Healing Process After Hair Transplantation

After hair transplantation you will surely wonder what to do, how to take care of your newly implanted grafts, how to wash your hair and how to handle the newly grown hair after hair transplantation. You will get the answer to your questions from the best in the field of hair transplantation.

At Esthetic Hair Turkey, we believe that the patient must be given all instructions and information about the post-surgery phase, as not paying enough attention will affect the results and may lead to damage to the newly implanted grafts. Read on to learn what to do after a hair transplant procedure and how to get through the healing phase without any unwanted complications.

What will happen after a hair transplant procedure? 

If you think that you will get the hair you want immediately after a hair transplant, you should have realistic expectations in order not to be disappointed, because as we all know, great results take time.

After a hair transplant procedure, the physician will apply the necessary medications to the donor area to protect it from infections that could affect the wounds and cause discomfort and pain during the healing period. You will be instructed to keep your scalp away from water for 48 hours until it is time for your first hair wash. After your hair transplant, you should avoid touching your scalp or exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent irritation or discomfort during the healing period.

What is the first wash after a hair transplant procedure? 

The first hair washing after hair transplantation is done after 48 hours from the day of the procedure. However, the first hair washing is performed by the physician. A layer of panthenol is applied to the donor area and kept for 30 to 40 minutes before being rinsed out. The physician rinses the product with water under low pressure and only gently taps the product into the scalp. Hair washing must be performed for 10 consecutive days with the products described by the doctor.

What happens after the 10th day of the hair transplant procedure?

During the healing phase, the body forms scabs over the incisions as a defense mechanism against infection. However,  scabs must be removed after 10 days from the day of the procedure to allow hair growth. If the scalp is not cleared of the scab, the hair that has grown will not find room to grow naturally and will instead curl down, leading to problems such as ingrown hairs, pimples and infections.

The scabs are removed by gently scrubbing the scalp with the fingertips and applying some pressure to remove the scabs without damaging the newly implanted grafts. It is important to remember that the scabs must not be removed with nails, as the use of nails complicates the healing phase and causes tissue damage.

When can you exercise again after a hair transplant procedure? 

Exercise is a way for many to relieve stress, and a healthy lifestyle is a priority for many people. However, this priority will have to wait for a while. After a hair transplant, you will have to wait 14 days before you can start exercising again. After this period, you can gradually return to your athletic lifestyle by walking - not running or jogging - to avoid sweating, which causes discomfort and itching.

If you are a bodybuilder or swimmer, you need to wait 30 to 40 days before lifting weights or resuming your swimming activities. While these physical activities are good for your health, they are harmful to the newly implanted hair grafts and will not give you the desired results if you do not give them the needed time.

What you should expect after a hair transplant procedure? 

After a hair transplant, you should expect some minor side effects that are not severe and will subside over time. Side effects include redness, swelling, itching and numbness. After a certain period of time, there is a sudden loss of hair, which is considered completely normal as part of the healing process and gives the new follicles the space they need to grow new, better quality hair.

General aftercare tips 

If you proceed carefully during the healing phase and follow the doctor’s instructions with discipline, you will pave the way for your result and ensure a smooth and pleasant healing phase. Follow the tips below to get the best result from your hair transplant:

• Stay away from smoking or drinking for at least 14 days after the procedure, resuming them immediately will prolong the healing phase and delay the results  

• Keep your scalp protected from direct sunlight to not irritate the scalp or cause sunburns

• Sleep with your head elevated for the first 7 days to not apply any pressure on the newly implanted grafts or cause any damage white sleeping 

• Don’t drive after the procedure directly, as the local anesthesia needs time till it wears off and till then, driving will be risky

• Avoid touching your scalp during the first days after the hair transplant procedure 

• Wait for 4 to 6 weeks before getting a haircut 

• Don’t use any chemical hair care products on your scalp 

• Use the prescribed hair care products at least for 6 months