If you’re considering or have had a hair transplant, the aftercare process is one of the most critical topics to consider.
You’ll find lots of information on the hair transplant aftercare process; however, most of it is too theoretical.
I will share the same information we share with our patients after their hair transplant procedure at our hair transplant clinic.
You will learn the general instructions for the first few days post-op, but I will also discuss recovery and healing.
This expert guide will be your reference if you are considering a hair transplant or recently had one.
Before we dive in, let me introduce myself quickly.
My name is James, and I am the CO-Founder of Tecnifue International Hair Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey.
I’ve been dealing with patients since 2012 and have helped and guided them before, during, and after their hair transplant surgery.
I know a thing or two about hair restoration procedures.
General hair Transplant Aftercare Instructions
The first thing you need to remember immediately after your hair transplant is the position of your head.
Keep your Head Straight
You should try to keep your head as straight as possible.
There’s a reason why you should keep your head straight and avoid pressure on your head.
The implanted grafts are not secured yet, and pressure on the head can dislocate them, negatively impacting their survival.
Mind your Sleeping Position
The second aspect you need to watch out for is your sleeping position.
You’ll need to sleep with your head slightly elevated.
Using two pillows helps you achieve this position.
It’s essential to sleep on your back only and avoid contact between the transplanted zones and the pillow or any other object.
The grafts aren’t secured yet, and any contact with an object can cause them to dislocate.
Don’t Touch Your Head
It’s normal to be curious about how the healing progresses, and touching the head to feel the healing is understandable.
Yet you should avoid this for two reasons.
First, no matter how often you wash your hands, they are generally not 100% sanitized.
This means that if you touch your head while it’s healing, your hands can cause infections.
The second reason is that the grafts haven’t been secured yet in the initial 5-7 days.
Touching them negatively impacts the graft’s development and risks dislocating the grafts.
Only touch your head when you need to wash it.
Avoid Bumping Your Head
It’s important not to bump your head for the first ten days post-procedure.
If you bump your head during this critical period, you will undoubtedly lose the implanted grafts in the impacted zones.
Grafts are secured once all scabs are washed off, which is generally day 8 to 10 days post-op.
Take all of your Medication
There’s a reason why we want patients to take certain medications after a hair transplant surgery.
They help with overall healing and prevent any infections.
Certain patients believe they can stop taking the meds after a few days post-op because the healing is going very well.
This is not wise; all medication must be taken as the surgeon prescribes.
Generally speaking, you need to know that you’ve had a hair transplant and need time to heal.
Healing needs time, so be mindful of this.
You know your body best; listen to your body and allow it time to heal correctly.
Washing Instructions
You can’t wash your head as you normally would.
Ensure that the first wash is performed by the clinic that performed the procedure since it includes the removal of bandages and control of the procedure.
You should also get clear instructions on how to wash your head.
You mustn’t rub.
The washing needs to be done with gentle dabs.
The donor area can be washed by rubbing.
We advise our patients to wash it once a day.
With the tenth wash, we like to see all the scabs removed.
This means that during the tenth wash, you can wash off the scabs.
As a final note on washing, ensure you use professional hair transplant aftercare products.
These products are more natural and have better PH values, supporting healing.
Recovery and Healing
During the first few days, you might experience some facial swelling.
This is not a problem from a Medical perspective; it just doesn’t look very nice.
We give our patient a band to wear around the forehead to prevent the liquid from coming down to the face.
As mentioned, it’s important not to touch your head and take all your medication to avoid infections.
You should keep a close eye on the recovery of the treatment zone for the first 3-5 days post-op.
This means that you must actively share the progress with the clinic where you had the hair transplant.
Scab formation is a sign of healing.
You will start to see scab formation a few hours post-op.
These scabs will become darker and harder in texture with each day.
You’re allowed to wash them off with the tenth wash.
This is a general reference. Always double-check with the clinic or the surgeon to see if you can wash the scabs off.
Let me discuss some of the most common questions about hair transplant aftercare that we get asked at a hair transplant clinic.
More on this topic in our Related Articles:
● FUE Hair Transplant Recovery: Complete 10 Day Guide
When can you wear a hat after the hair transplant?
For the first ten days, you can only wear a bucket head.
You must avoid any contact between the hat and the treatment zone.
You must be very cautious when you put your head on and take it off.
You can use a baseball cap once you’ve washed off all the cabs.
I advise our patients to wear it only if they really have to.
Keeping the treatment zone open is better for better healing and recovery.
When can you exercise after a hair transplant?
The general recommendation is 21 days.
But light walking on the treadmill after 14 days is fine.
It’s mainly heavy lifting and intense workouts that must be avoided for 21 days.
Is PRP Necessary after a Hair Transplant?
PRP is not a must after a hair transplant.
PRP is effective in helping the transplanted grow, yet professional hair growth products are good alternatives.
You will need to decide for yourself to make this additional investment.
More on this topic in our Related Articles:
● PRP Hair Treatment: Comprehensive Expert Guide
Final Word
I’ve covered some of the most critical aspects of hair transplant aftercare.
The information I’ve shared is part of our own more extensive aftercare protocol.
Please use the information as general guidelines.
Ensure you get a complete aftercare protocol from your surgeon or the hair restoration clinic you are dealing with.
Aftercare is critical and needs to be taken very seriously.
Not only to avoid any complications but, more importantly, to ensure the desired result.
A comprehensive aftercare protocol and discipline in the follow-up from the foundation for success.
Hair Transplant Consultation
If you are considering a hair transplant and have specific questions about its aftercare, feel free to contact us.
Once you’ve contacted us, we will assign one of our Medical Consultants to support you and answer all of your questions.
We also offer complimentary hair transplant consultation to patients who are interested in a hair transplant in Turkey.
