Your hair restoration journey may be at another stage at this moment, so make sure to check out the other areas covered, like discovery, action steps, researching doctors, and the procedure itself.
After your successful hair transplant surgery, you won’t have to wait long to enjoy its benefits. Although Dr. Joseph Williams’ excellent skills will help you achieve the desired results, your post-op lifestyle also influences the recovery process. Other factors include the type of procedure you had, as well as the extent of hair restoration. But the most important factor to success will be how well the doctor’s instructions are followed.
How Long Does Post-Procedure Recovery Take?
Once the surgery is complete, you’ll have a protective wrap and cap on your head for 1-3 days. After the post-operative exam, you’ll be free to go back home and heal in comfort. You’re advised to spend as much time as you can lying down to avoid swelling.
Remember to dutifully take the provided painkillers and antibiotics while observing a healthy diet. You’ll be able to get back to work and other daily activities three to five days after surgery. After two to three weeks, you’ll notice the grafted hair falling off. Don’t panic, as that is part of the recovery process. The hairs might fall off, but the transplanted follicles will remain intact.
After about six months, 60-80% of new hair should have grown on your previously bald scalp. You’ll have a smooth recovery if you follow all the recommended after-surgery guidelines.
Post-Op Care Tips
The following recommendations are guaranteed to hasten your recovery:
- Avoid dryness: Although the area isn’t supposed to get wet, don’t let it get too dry either. The post-operative kit you’ll receive includes a spritz with healing properties to keep it moisturized.
- Avoid exercise and other strenuous activity: To avoid swelling, sleep at a slightly propped posture, preferably at a 45-degree angle. A neck pillow helps you sleep more soundly. A cold pack also helps in soothing the area if you feel some irritation. Avoid intense workouts and sexual activity in the first week after surgery because they might trigger swelling and scalp pain.
- Wash carefully: Dr. Williams will prescribe a special foam and shampoo that you’ll use for the first two weeks after surgery. In the first week, you’ll apply it gently with your hands, then rinse with lukewarm water. From the second week, you can start massaging your scalp.
Other harmful activities and habits include smoking, using alcohol, and caffeinated products. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, shaving with electric razors, hair styling products, and scratching for at least one month after the procedure.
Medication During Recovery
Other than surgery, medication helps you achieve the desired outcome of a hair transplant procedure. Potential post-procedure side effects include mild bleeding, some discharge, pimples, itchiness, and redness on the donor area. You’ll receive a prescription for antibiotics that should be taken at least twice daily. They’re most effective when taken after a full meal, preferably breakfast and dinner.
Dr. Williams will also prescribe some painkillers and anti-inflammatories to help prevent itchiness, swelling, and other irritations. They are normally to be taken at least twice daily.
How Long Does It Take to Have a Full Head of Hair?
Six to nine months after surgery, you should have noticeable hair growth, which should be enough to pass a comb through. This development not only gives you a youthful look but also increases hair styling options.
Around the 12-month mark, the growth should be complete. You’ll have a full head of transplanted hair that will be identical to the rest of your natural hair. It should be impossible for others to tell you had a procedure unless you volunteer the information. You’ll also be able to do everything you’d normally do to natural hair, including washing, shaving, and styling.
Hair Cleansing
This step is crucial because it keeps your follicles and scalp free of dirt, dead cells, and other unhealthy debris. Dr. Williams will recommend a special medical shampoo that you can start using about three days after surgery. Apply it gently because scrubbing may affect the newly transplanted hair. If you feel itchy around the donor area, some hair conditioner may relieve the urge to scratch. After washing, pat the area gently with a towel to dry it.
Beard Care
If your beard was a donor site, keeping it healthy will be a part of your post-restoration hair care and maintenance regimen. Avoid shaving, scratching, or otherwise disturbing it for at least a week as you monitor its progress. Dr. Williams will give you special cleaning and soothing products to avoid irritation and scabbing.
Shaving Ideas
Your hair will be delicate within the first two weeks after restoration. Although you might want to correct the imbalance in hair length, you should only do so after consulting Dr. Williams. After one month, you might receive the go-ahead to shave using scissors. It should strictly be a trimming shave, which you should do gently without touching the scalp or pulling the hair.
It’s not advisable to shave if the scabbing hasn’t cleared. After three months, your hair should be strong enough to withstand an electric shaver. However, be gentle because your scalp is still sensitive. Shave at a minimum height of 3mm to avoid unnecessary incisions and infection.
Sleeping Position
You should avoid sleeping on your stomach or in a style that’s likely to cause friction. It’s advisable to sleep on your back in an upright position, preferably at a 45° elevation. This angle improves blood flow to the scalp, which helps you heal faster. You can rest your head on a travel pillow to avoid tossing and turning. Another great idea is to sleep on a recliner, which significantly reduces the chances of changing positions.
Wearing a Hat
During your hair transplant, you’ll receive microscopic incisions that will be mostly invisible. However, you might want to wear a hat for various reasons. If you go out in the first ten days, direct sunlight could harm your sensitive scalp. On the other hand, a hat can also worsen irritation, swelling, or scabbing. You should wait two to three weeks before wearing one. If you must, choose loose and adjustable headwear.
Post-Surgery Itching
Itching is a common side effect of hair restoration surgery. It’s part of the healing process around the donor and transplant parts of your scalp. Although it generally stops within a week, in some instances, it can take up to a month.
As hard as it might be, resist the urge to scratch your scalp immediately after surgery. Dr. Williams will provide a saltwater spray among the post-restoration hair care and maintenance products. It soothes the itchy area while removing dirt. Other solutions include taking antihistamines and washing with medicated shampoo.
We’ll continue the series next week with more expectations along this journey.
Regardless of your place along this timeline, Advanced Medical Hair Institute is here to help, offering comprehensive and permanent solutions. Schedule a consultation today for a detailed explanation.
