Hair Transplant Recovery: A Detailed Post-operative Timeline

Your operation, the first step on your journey to full and natural-looking hair, has been completed. Now it's time for the steps you need to take to complete the healing process flawlessly. The healing process is a critical phase that can directly affect the outcome of the operation. It is a routine process that typically spans a year and includes important days, weeks, and months. In this comprehensive article, you will find what you must do for post-operative care, broken down into important days.

Emergency Care After October (First 24 Hours)

Pain Management And Swelling Control

In the first few hours after the surgery, your scalp will be sensitive as it has been subjected to an intense operation. Your donor area is usually covered with bandages, and the specialist surgeon gives the necessary instructions and recommendations regarding their care.

In some cases, patients may feel mild to moderate pain. In these cases, the severity of pain is controlled with some basic painkillers recommended by your surgeon. It is quite normal to feel this pain because there are so many processes taking place on your scalp.

Prevent Swelling

Since the procedure takes place under local anesthesia, you are likely to experience some swelling after the operation. You should spend time in semi-upright positions to reduce swelling and prevent the transplanted grafts from dislodging.

You should keep your head upright and looking up, especially when spending time on the phone. If the anesthetic fluid given leaks onto your face, it is likely to cause swelling for a few days.

First Night: What to Expect and How to Sleep

The first night after the operation may be a bit difficult. To prevent the grafts from dislodging during sleep, you should prefer semi-upright and supine sleeping positions. Damage to the transplanted hair follicles will be prevented thanks to a special sleeping pillow that will be given to you by the clinic. However, sleeping with this pillow may be a little uncomfortable.

The morning of the First Night

It is normal to see some blood on your pillow or bed when you wake up in the morning. This is not actually blood, on the contrary, it is the process that occurs when the anesthesia fluid mixes with some blood while being expelled and you mistake the entire anesthesia fluid for blood. Stay calm, this is part of the process.

Short Term Post-Surgery

Day 2 - Day 7: First Week

How and When to Remove Bandages

Bandages that completely cover the donor area are usually removed at the clinic on the second day, and a medical staff performs the first washing. Washing can typically be done on the third day.

Daily Care Routine for Scalp

One of the most important steps of the post-operative process is your daily care and washing routines. These washes are done at home and include some basic procedures. You can read the "Hair washing" guide on our website for comprehensive and step-by-step washing techniques.

Day 10 After Planting: Scab Shedding Process

How to Care for Your Scalp During Scab Shedding?

As of the tenth day, patients observe that the crusts formed on the hair follicles gradually begin to fall off and they become a little worried. This process is a natural part of healing. You can remove the crusts by washing your hair under warm water so that it is a little harder than it was in the first ten days. However, never force the shells that do not fall off. Do not forcefully rub or scratch the scalp.

Activities and Products to Avoid

Since the tenth day is still the first step of the healing process, avoid strenuous activities, swimming, and exposing your head directly to the sun. Products containing chemicals that can harm your scalp should also be avoided.

Day 15 After Transplantation: Understanding Shock Loss

Managing Expectations During Shock Loss

This process, which occurs approximately in the second week and is called "shock loss", may cause you to worry as some of your hair suddenly falls out. This process is temporary and you do not need to worry. “Shock shedding” is a normal reaction that indicates that the transplanted hair is progressing correctly after the operation.

When Should You Contact Your Doctor?

If you still notice signs of infection such as excessive redness, swelling, and severe pain in your head after two weeks, you should contact your hair transplant consultant and specialist surgeon without delay. Because these are not the expected reactions of the normal healing process.

Long Term Care

From Week 2: Starting Long-Term Care

After a rough first few weeks, it was finally time to move into long-term care and see results. For most patients, signs of recovery begin to appear starting from this week.

Monitoring the healing process: what is normal and what is not

Normal ones

• Hair Loss: As explained before, some of the transplanted hair may fall out in a process called shock shedding. It is normal and ensures permanent hair growth.
• Redness and Swelling: Mild redness and swelling are considered normal this week. Please wait a little longer as it is part of the healing process.
• Scaling: It is normal and normal for crusting to appear in the transplanted areas in the first weeks. Do not worry.

