A hair transplant procedure is a simple but permanent solution and transplantation of hair to the area where there is a hair loss or hair thinning issue. Definite proper care is a must as with all of the other operations one has after you have had your hair transplants surgery. Here are the post-operative precautions and instructions on maintaining your hair after transplant. Please note that hair transplant surgery may give you some pain on your scalp for the first few days; however, no worries at all – you may soothe your pain with some painkillers you are prescribed! Please make sure you follow the guidelines.
Notice: Please bear in mind that the content on our page is for informational purposes only, it is not suitable for you to consider in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and you should definitely consult your doctor for any diagnosis and treatment.
Top Things to Do for Maintaining Your Hair After Transplant
Although the time it takes for a hair transplant to recover changes from patient to patient, it usually takes around a year. It is possible and expected some uncomfortable situations for the patients for the first night, but no worries indeed, because the painkillers advised by your doctor will alleviate your pain and you will be OK the next day. Keep your hands off of the transplanted area if it feels itchy, and take plenty of rest.
The following day after your surgery a new clean dressing will be applied, therefore you need to visit the hair clinic. It is expected to have some pains in the operated area, however, this is normal and your pain will be soothed when you take the painkillers prescribed by your doctor. As well as you will experience some minor bleedings and inflammation or so, you don’t need to worry about it, but better to consult with your doctor.
Please do not consume any alcoholic beverage nor should you smoke during this time, as antibiotics enter your system immediately and interact with the medications you are taking, causing negative side effects.
A short list for the post hair transplant care
- Be gentle and cautious with the surgical area you have just had the hair transplantation operation, especially when you are washing your hair.
- Keep your bandages on the whole night after the procedure.
- When it finally comes time to wash your hair, after 1 month, use an antimicrobial mild shampoo & conditioner. The reason behind all of these washing is to ensure that the scalp flakes and crust get removed and do not cause any infection.
- When drying your hair, don’t do it aggressively. Please pick different clothing other than a towel, a soft cotton T-shirt may do you good. Make sure your towel is soft and doesn’t have harsh or rough textures. Dry your hair/scalp softly and slowly.
- Never scratch the area.
- For the first 7 days, when sleeping keep your head at a high height to reduce the risk of swelling; therefore you may want to use 2 pillows making 45 degrees.
- Don’t consume alcohol & too many painkillers.
- Don’t smoke.
- Don’t exercise for a few weeks.
- Don’t stay under the heat or sun for the first 6-8 weeks. Please also avoid too cold/too windy environments, too. For the first two weeks after your hair transplant operation, don’t sunbathe from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Don’t swim and regardless, please make sure you put on sunscreen.
- Take your medications and apply your lotion according to the instructions given to you by your specialist. Avoid taking excessive amounts of medications.
- Don’t get a haircut for the first month after the surgery.
- Don’t drive for the next 24 hours. Have someone do it for you.
- Ice application is generally advised by the doctors for 20 to 30 minutes right above your brows to reduce swelling.
- Don’t dye your hair for the first 4 weeks or so.
Post-Transplant Hair Washing Instructions
Most of the shampoos on the market contain a lot of fragrances and harsh chemicals that are not recommended for the patients who are going through or who have undergone hair treatment operations. It is recommended you use mild shampoo free from sulfate and paraben. Washing every single day with a lot of shampoo in amounts isn’t good for the hair.
Although hair washing isn’t recommended immediately, however, in the following weeks, with the help of some sprays and lotions, the crusts that may show themselves after some time can be cleaned away. Your thorough hair wash will start after one month. During this process, some heavy exercises are also not recommended, either. As the increased blood pressure may damage the hair follicles. Keeping away from the hot bright sun is recommended, you can cover your head with a loose cap or scarf, too.
- It is advised to keep water away from your hair throughout the first 7 days after your surgery
- avoid washing it during this period
- Just use the saline solution to spray onto your hair on an hourly basis.
- Don’t use shampoo during the 2nd recovery week too, however, there will be some crusts and flakes surrounding your new hairs that should be washed off gently
- Baby shampoo is acceptable for your third post-op week, and you can start using ‘adult’ shampoo at the one-month mark. As many shampoos may contain harsh chemicals, therefore opt for a mild shampoo with natural ingredients.
What should you eat after following the surgery?
Please make sure that you follow your surgeon’s guidelines and instructions diligently. For your operation to result in a great outcome with stronger and healthier hair growth with healthy hair follicles, you must adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet, this is, choosing nutritious foods in your dietary regimen and avoiding unhealthy junk foods, such as chips, pizza, burgers, chocolate bars, cake.
Important Vitamins For Hair Transplant
B complex vitamins: B vitamins have undeniable effects on human bodies, especially B7 (Biotin) and B12 are necessary for healthy hair growth.
Zinc: In situations of zinc deficiency, hair thinning can be a serious problem, therefore combining your diet with zinc is crucial for wound healing as well as collagen renewing.
Iron: Iron deficiency can also be the reason for hair loss. Iron has a lot of important functions in hair treatment, strengthening and improving the texture, and facilitating the transmission of oxygen and vitamins to hair follicles and scalp. As well as Iron is important for the immune system, it will also expedite the healing process, too.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E has antioxidant properties.
Vitamin C: is also another important vitamin in producing collagen which also takes part in healing wounds. Taking Vitamin C helps you fight against stress.
Vitamin A: Recent research has shown that Vitamin A has a major role in producing sebum, growing the cells as well as hair roots of the human body.
What to Eat just after your surgery?
Now that you have had your surgery, some time has passed, and you are hungry and craving something tasty. Please keep in mind that you need to get the best nutrition possible to expedite your healing process. Sometimes, some patients are inclined towards junk food, however, it isn’t recommended.
Make sure your diet during the healing process contains calcium, magnesium, protein, iron, vitamin B6, zinc, biotin, protein, and such. Avoid fizzy drinks, i.e. soda, cola, processed juice, drinks with a lot of sugar. To accelerate the healing as well as hair regrowth process, make sure you have a diet enriched with protein, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, omega 3s, and folate. For example, greek yogurt, salmon/fish, spinach, blueberries, cereals, sweet potatoes, eggs, walnuts, and more.
