Quick Facts
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Correct aftercare is a very important part of achieving the best results after a hair transplant
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Patients need to protect the scalp following a hair transplant
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Excessive sweating, for example as a result of physical activity, must be avoided
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You should not swim following your procedure for up to 4 weeks
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Patients need to do a daily lotion application and hair wash
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Full results of hair transplantation can take up to 1 year to show
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You will likely see hair growth much earlier than that
Immediately After Your Hair Transplant
Get plenty of rest on your first night after the hair transplant. Avoid touching, scratching or picking the donor or recipient areas. There may be some itching or soreness but it is important to avoid touching these areas to avoid infection or graft loss.
Can I wear a hat after a hair transplant?
We will provide a special piece of headwear - a type of bandana. This should be worn by tying the ends in a loose knot at the back. Avoid putting excessive pressure on your scalp. Make sure to wear this bandana on your flight back home and also whenever you are outside for the fist 10-14 days. After this period, you can wear a loose-fitting cap. Do not wear any headwear indoors to allow the transplantation areas to heal.
Avoid direct strong sunlight, especially in summer. Protect your scalp and make sure you do not get a sunburn.
What is the correct sleeping posiiton after a hair transplant?
Try to sleep on your back with your head elevated. Sleep in this position for the 3 first nights following surgery. This position will prevent your grafts from rubbing on anything and also reduce swelling.
Sports, swimming and other activities after a hair transplant
We recommend avoiding heavy workouts or other sport activities that result in excessive sweating for the first month after a hair transplant. Swimming (in the sea, pools etc.) should also be avoided for the first 2-4 weeks. We also advise against visits to the sauna, sunbathing or any contact sports for this period. Make sure to protect the areas on your scalp or face impacted by a hair transplant against dust, sun and heat for 4 weeks at least.
Possible Side Effects of a Hair Transplant
Swelling
You might experience some swelling approximately 2-7 days after a hair transplant. Make sure to maintain the correct sleeping position and remain upright as much as possible. Swelling will ease after a few days. If you are concerned about swelling following your procedure, contact your surgeon for advice.
Itchiness and Redness
You will experience some redness on your scalp. You can also experience some itchiness, which is completely normal. Avoid picking or ithcing your scalp, as this can result in an infection or damage to the transplanted grafts. Implantation areas will have come scabs following the procedure, which will fall off after about 7-10 days. In most cases redness goes away after a few weeks, although this is very individual and depends on many factors. For some patients, redness can remain visible for a longer period of time, which is normal.
Pimples on the scalp following a hair transplant
Pimples on the scalp after a hair transplant are normal and indicate hair growth below the top layer of the skin. This can be regarded as a positive sign of early hair growth form the transplanted grafts. These pimples will go away as hair growth will continue. Do not pop the pimples and keep the implantation area clean. Contact your surgeon if you have any concerns.
Hair wash and care after a hair transplant
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In most cases, you can begin gently washing your scalp on the second day after your hair transplant
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Gently apply the lotion (provided) using clean fingertips on the implantation and donor areas. Avoid rubbing and scrubbing the implantation area. Leave the lotion on for about 30-45 minutes. Then, use warm water (normal pressure) to rinse our the lotion.
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Apply the shampoo in a similar manner: gently, using your fingertips, without rubbing or itching the implantation or donor areas. Avoid excessive pressure.
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Rinse out the shampoo with plenty of warm water. Use normal water pressure. Dry out the scalp with a hind towel. Do not rub the scalp - instead, tap gently while drying. Do not use a hairdryer and do not use any hair sprays etc.
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This process should be repeated daily, for 10 days, to help break down crusting. After about 7 days, you can begin to gently rub the recipient area to remove the scabs. Continue to wash your scalp regularly using mild shampoo after the specified period. Contact your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.
When to expect results after a hair transplant
You will see some hair growth immediately after a hair transplant, although you can expect this hair to fall out after about 2-6 weeks. This is normal - the transplanted roots remain implanted and will begin producing healthy new hair.
The final results of a hair transplant can be assessed after about 1 year following a hair transplant. You will of course see hair growth much earlier than that. The rate of hair growth is very individual, so your experience can be different.