What to expect after a hair transplantation surgery and how do you feel?

Hair is the most important aspect that strengthens an individual’s personality. The increase in cases related to hair loss in men and women may be due to environmental & chemical reasons. The growing problem of hair loss in men & women is the major reason which calls for hair transplantation in India.

The most rational and practical solution to hair loss problems with a high success rate is hair transplantation. Hair transplantation in India is very rational & therefore it is better to get a hair transplant done if you have tough hair problems. It is recorded that the average success rate of hair transplants in India is around 98.5% percent, reported by the best hair transplant surgeons in India.

There are two sites in hair transplantation ‘donor site’ & ‘recipient site’, follicles are removed from the rich part i.e. donor site to a bald part i.e. recipient site. You’ve probably been thinking about what happens after hair transplantation. So read on.

What to expect after a hair transplant?

Hair transplantation is a procedure that is quick but the desired results come in the stoop. You need to be patient. When the surgery is done, bandages are removed from the head by the surgeon. The area where transplantation is done may be swollen but that is normal.

After the surgery is performed, some medications can be prescribed by your doctor to minimize the tenderness. Your surgeon may also prescribe an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug for you to take for some days. Soreness is mostly negligible after hair transplantation is done; nevertheless, the pain can be relieved with the medicines available without a prescription.

The graft will make scabs in 22 to 70 hours after the surgery, and the scabs will fall off in 4 -10 days. In between 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure, the implanted hair will drop out (it is completely normal), and new growth within a few months can be seen. Most people see only 60% of new hair growth after 6 to 9 months. Countless patients experience a development rate of around ¼  to ½ inch in about a month. 

The recovery time and the results may vary among patients depending on the surgical technique performed and other factors. Once the initial healing process is complete, the result of the surgery starts to become visible.

What is the recovery time?

The recovery process normally depends on the surgical methods selected by the patient. However, generally with any type of hair transplant method, total recovery time is as follows – 

• Initial 2 weeks – This time is very crucial when the patient can experience redness, swelling & itching. This is the time when you need to avoid any contact with the area and also need to maintain a good cleaning routine for the newly grafted hair grafts.
• Next 4 weeks – At this stage, you may notice hair fall, but there is no need to panic as this is normal. The transplanted hair falls and then gives the way to new hair to grow in the hair follicles that are grafted at the donor site.
• 12 week – At this time new hair will start to grow in the transplanted follicles.
• 24 week – There will be a growth in hair which is tougher & lengthier.
• One year – This is the time when no one can make the difference between the transplanted & the natural hair. The patient can now enjoy the hair revival with the aesthetic and a natural hairline, having no difference between the natural hair and the transplanted hair follicles.

What are the self-care tips after transplantation?

Self-care is important; boost your mood to speed up recovery. Some of the tips are – 

• One can start the routine work from the next day of the procedure.
• It is better to avoid hard activities like gym, running & weight lifting for around a month.
• Avoid swimming, steam, sauna & hot baths for at least a month.
• Eating healthy and taking proper rest is highly advisable. 
• Follow the prescription about washing the hair provided by the hair transplant surgeon.
• Do not touch or scratch your head in any situation.
• Avoid sweating and dirt capture at the recipient area.
• Always wear a loose cap whenever going out in the sun which should be worn and removed smoothly without hurting the newly planted hair grafts.

What diet should be taken after hair transplantation?

When recovering, prefer a protein-rich diet as the hair is made of protein majorly. Also, your hair and scalp require amino acids. Amino acids are key to hair growth & retention. You can include a good amount of chicken, fish, nuts, beans, seeds, cheese & milk.

What are the Do’s & Don’ts after hair transplantation?

Do’s after hair transplantation –

1. Ask someone to drive you home after you are done with the procedure. 
2. Better to sleep with your head elevated for at least one week.
3. One can apply ice just above the eyebrows to help avoid swelling.
4. Drink plenty of water before and after hair transplant surgery.
5. Expect some hair to fall out from the transplanted areas about 2 to 4 weeks after your hair transplantation is done. 

Don’ts after hair transplantation – 

• Don’t sleep on your tummy or side and don’t rub your new hairline against a pillow.
• Don’t apply ice or cold water to the transplanted areas of your scalp. You need to avoid touching your transplanted areas with anything.
• Don’t wash your hair for the initial 48 hours.
• Don’t wear any caps & hats for the first four days.
• Don’t have alcohol for about six days after the hair transplantation is done.

When can one return to work?

Most people can return to work 2-5 days after the hair transplantation is done. When the scabs drop out and the discomfort goes away, it is all good to return to work. Though, it is up to you to decide how long you need to wait before going back to work. 

Let’s wrap it up

In general, it is best to anticipate that you will need a touch-up procedure. Hair transplant produces excellent, natural-looking results and the recovery time is minimal & usually uncomplicated. When the hair transplantation procedure is carried out by an experienced surgeon, the complications are rarely seen & the success of the treatment increases but a revision is always advisable. Hair transplantation is a permanent & natural way of having new hair for people who suffer from hair loss.