When you’ve just come home following a hair transplant, you want to make sure you know how to take care of the most valuable of goods: Your newly implanted hair grafts. They are still frail and need a bit of Tender loving care to completely take root.
Adopting a healthy and complete hair care routine is an essential thing a recipient of hair transplantation may conduct to heal and recover. It doesn’t take much to know about the key guidelines for taking care of their new hair.
Postoperative Instructions for Hair Transplant Patients
These may include:
1. Keep the newly grafted area damp
Your surgeon should serve you all required instruments to retain a moist environment for the newly transplanted hair follicles. Common ideas include periodic spraying of the hair with a saline solution or an ointment to protect the implanted hairs from dehydration. Dr. Robert Bernstein, a pioneer in hair restoration, emphasizes, “Keeping the grafts moist is crucial in the initial days post-surgery to ensure the survival of the transplanted follicles.”
2. Gentle hand washing
After 1-2 days of applying the solution, go for hand washing your hair. It’s advisable to lessen the shower pressure and to use your hands to clean your hair gently. One should use a moderate shampoo and then rinse gently using a cup of lukewarm water. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, gentle washing helps in reducing the risk of dislodging grafts and promotes better healing.
3. Driving
Sometimes, hair restoration is performed under severe anesthesia. If you have been supplied a tranquilizer, do not drive a motor vehicle. Ensure that you have transportation to and from your appointment.
4. Sleeping Position
You must sleep with your head raised to reduce the chance of swelling. Dr. Alan Bauman, a renowned hair transplant surgeon, advises, “Elevating your head at a 45-degree angle can significantly reduce post-operative swelling and discomfort.”
There is no reason why you cannot sleep normally if you do not feel a tiny pressure around your forehead. You can transform your recliner into a temporary improvised bed if you are having minor swelling. Some individuals believe that sleeping in their recliners is significantly more pleasant than on four pillows. Aim to keep your head at a 45-degree angle.
5. Manage swelling and irritation
Frequent gentle hair cleansing after a hair transplant will reduce any scabbing and irritation of the scalp. Additionally, sleeping in a stable position for the first three nights will assist the downward flow of fluid into the forehead, thereby reducing swelling.
6. Avoid rigorous exercise following hair transplantation
Restricting strenuous physical activity for a period of time will lessen discomfort and inflammation. After a hair transplant, workouts such as walking and stretching are acceptable. After seven to ten days, you can progressively increase the intensity of your workout throughout the next week. Perspiration is not a danger concern for the new transplants; however, hard physical exertion will exacerbate pain and inflammation. A study in the International Journal of Trichology found that avoiding strenuous activities can significantly reduce post-operative complications.
7. Dying One’s Hair
Within four weeks of hair restoration, hair coloring is restricted. If you are unable to go four weeks without dyeing your hair, do so immediately before your treatment.
Following transplantation, the transplanted follicles are extremely fragile for several weeks. They require as much attention as possible.
8. Infections
Although infections from hair transplants are uncommon, you must take precautions for at least two weeks to prevent debris, dust, perspiration, and bacteria from entering the site. Do not touch or scratch the transplanted region, and inform your best hair transplant surgeon of any redness, swelling, or pain. Dr. William Rassman, a leading expert in hair restoration, states, “Maintaining a clean environment around the grafts is essential to prevent infections and ensure successful healing.”
9. Haircutting and Styling
After three months, scissors may be used for a haircut; razors should not be used before six months. When combing your hair, take care not to disrupt the roots. Once the wound has completely healed, you can curl, style, and tint your hair.
10. Forgetting to Drink Water
Water is essential for life, but not everyone is aware that hydration is even more necessary before and after a transplant. The greater your level of hydration, the greater your comfort and the quicker you will recover. Spending a few weeks making a concerted effort to consume 10 percent extra water can have a significant impact on the entire recovery process.
11. Wear A Hat
The hat will shield your scalp from dust, sunlight, and other environmental elements. Wear this hat for five days following surgery; after that, you may wear any hat of your choosing.
During the post-operative time, it is essential to select a hat that does not sit too tightly on the recipient areas or pull on the recently transplanted grafts. Use a hat outside for up to two weeks, or until the scabs are no longer evident.
12. Drinking and Smoking
Because alcohol is a chemical, it will dehydrate you. This can lengthen your recovery period and increase your likelihood of experiencing pain. In addition, it can increase your blood pressure to a dangerous level and decrease the flow of blood and vital nutrients to your head. Avoid alcohol for five days following your surgery.
13. Sun Exposure
It is important to avoid direct sunlight for the first two weeks after surgery. For the first six months after a transplant, it is recommended to use sun protection.
14. Directly Applying Ice to the Scalp
You should also avoid applying ice directly to the transplanted hair sections of your scalp. In fact, you should avoid touching the region as much as possible for the first three days following therapy. After 72 hours, you should only softly touch your scalp.
15. Sweating It Out
Unfortunately, avoiding intense exertion for the first week following hair transplantation is insufficient. Avoid other activities that can induce profuse sweating, such as relaxing in a steam room.
16. Take a painkiller
If you are experiencing post-procedure discomfort, don’t be hesitant to take medicine. After hair loss injectable therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers are sufficient for the majority of individuals.
17. Consuming fast food
During rehabilitation, you may not feel like cooking, and fast food is convenient. During the recovery period, diet is nearly as vital as good blood flow and proper water. For your hair to grow thick, healthy, smooth, sleek, strong, and attractive, it requires an excess of nutrients.
Unfortunately, fast food is often nutrient- and calorie-deficient and high in empty calories. If your diet is lacking in nutrients, seek for a supplement that has calcium, magnesium, protein, iron, vitamin B6, zinc, biotin, and an abundance of protein. Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, a hair restoration specialist, notes, “A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can significantly enhance the healing process and the quality of hair growth post-transplant.”
Conclusion
Depending on your individual demands and the expertise of your surgeon, your hair transplant experience and results will always be unique. However, one must follow to a set of hair transplant care and aftercare guidelines in order to achieve the desired outcomes.
Consult your physician to learn the necessary precautions following hair transplant surgery.
FAQs
1. How many days can I sleep normally after a hair transplant?
Within a week following your treatment, you will be able to resume normal sleep. Approximately two weeks following the surgery, you may have discomfort.
2. Can I use oil following a hair transplant?
The transplanted area is coated with lotion, oil, or any other suitable moisturizer for 15 to 30 minutes. This softens the scabs surrounding the transplanted grafts and donor location. This step of rehydration aids in the removal of dried blood and expedites the healing process.
3. What vitamins should I take following a hair transplant?
Vitamins E, C, A, and B Complex affect the health of hair. After a hair transplant, vitamin B supplementation is highly advised. Iron-rich diets are recommended since they strengthen the immune system and hasten the healing process.
