-operative examination.
When you arrive home, the first thing you should do is to lay down. In fact, you should try to spend as much time as possible lying down. Walking around or spending too much time standing may result in swelling.
Try to eat healthy and fresh meals. Remember to take follow your doctor’s orders daily in terms of nutrition, exercise, and medicine.
Make sure you don’t hit your head while you’re asleep. If you are not careful, you might dislodge some of your grafts. Sleep with your head slightly elevated during the first few nights. Ensure that the top of your head doesn’t contact with your pillow or any other surface while you sleep.
So, we have listed a couple of tips that will help you during your first few days. But we have only slightly touched the recovery process nevertheless. Let’s get into the details of both short-term and long-term recovery process.
The First Three Days of Recovery Process
The day after your procedure, you will return to the clinic to have your first post-operation examination. Your doctor will remove your protective cap at this stage and check your grafts for any complications.
Afterwards, he will give you some tips to ensure that your recovery process goes smoothly over the next three days. For example, you must avoid getting your scalp wet at any time, even when showering. Smoking or drinking alcohol interferes with your healing process, so you must avoid them as well. Your doctors will then prescribe the medications we have mentioned before.
As you might have guessed, the first three days are critical for the success of your operation. But don’t let this scare you off, these three days are quite manageable if you simply follow your doctor’s advice.
On the fourth day, you will be able to wash your head by yourself. But be sure to treat your scalp very gently and use baby shampoo instead of a regular one. You can dry your head with a soft towel by gently tapping it on your scalp once you are done. You can repeat this process daily to get rid of any scabbing that might be left on your head.
Avoid exercising and weight lifting for at least a week to guarantee your results. Remember, excessive stress may cause your grafts to dislodge. Avoid swimming as well, as chlorine in pools is harmful to your newly transplanted grafts. Your life will start to return to normal after the first week.
The First Three Weeks of Recovery Process
You can start to wash your hair normally after the 10th day. Any scabbing on your head will have gone away by this time. Your scalp may feel itchy from time to time, but please avoid itching your head. Washing it with cold water can help you reduce the itching.
It would be best if you continued to avoid heavy exercise during your first three weeks after your operation. However, light jogging won’t be an issue for you at this period.
To maximize recovery, you can avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using hair care products for at least two weeks. You won’t encounter any problems as long as you follow the aftercare directions.
Seeing Your Results
When we talk about the recovery process, it wouldn’t be just fair to skip on the reason why you are having a hair transplant operation in the first place – getting results. But let’s be honest. Seeing the results of a hair transplant operation requires a lot of patience. Within 6 to 10 weeks, you will be able to see a noticeable growth on your hair.
Your newly transplanted hair may fall out at some point during this period. But don’t panic. It is a natural part of this process and is expected. Within six months, you will have enough hair to comb the way you like it. After the 8th month, your hair will have fully grown. Once you hit the first-year mark, you will be able to see your definite results.
Patience Is Key
Patience is key in the case of hair transplant operations. Hang in there and follow your doctor’s advice. You will get through it just fine. If you have any concerns about your results, be sure to contact us at any time. Our doctors will ensure that you achieve the best possible results.
Always Get a Consultancy To Get Proper Information
The most crucial thing that you must be aware of is that you can get the best information with a consultation. Because it is the only way to examine the patient’s skin, hair roots, scalp, and bald areas. Furthermore, only after getting a consultation from our experts, you can get the results you wanted.
This will also help us to determine to evaluate your recovery process, including the first washing time, how to treat your head, the nutrition, medication, and of course, how long it will take. Therefore, always bear in mind to take a consultation from our doctors before deciding to move on with any procedure.
FAQ
How long does the recovery process take?
Patients can mostly return to their daily life after ten days from the operation.
How long do I have to wait to see the results?
Seeing the results of hair transplant operations requires a lot of patience. Patients can see their results 8 to 12 months after their operation.
What happens after four months from my hair transplant?
Your hair will have started to grow at this time. But these strands of hair will not be fully matured at this stage.