Undergoing a hair transplant is a life-changing step toward regaining your confidence and restoring a more youthful appearance. At the Quatela Center for Hair Restoration, Drs. Quatela, Lee, and Montague, along with our dedicated, experienced hair restoration team, are committed to delivering exceptional results using advanced techniques. However, the success of your procedure doesn’t rest only on the procedure itself, but continues through your recovery process.
To ensure optimal healing and long-term success, it’s crucial to follow the right post-operative care plan. Here are the top dos and don’ts to keep in mind after hair transplant surgery.
Top Dos After Hair Transplant Surgery
1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions Carefully
Your post-op care plan is tailored to your specific procedure and scalp condition. Stick to the timeline and recommendations provided by your surgeon and care team, including how and when to clean your scalp and apply any topical medications.
2. Sleep With Your Head Elevated
In the first few nights post-surgery, sleep gently with your head upright and elevated on pillows at a 45-degree angle. This helps minimize swelling and prevents accidental rubbing or pressure on the grafts.
3. Be Gentle With Your Scalp
Your newly transplanted grafts are delicate. Protecting the scalp is important, so we recommend not washing your hair for three days, and not washing it fully until day 7, using a mild, recommended shampoo and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing, rubbing, or using high water pressure. We ask that patients refrain from using styling products and avoid a haircut or color for at least three weeks.
4. Keep Hydrated and Eat a Nutritious Diet
Healing is faster when your body is properly nourished. Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in protein, vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc to support tissue repair and follicle health.
5. Protect Your Hair and Scalp From the Sun
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks. When outdoors, wear a loose-fitting hat or use a sunblock spray recommended by your surgeon to shield your scalp from UV damage.
Top Don’ts After Hair Transplant Surgery
1. Don’t Touch or Pick at the Grafts
It can be tempting to scratch or pick at scabs during the healing process, but this can dislodge grafts and lead to poor hair growth or scarring.
2. Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Smoking constricts blood vessels and impairs healing. Alcohol can dehydrate you and thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding. Avoid both for at least a week (or longer if advised).
3. Don’t Engage in Heavy Exercise Too Soon
Strenuous activity increases blood pressure and sweat, both of which can negatively impact your recovery. Avoid strenuous exercise, lifting, and bending at the waist for at least one week, as well as saunas and steam rooms. No swimming for at least three weeks.
4. Don’t Wear Tight-Fitting Hats or Helmets
Wearing anything that puts pressure on the grafts can damage them. Stick to loose, breathable headwear if needed, and only after your surgeon gives you the go-ahead.
5. Don’t Panic About Shedding
It’s completely normal for transplanted hairs to fall out within the first few weeks. This is temporary and known as “shock loss.” New growth typically starts to appear in 3–4 months.
Trust the Process—And Your Surgeon
And one last important rule: Don’t rush your results! Hair transplant results take time. While you may start to see early growth within a few months, full results can take up to a year or more. If you have questions during your recovery or would like to know more about hair transplant options, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Our surgeons and experienced staff are here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to take the next step toward hair restoration? Contact us to set up a consultation to meet with Dr. Quatela, Dr. Lee, or Dr. Montague and create a customized treatment plan designed for your unique needs.
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