The stage of hair transplantation after surgery can be a stressful time. Concerns about stunted growth or unexpected outcomes are common. However, this phase of your hair transplant trip should not be so stressful. With some guidelines and tips to follow, we are here to help you better understand the stages after surgery so you can know what to expect and when.

The purpose of this guide is to give you useful information on how to best care for your new hair. Please note that our instructions are not intended to replace the medical advice given to you by your doctor.

What to expect after surgery

Whether you choose to follow the FUE or DHI method, you will notice some common transient symptoms. This will happen both in the donor area, usually on the back or sides of the head, and in the transplant area, which was previously bald or thinned.

The transplanted area

It is normal to experience some side effects in the weeks after the transplant. These can occur in both the transplanted and donor area of ​​your head. In most cases, these symptoms after treatment are not a cause for concern, but you can always contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Common side effects include:

• Redness in the area of ​​the transplant for the first 2-3 weeks.
• Swelling around your face and eyes.
• Clean the transplant site for about fortnight after surgery.
• Pimples in the transplanted area during the first three months that usually disappear naturally.
• Redness in the donor area that may remain for several weeks or months depending on the time of treatment.
• Numbness or discomfort in the donor area during the first weeks.
• Itching in a transplanted area. Aloe vera gel can be used to facilitate the healing process and soothe this itching.

General instructions to follow

Here are some general tips and guidelines to follow when you are in the hair transplant phase after surgery.

Avoid smoking for the first month after your treatment.

For the first two weeks after surgery, sleep with your head up and your back straight.

Avoid alcohol and sex for the first seven days.

Only cut your hair with scissors for the first six months and avoid using a dryer for five weeks.

Hair should be dyed only after six months.

Avoid swimming, sauna, steam baths, sunbathing and strenuous exercise for a month.

Avoid dusty environments for fifteen days.

How long does the redness remain on the scalp?

Hair transplantation postoperative discoloration of the scalp (usually red or pink) can take several weeks to two months depending on the patient. People with light skin (especially those who rinse easily) may experience prolonged discoloration of the scalp, especially when densely packed. Some hair restoration doctors will prescribe something if the patient’s scalp stays pink for more than about a month.

Using a hat is an option, but it often helps to hide all the difficult stages of the process that usually take two months. This can be anything from shock loss, prolonged redness, inactivity, etc.

 

Topical concealers can help cover some redness in areas of existing hair. It will also present the illusion of fullness while you wait for the hair transplant to develop.

 

Maintenance and washing

When it comes to caring for both your scalp and your hair after treatment, there are some important points to follow.

 

Avoid washing your hair for two days after surgery. It is also recommended to apply a cold gel or ice pack on your forehead and around your eyes for 10 minutes before going to bed to reduce any swelling.

 

For the first week after surgery, you should try to make sure that the receiving area of ​​your head does not come into contact with anything. This includes hats, which should not be worn for up to a month after your treatment.

 

Using spray foam

After surgery, your treatment team may provide you with a foam spray that aims to help your hair and scalp during the post-surgery hair transplant phase. Apply the spray foam to the transplanted area of ​​your head and let it rest. Rinse after 40 minutes. To avoid any hard pressure, do not use the shower and instead gently press the foam into the transplant area. The spray foam should be used about 40 minutes before using the shampoo. Continue this every day for two weeks after surgery.

 

Use shampoo

Your treatment team can also provide you with a specialized shampoo. It is recommended to apply it to both donors and transplanted areas of your head. In the donor area, apply the shampoo and rub it with your hands. Use only your fingers and palms and avoid using your fingernails. For the transplanted area, create foam on your hands, apply it topically and rinse gently.

 

Make sure you wash your hair with lukewarm water and avoid intense pressure. Hot or cold water can damage the cuttings. As mentioned above, avoid using a hair dryer to dry your hair. If necessary, gently pat your head with soft paper towels. Finally, wash your hair once a day and continue to use anti-hair loss shampoo for a year.

 

Hair transplant growth date

Every patient after a hair transplant is unique and growth will vary from person to person. Below, we have designed a general hair transplant development program to give you an idea of ​​what to expect when.

 

Months 1-3: 90% of your transplanted hair may fall out. Do not worry about it! It is a normal procedure, occurring in 95% of hair transplant cases. Some of the natural hair next to the transplanted cuttings may also fall out. This phenomenon is known as “shock loss”. Again, this is not something to worry about. This is a temporary procedure, which means that your hair will grow over the next 3-6 months. The donor area will gradually recover as your hair begins to grow back.

 

Months 3-4: You may not notice such dramatic changes during this period, but about 5% of new fine hair will start to grow.

 

Months 4-5: Over the next two months it is typical to see about 20-25% of transplanted hairs begin to grow.

 

Months 6-9: Between the sixth and ninth month after your treatment, most of your transplanted hair should start to grow (about 75%) and your hair should become thicker and thicker.

 

Months 9-18: After the ninth month, 20-25% of new hair usually grows. However, it is worth noting that in some cases it can take up to 18 months for hair to fully develop in the crown area.