After a hair transplant procedure, it is normal to experience some redness, swelling and bruising around the treatment area.
Losing your hair can be a challenging and emotional experience, but thanks to modern technology and advances in medicine, there are now options for treatment. One of the most popular treatments is getting a hair transplant. But what happens after the procedure? In this blog post, we’ll explore the stages after hair transplant so you know what to expect on this journey towards regaining confidence in your appearance. Whether you’re considering a hair transplant or have already had one done, this informative guide will help prepare you for the road ahead!
Introduction to Hair Transplant
‘A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair from one part of the body to another. It’s typically used to treat male pattern baldness. In this procedure, grafts containing hair follicles that are genetically resistant to balding are transplanted to the balding areas of the head. The new hair will grow for about three to four months and then shed. However, it will continue to grow back permanently.’
What to Expect After an Hair Transplant Procedure?
After a hair transplant procedure, it is normal to experience some redness, swelling and bruising around the treatment area. These side-effects should subside within a week or two. It is also common to have scabs form around the transplanted hair follicles. It is important not to pick at these scabs, as they protect the newly transplanted hairs and help them to heal properly. Additionally, new hair growth may be evident within 2-3 months after the procedure, though it may take up to 6 months for full results to be visible.
Postoperative Care and Instructions
After your hair transplant, you will need to take care of your scalp. This involves:
-Washing your hair with a mild shampoo every day
-Apply a thin layer of ointment to your scalp twice a day
-Covering your head with a bandage or scarf for the first week
-Avoiding strenuous activity or exposing your scalp to sunlight for the first week
You will also need to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights. This helps reduce swelling and bruising. To do this, use two pillows instead of one when you sleep. Place one pillow under your head and another under your shoulders.
Sutures or Stitches Removal
After a hair transplant, you will likely have sutures or stitches in your scalp. These will need to be removed before your hair can begin to grow.
Most patients will have their sutures or stitches removed within 7-10 days after their surgery. The removal process is usually quick and painless. Your surgeon will simply snip the sutures and pull them out. You may feel a slight tugging sensation, but it should not be painful.
Once your sutures are removed, you will need to take care of your incisions. Keep them clean and dry for the next week or so. Your surgeon may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. Be sure to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions for wound care.
If you had stitches that dissolve on their own, they will slowly disappear over the course of a few weeks. Again, keep the area clean and dry while they dissolve.
Once your incisions have healed and your hair begins to grow back, you’ll finally start to see results from your hair transplant!
– Shampooing After Surgery
It is important to shampoo your hair after surgery to help remove any scabs or crusting that may have formed on your scalp. This will also help to keep your hair and scalp clean and free from infection. Be sure to use a mild shampoo and avoid scrubbing your scalp too vigorously. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips and rinse thoroughly.
– Caring for the New Grafts
Assuming you are referring to post-operative hair transplant care, it is important to keep the scalp clean and free of any crusting that may form. Wash gently with a mild shampoo every day or as directed by your surgeon. Avoid vigorous activity that could cause excessive perspiration and wetting of the grafts. Do not use a hairdryer, curling iron, hot rollers or cosmetic products on the transplanted area for at least 5 days. Protect your grafts from direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks by wearing a hat or using an umbrella. After 2 weeks, you can start using sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) on the transplanted area when outdoors.
It is normal to lose some of the newly transplanted hairs (shock loss) in the first few weeks after surgery. The new hairs will eventually regrow but may take several months to fully mature. Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon are important to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly.
– Use of Medicine, Dressings and Bandages
After a hair transplant, it is important to use medication, dressings, and bandages as directed by your doctor. This will help to ensure that your transplanted hair follicles are protected and that your scalp heals properly.
Medication: You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics as directed by your doctor. You may also be prescribed a topical corticosteroid to help reduce inflammation. Be sure to use this medication as directed.
Dressings: Your doctor will likely recommend that you wear a soft dressing or cotton cap over your transplanted area for the first week or so. This will protect the newly transplanted hair follicles from rubbing against clothing or pillowcases. After the first week, you can switch to a loose-fitting baseball cap or scarf.
Bandages: Your surgeon may place small strips of surgical tape over your incisions. These can be left in place for up to two weeks. You may also have drains placed under your skin to help remove excess fluids. These can be removed after a few days.
What Not to Do After a Hair Transplant
1. Don’t Wash Your Hair for Two Days
2. Avoid Strenuous Exercise for a Week
3. Stay Out of the Sun for a Month
4. Don’t Use Chemicals on Your Hair for Three Months
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption for at Least Two Weeks
Tips for Prudent Healing and Healthy Results
1. After your hair transplant, it is important to take good care of your scalp. This means keeping your head clean and dry, and avoiding anything that could irritate your scalp or disrupt the healing process.
2. It is also important to avoid sun exposure and protect your scalp from the sun with a hat or scarf. Sunlight can cause irritation and inflammation, which can lead to problems with the transplanted hair.
3. You should also avoid strenuous activity for at least a week after the procedure. This includes anything that would make you sweat heavily, such as exercise or hot showers. Sweating can irritate the transplanted area and disrupt the healing process.
4. You should sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights after the procedure to reduce swelling. Try to sleep on your back or use extra pillows to prop up your head while you sleep.
5. Lastly, be sure to follow any instructions given to you by your doctor or surgeon. They will know what is best for you and your specific case, so be sure to listen to their advice.
Hair transplantation is a major decision and you should be aware of all the stages after hair transplant to ensure that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible. The first stage involves preparing your scalp for surgery, then undergoing the actual operation, followed by post-operative care and recovery. After several months, you can fully enjoy your new look with natural and healthy looking hair growth results. Now that you know what happens after a hair transplant, we’re sure that it will help in motivating you to go ahead with it if you are considering it.