After the Operation: What to Expect and Precautions to Take
One of the most critical stages of the hair transplantation process is the post-operative care. After a successful operation, there will be certain important criteria you need to avoid and be cautious about in order to achieve a natural look. Booklets with specific information about what to do and what not to do will be provided to our patients.
Appearance of Your Scalp After the Operation
After the hair transplant operation, your donor and recipient areas may appear bruised, and you may see tiny red dot-like punctures where grafts were taken from the donor area. However, this is not a cause for concern. Such conditions in the first few days after the operation are temporary.
Redness and Pink Color Change
Avoid touching the transplanted area for the first two days. The bruised appearance and small red dot-like punctures will heal within 7-10 days.
Mild Post-Operative Pain
While pain after the FUE procedure is rare, you may experience slight discomfort in the donor area rather than the recipient area on your first night. The mild pain relievers prescribed by your doctor will help you with this.
Mild Plasma (Blood Loss)
There may be mild plasma (blood loss) in both the donor and recipient areas on your first night, which is normal and healthy.
Swelling
Another condition that patients may experience on the 3rd and 4th days is swelling around the forehead and eye areas. Swelling reaches its peak on the 6th and 7th days and then subsides. Our clinic will provide you with anti-inflammatory medications to minimize swelling.
After the hair transplant operation, continue to keep your upper body elevated during sleep. Avoid bending your head while occupied with a phone or a book, as it helps prevent swelling.
Shock Loss
After the operation, hair loss can occur in the transplanted area, donor area, or non-transplanted area and can last from the 13th day to the 3rd month. This shedding, which usually occurs after the first month, is a normal reaction of your body, so don’t be alarmed.
Scabbing and Itching
Scabbing and itching are common sensations that occur after the operation. An itchy feeling on your scalp indicates healing. Scabbing can continue for 7-10 days after the transplantation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Recover After the Operation?
You will go through different stages of the recovery process after the operation, which will take 6-12 months. Hair growth is seen within 2-4 weeks, followed by temporary shock hair loss. The first two weeks may be challenging, but after completing them, you can relax and gradually return to your routine.
When Will I See Results?
Hair transplantation is a journey that takes time, and patience is key. Your transplanted hair will go through stages of improvement nearly every week. Be aware of the progress you’re making, and you’ll understand the transformation.
• Initial results are seen at 6 months.
• You begin to see good results at 12 months.
• You will have your final results within 18 months.
Will I Need to Use Bandages After the Operation?
An elastic bandage is applied if there is swelling in the forehead area to limit it. Post-operative dressings are changed at Gold City Clinic.
When Will My Hair Start to Grow After the Hair Transplant?
Your hair will start growing immediately after the operation; you can see the first protrusions where the scabs will come off about two weeks after the operation. Hair growth will continue for 12-18 months.
How Should I Sleep After the Hair Transplant?
Patients should pay attention to their post-operative sleep habits. For the first 7 days (sometimes up to 10 days), it is recommended to sleep on your back with a pillow and neck pillow positioned slightly elevated to prevent any possibility of damage to the transplanted hair. The neck pillow will be provided by our clinic and will help keep your head and neck in the same position, preventing contact with the grafts.
Can I Lose the Transplanted Hair?
Some patients may experience shock hair loss in the transplanted areas. As mentioned earlier, this is normal. Shock hair loss is part of the healing process and the regrowth of your hair.
Can I Take a Shower After the Operation?
Do not wash your hair for the first 2 days after the operation. Gold City Clinic will show you how to wash your hair after the operation and will perform the first wash for you. If you want to shower immediately after the operation, you can do so below shoulder level. Don’t stay in the shower for more than 10 minutes, and it’s beneficial to keep the shower cabin doors slightly open to prevent excessive steam.
When Can I Wash My Hair After the Operation?
You can wash your hair two days after the hair transplant. Remember to touch the transplanted area gently. Patients can wash their hair according to their usual routines 13 days after the surgery.
Can I Use a Hair Dryer After the Operation?
Please avoid using a hair dryer for the first 6 months. The heat from the hair dryer can damage your hair follicles. If you start using a hair dryer, it is recommended to set it on low heat.
Can I Comb My Hair After the Operation?
You can comb your donor area. However, you should not comb the transplanted area until the first two weeks after the operation.
Can I Get a Haircut After the Operation?
Patients can get a haircut one month after the operation. You can use a shaver for the donor area, but for the transplanted area, you should use scissors for the first 3 months.
Can I Dye My Hair After the Operation?
Chemical hair dyes can harm your scalp, so it’s not a good idea to dye your newly transplanted hair during the first 6-8 weeks after the operation for a trouble-free healing process.
Can I Smoke After the Operation?
Smoking can hinder the attachment of hair follicles to the skin due to reduced oxygen and disrupted blood circulation. Therefore, it is advisable to quit smoking 12 hours before the operation and avoid smoking for 2 weeks after the operation.
Can I Drink Alcohol After the Operation?
Alcohol consumption can interfere with the hair follicles’ attachment to the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid alcohol for the first 14 days after the operation.
Can I Exercise After the Operation?
Avoid exercising for the first two weeks after the hair transplant. You can start light exercises without lifting weights after two weeks. After completing the first month, you can participate in regular activities. You are free to do sports like football, basketball, martial arts, etc., within 2-3 months.
Can I Wear a Hat or Cap After the Operation?
You should avoid touching the transplanted area for the first 10 days after the procedure. The hat should not be too tight, and there should be a gap between the grafts and the top of the hat. Staying at home for a while after the hair transplant is recommended. If it’s raining outside, don’t forget to bring an umbrella to protect your scalp.
Can I Sunbathe After the Operation?
Direct exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of scarring and pigmentation on the scalp. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight until the healing process is fully completed. After the Operation: Can I Go to Work?
If you have an office job, you can return to work 3-5 days after the operation. However, if your work involves physical exertion and you work outdoors, it’s beneficial for our patients to stay at home for the first 14 days.
Can I Travel After the Operation?
You can travel after the operation as long as you take care of the transplanted area. Avoid touching the transplanted area and be cautious not to bump it.
Do I Need to Visit the Clinic After the Operation?
Unless you encounter an emergency situation, there is no need for our patients to visit the clinic after the operation. Your Patient Experience Specialist and doctors will monitor your entire process. You should send photos of the transplanted area for the team to assess the healing process. If you feel that something is going wrong after the surgery, you can always contact us.
What Should I Do If My Swelling Progresses?
Don’t worry if your swelling progresses. Applying cold compresses for 10 minutes every hour, along with gentle massaging, will help alleviate the swelling.