Non-normals

• Excessive Swelling and Redness: If you still have severe redness and swelling after two weeks and it does not decrease over time, it is important to contact your doctor.
• Pain: Mild pain is normal. However, if severe and persistent pain persists after two weeks, it may be a sign of infection or another complication.

How to deal with itching, numbness, or any discomfort?

• Itching: Itching experienced as the healing skin dries after the operation is quite common. You can use moisturizing creams recommended by your surgeon to relieve itching. However, avoid scratching the transplantation area! After a while, the itching will pass.
• Drowsiness: One of the common consequences is drowsiness. In the first few days, you may not even realize that you have touched your head due to the effect of the anesthesia fluid. It will go away on its own within the next few weeks.
• Discomfort: You may feel uncomfortable, especially when lying down, using the recommended pillow, or wearing a hat. It is recommended that you be patient.

6 Months After Transplantation: Significant Hair Growth

What to Expect in Terms of Density?

By the sixth month, you should usually see significant improvements in your hair density. During these months, when 50% of the transplanted hair grows out, your new hair will begin to mix with your existing hair.

Hair Styling and Cutting Recommendation

In the sixth month, you can cut your hair and style it as you wish. However, it is still not recommended to use hair care products that contain chemicals.

9 Months After Transplantation: Approaching Full Results

Evaluating Hair Growth Progress

As you approach the final results, almost more than 60% of your hair has come out. You are now on your way to full maturity.

Preparing for the Final Stages of Healing

It has been scientifically proven that the PRP process to be performed during these months contributes to the results. Even if you've never done it before, you can start as of this month.

1 Year After Transplant: Final Result

Long-Term Care of Transplanted Hair

Exactly one year has passed and your hair is denser than ever and has reached its final textural appearance. In the following processes, it will be difficult to distinguish between your transplanted hair and your existing hair. You can treat your transplanted hair like your normal hair. Remember that gentle care is always recommended.

Considerations for Future Hair Loss

Although the results are permanent, remember that your existing hair will continue to fall out in the future. When you complete the first year, you can plan a new hair transplantation operation and follow a process to achieve better results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Dye My Hair After Transplantation?

It is necessary to wait at least one year to dye the hair after the operation. Chemicals can cause permanent damage to your hair follicles.

How to Protect New Hair from Sun Damage?

Direct exposure to the sun, especially in the first ten days, can cause permanent damage to your hair follicles and the surgery area. Excessive rashes and burns may cause scratching.

Can I Wear a Hat After Hair Transplantation?

Wearing a hat is not recommended for the first month. However, a hat that does not damage the hair follicles and does not cause sweating can be worn after expert evaluation.

How Long After Hair Transplantation Can I Wash?

The first wash is performed within 24 hours by expert medical staff in the clinic where you had the operation. You should wait at least one more day to start routine washing.

Is There Pain After the Procedure?

Since the operation is performed under local anesthesia, this fluid may cause you to experience pain and swelling as it comes out. It can be easily controlled with basic painkillers and blood thinners.

When Can I Resume Exercise?

You should avoid exercising and lifting weights for at least a month. Causing excessive sweating, especially in the first month, may damage the grafts.

Will I need to take time off from work?

Generally, 2 days are sufficient for the hair transplantation operation and you can spend the recovery period while continuing your routine life. Therefore, you do not need to take extra leave from work.

How Long Will It Take To See The Final Results Of My Hair Transplant?

Although it is a process that varies from person to person, it generally occurs as follows.

• In the first 3 months: 20% – 25%
• At 6 months: 50%
• Per year: 90%
• Up to 2 years: 100%

How many days should I sleep on my back after hair transplantation?

Although the first night is especially important, supine positions should be preferred to avoid damage to the grafts planted in the first three days.

Is PRP necessary after hair transplantation?

It has been observed that the PRP process performed once a month is successful in ensuring that the hair grows thicker and healthier. Even if you have not had a hair transplant operation, PRP nourishes your hair follicles and helps hair growth.