Recovery after hair transplantation

Hair transplantation is a complex procedure that requires proper rehabilitation for the best results. Recovery involves several stages. In this article, we will tell you how the healing process works and what is important to do to ensure that the transplanted hair takes root.

Rehabilitation after hair transplantation is divided into several periods, each of which is characterised by specific changes in the scalp and hair appearance. It is important to understand that this is a normal process, and over time, the transplanted hair will go through all the necessary stages of recovery.

Shock hair loss is one of the most common phenomena that occurs 2-4 weeks after transplantation. This is a natural process in which the transplanted hair falls out, making room for new hair to grow. Do not worry – this is a temporary phenomenon, and over time, the hair will begin to grow with renewed vigour.

Day of surgery after hair transplantation

On the first day after the operation, it is important to allow your body to rest to minimise any inconvenience. You may experience some mild pain, but it will pass quickly.

• First of all, it is important to avoid straining and sudden head movements.
• Mild pain and swelling are common and can be relieved with painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
  The first day

Rest is recommended after the procedure. There may be a feeling of mild tightness and swelling in the recipient and donor areas. At this stage, it is important to:

Sleep in an elevated position to avoid pressure on the transplanted hair.
Take the prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs as needed.

2-4 days after the operation

The first crusts protecting the transplanted areas appear. Recommended:

• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Do not use aggressive care products.
• Gently rinse your hair with a special shampoo from the postoperative kit.

Day 6-8

The crusts become more pronounced, and mild itching may occur. It is important not to touch the scalp so as not to damage the transplanted grafts.

Day 9-11

The crusts begin to gradually exfoliate. If you follow the care recommendations, your scalp will already look noticeably better.

Day 12-14

By this time, most of the crusts should be gone. The transplanted hair is starting to look more natural, although its final engraftment is still to come.

Day 14-16

You can start washing your hair in the usual way, avoiding aggressive massage.

1 month

Shock hair loss may continue. This is a normal stage that should not cause concern.

3 months

New hair growth becomes noticeable, although it may be thin and light.

6 months

The transplanted hair begins to thicken and acquire a natural colour.

9 months

Completion of the recovery period. Most of the transplanted hair is actively growing, and the scalp is completely healed.

A year or more

By this time, the result reaches its maximum effect. The transplanted grafts are fully adapted, and you can enjoy the result.

After a hair transplant, it is important to follow the recommendations to ensure proper healing and prevent possible complications. Some actions can speed up recovery, while others can slow down the process or even damage the transplanted follicles. Let’s look at what you can do and what you should avoid during the rehabilitation period.

What you can do:

• Use special care products recommended by your doctor.
• Wear hats that do not put pressure on the transplanted areas.
• Rinse the scalp gently.

What not to do:

• Touch the transplanted hair with your hands.
• Engage in active sports in the first weeks.
• Exposing the scalp to the sun or high temperatures.

Proper shampooing in the first days after hair transplantation is an important stage of recovery. This process helps to avoid infection, speeds up healing and promotes proper care of the transplanted follicles.

1. When can I wash my hair?
   The first shampooing procedure should be carried out no earlier than 24 hours after the operation and no later than 72 hours. This is important to give the scalp time for initial healing and minimise the risk of damage to the transplanted follicles.
2. How should I wash my hair in the first days?
   To wash your hair, use the special medical shampoo included in the postoperative kit. The shampoo should be foamed in the palms of your hands, and then gently applied to the entire scalp with touching movements. It is very important not to rub the scalp or use your fingernails.
   Leave the shampoo on your head for 5 minutes. This will help to thoroughly cleanse the skin without damaging the transplanted follicles.
3. How do I dry my hair after washing?
   After the washing procedure, gently pat your hair with a paper or cloth (but not terry) towel. It is important to avoid rubbing the scalp. Instead, simply pat the damp areas to remove excess moisture.
4. Frequency and duration of the procedure:
   Shampooing according to the above scheme should be repeated daily for 2 weeks. Every day, the scalp will be cleansed of crusts and dried blood, and the effect of washing will become more noticeable. Usually, after 10-14 days, there are no traces of crusts and dried blood on the scalp.
5. When can I return to the usual way of washing my hair?
   Starting from the 15th day after transplantation, you can resume your normal shampooing routine, but still be careful to avoid putting too much pressure on the scalp.

Proper care in the early stages of recovery is the key to a successful outcome. By following these recommendations, you can speed up the healing process and enjoy the results of your hair transplant.

Itching on the scalp after hair transplantation is a fairly common phenomenon that can bother patients in the first weeks of recovery. Although this is an unpleasant sensation, it is quite natural and is associated with the healing process, dry skin or crusting. However, it is important to remember that it is necessary to properly manage itching so as not to harm the transplanted follicles and slow down the healing process.

How to deal with itching?

1. Use of moisturisers. To reduce itching, it is important to moisturise the scalp with special products that your doctor will recommend. These products will help relieve dryness, prevent flaking and soothe irritated skin.
2. Scalp peeling. The peeling procedure by a rehabilitation technologist can significantly relieve itching and accelerate scalp regeneration. Peeling helps to remove crusts, traces of hyperkeratosis (horny thickening of the upper layer of the skin) and promotes antibacterial effect. This not only improves the aesthetic appearance of the scalp, but also helps prevent inflammation, speeding up recovery.

If the itching becomes very intense, accompanied by redness, swelling or inflammation, it may be a sign of an infection or allergic reaction. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor immediately to get treatment recommendations and avoid complications.

Physical activity can be resumed no earlier than 2-4 weeks after surgery.

• Jogging and cycling (without a helmet) are allowed after 10 days;
• after 2 weeks, you can train in the gym;
• after 3 weeks, you can engage in other sports that require a helmet.

After a hair transplant procedure, it is important to maintain hair growth stimulation to achieve the best results. Although the transplanted follicles begin to grow on their own, additional measures can help speed up the recovery process and improve hair quality.

Let’s take a look at several methods of hair growth stimulation that can be useful during the rehabilitation period.

PRP therapy

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a therapy based on the use of the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma. The plasma is injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. This procedure helps to accelerate the healing and restoration of follicles, as well as improve their condition.

Minoxidil solution

Minoxidil is one of the most popular products for stimulating hair growth. It is actively used after transplantation to accelerate the growth of transplanted follicles and improve the condition of existing hair.

Scalp massage

Scalp massage improves blood circulation, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. This stimulates hair growth and accelerates recovery after transplantation. This procedure is not recommended in the first 3 weeks after the hair transplant procedure.