Recovery Tips and Timeline Following a Hair Transplant

There are some rules to be followed in order to achieve a more comfortable recovery process and successful results after hair transplantation. It is important to follow certain rules in order to get maximum efficiency from the hair transplant procedure, especially in the first two weeks after the hair transplant operation. During this critical period, you can maximize the results of the operation by taking your doctor’s recommendations into consideration. We have brought together the points to be considered in the process after hair transplantation and recovery tips with a timeline.

Healing Process After Hair Transplantation

After the hair transplant operation, the transplanted hair grafts go through a series of phases before reaching the desired results. Hair growth can usually take about a year or a little longer.

1 – 15 Days After Hair Transplantation

In the first days of the operation, mild swelling, itching and pain may be felt in the intake and transplantation area. These symptoms usually resolve within a week. Redness and crusting usually disappear by the 15th day.

15-30 Days After Hair Transplantation

After about three weeks, a slight loss of transplanted hair may occur. This is a normal process and a temporary sleep phase.

1 -2 Months After Hair Transplantation

Within the first few months, patients may start to see new hair follicles from the scalp. This process varies from patient to patient, but is seen on average in three months. The new hair may be thin, but will begin to thicken.

3-6 Months After Hair Transplant

In the fifth and sixth months, new hair growth increases and the hair begins to thicken.

6-10 Months After Hair Transplantation

Between six and ten months, patients usually notice a marked difference. Hair grows longer, thicker and the overall density increases.

1 Year After Hair Transplant

After one year, patients usually achieve their desired results, but recovery can take longer than a year, especially for transplants in the vertex area.

Recovery Tips After Hair Transplantation

After hair transplantation, there are important factors to be considered for a successful recovery and the best results. The factors to be considered after hair transplantation are as follows:

  • Avoid Contact for the First 2 Weeks!

Hair follicles are very sensitive in the first two weeks after the operation. Therefore, in order for the transplanted hair follicles to hold firmly in place, contact with the transplanted area should be avoided.

  • Avoid Smoking and Alcohol!

Smoking and alcohol can negatively affect blood circulation and slow down the healing process. Therefore, these substances should be avoided especially in the first 7 days after hair transplantation. 

  • Do Not Take Blood Thinners!

The use of drugs with blood thinning effect should be avoided after the operation because such drugs may increase the risk of bleeding. If you must use them, remember that you should ask your doctor.

  • Avoid Sauna and Turkish Bath!

Avoid hot environments such as saunas and Turkish baths, as they can increase sweating and blood circulation, which can affect the healing process.

  • Do Not Sunbathe!

Sunbathing should be avoided after the operation because the harmful effects of the sun can cause irritation in the hair transplantation area. Especially for the first 14 days, protect your head from the sun and wear a hat.

  • Hair Care Products 

The hair care products recommended by the doctor should be used and the hair transplant area should be gently cleaned.

  • Use a High Pillow!

Keeping the head in an elevated position, especially while sleeping, can reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.

  • Use the Headband!

A headband used as recommended by the doctor can support and protect the transplanted area. However, you should keep the headband clean and remove it at night while sleeping. If you use it otherwise, the grafts may be damaged.

  • Use of a Hat

After the operation, a hat can be used to protect from direct sunlight with the approval of the doctor. You can start using it after the 5th day after hair transplantation, but be careful not to damage the transplanted hair while using it.

  • Wait for sexual intercourse after hair transplantation!

It is important to wait for the time recommended by the doctor to have sexual intercourse, because the transplanted area may need to rest during this time. Sexual intercourse is allowed for the first 14 days after the operation.

How Should Hair Care Be Done After Hair Transplantation?

When caring for your hair after a hair transplant, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations. It is important to use the lotion and shampoo recommended by your doctor. The lotion will improve the scaling problem on the scalp, while the shampoo will prevent hair loss and support the growth of new hair. You should avoid using a comb or heat after washing your hair. Especially during the one-month period, you should be gentle when washing your hair and avoid combs, stylers and heat exposure.

As Esteworld, we take care to be with our patients throughout the whole process of hair transplantation by performing hair analysis during the examination. After the operation, we ensure that each patient achieves the results they want by following the hair growth chart. The things to be done before and after the hair transplant operation are explained to the patients in detail and necessary precautions are taken. Good planning supports a successful hair transplant operation. You can contact us for detailed information about hair transplantation and hair transplantation operation process.