The head full of hair is finally close to reality. You need to make sure that you are well-informed and prepared for a speedy recovery after the Hair transplantation procedure.
To ensure an excellent and fast recovery, you need to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and take care of yourself and your scalp during the prescribed period. Here are tips for hair transplant aftercare below.
• The First Few Days
You return home after the transplant procedure but you need to rest for a couple of days which is essential to promote healing. Do not scratch at the wound. You need to avoid any strenuous activities such as manual working, playing sports, lifting, and bending. Also avoid heat, cold, and sweating that may interfere with healing. Thus, it is preferable to stay inside for a few days. If you go outside, you must wear a loose-fitting hat or keep your head covered.
Avoid sleeping semi-upright and keep the pressure off the site. Do not wash the transplanted area and avoid aspirin, alcohol, and ice cream. Don’t blow your nose too hard as it may cause bleeding at the wound sites.
• Pain Management and Swelling
It is normal to have swelling in the hair transplant area during the first week. It may be relieved with anti-inflammatory and ice packs packed on the forehead, not on the graft site. Sleep with your head elevated at 45° in the first three nights. You can use a neck pillow or sleep on your side to keep pressure off the graft side. Your hair transplant surgeon also prescribed additional pain medication.
• Infections
While infections from a hair transplant are rare and you need to take care for at least 2 weeks to avoid dirt, dust, sweat, and bacteria from entering the transplant area. Do not touch or scratch the affected area. If you have suffered from any redness, swelling, and pain then visit your doctor.
• Peeling
Itching or irritation in the transplanted area can be relieved with standard sterile saline solution or with some special gel such as aloe vera. Peels may start falling off the implant site even after 7-10 days or more. Ask your transplant surgeon to prescribe you a softening cream as part of your aftercare.
• Washing Hair
After 3-4 days you can perform your first hair wash after your hair transplant treatment by using a mild shampoo and pouring water gently over the area. Do not pluck but gently apply the shampoo with soft fingertips. Rinse thoroughly and dry it by dabbing softly with clean towels.
Don’t bathe, shower, or submerge your head underwater for at least the first month, and only use a towel to dry for a month. You can have a very gentle shower with low pressure to wash your hair for about a week.
