The success of a hair transplant doesn’t solely depend on the skill of the practitioner but also on the quality of the post-operative care, regardless of the hair transplant technique used, whether FUT or FUE. This is why it’s crucial for every patient to meticulously follow the surgeon’s recommendations and post-operative instructions to maximize the growth of the grafts in the recipient area. Recovery and follow-up should never be underestimated, as certain side effects, such as frontal swelling, may occur.
What precautions should be taken after a hair transplant? Why is post-operative care important?
Discover the key points in this article!
Hair Transplant: The Post-Operative Protocol to Follow
It’s important to note that the post-operative care protocol can vary slightly between clinics, but most clinics agree on the following general recommendations:
Keep Your Head Elevated
For the first three nights after a hair transplant, the patient should sleep in a semi-upright position. Using pillows for support is highly recommended to protect and encourage the growth of the grafts in the recipient area. As for the bandage on the donor area, it can typically be removed after the third day.
Hair Hygiene After the Procedure
When it comes to hair hygiene, it’s advisable to use the prescribed shampoo (such as Betadine) as recommended by the practitioner. Care must be taken to avoid the implanted graft area when applying shampoo to the scalp. The presence of scabs in the donor area is entirely normal post-transplant. These scabs should never be forcibly removed as doing so could harm the healing process.
Aftercare Beyond 15 Days
After 15 days, the patient may switch to a mild shampoo that is gentle on the scalp. However, products like hair gel and wax should be strictly avoided, as they can negatively impact the newly implanted grafts.
Key Precautions After a Hair Transplant
For optimal results, certain precautions must be followed after the procedure. Here are the key tips to ensure a successful outcome:
Avoid rubbing the implanted area, as this could dislodge the grafts.
Refrain from physical and sporting activities for at least 15 days after the procedure to allow proper healing.
Stay out of direct sunlight for a minimum of three weeks following the transplant.
Avoid using hair styling products like gel, wax, hairspray, or even a blow dryer for the first two weeks.
Allow both the donor and recipient areas to breathe as much as possible to reduce the risk of developing frontal swelling, which may extend to the eyes but typically subsides within 3-4 days.
The Importance of Post-Operative Follow-Up
Many patients are drawn to attractive pricing options abroad, particularly in Turkey, but later find themselves without proper post-operative care once back home. It’s essential to understand that post-operative follow-up is vital and significantly contributes to the success of a hair transplant.
Why is this the case?
In some situations (though affecting around only 30% of patients), side effects like frontal swelling or facial swelling can occur. When this happens, the patient should promptly contact the practitioner to address the issue.
But what happens if the hair transplant was performed abroad and there’s no post-operative follow-up available in their home country?
At NOVESTHETICA, our patients receive thorough post-operative follow-ups:
1 month after the procedure: To assess the healing of the donor area.
3 months post-operation: To monitor the hair regrowth process.
6 months later: To check on the progress of regrowth and ensure everything is developing properly.
Book an appointment at NOVESTHETICA today for natural and impressive results, along with personalized advice to meet your specific needs. At NOVESTHETICA, we guarantee exceptional post-operative care and stunning, natural-looking outcomes!