Recovery Process After Hair Transplantation: What Should Be Considered?

Recovery Process After Hair Transplantation: What Should Be Considered?

Hair transplantation is an aesthetic procedure that offers a permanent and effective solution for people with hair loss. However, the healing process is as important as a successful hair transplantation procedure. The points to be considered and the right care practices after hair transplantation both accelerate the healing process and contribute to a more natural and permanent result. In this article, we give information about the healing process after hair transplantation and explain step by step what you should pay attention to.

1. First Night and First Week: Things to Consider

The first night and the first week after hair transplantation is the most sensitive period of the healing process. In this process, it is important to be careful for the hair follicles to adapt to their new location and to prevent damage to the follicles.

• Sleep Position: On the first night and for the next few days, it is recommended to keep your head elevated while sleeping. Keeping your head elevated by using two or more pillows for this purpose supports blood circulation in the area and reduces swelling. Avoid putting pressure on the transplanted area.
• Protection of the Area: Since the area where hair transplantation is performed is sensitive, you should protect this area from impacts and bumps. Also, a bandage can be applied immediately after the procedure and you should not remove the bandage for as long as your doctor recommends.
• Head Washing: The first washing after hair transplantation is usually done after 2-3 days and this washing is performed by specialists in the clinic. During the first week, you should wash your hair with gentle movements and special products recommended by your doctor. Otherwise, the hair follicles may be damaged.

2. First 10 Days: Crusting Period

The first 10 days after hair transplantation is a period when small crusts form in the transplanted area. These crusts are part of the healing process and will fall off over time. However, there are also things to be aware of during this period:

• Do not pick the scabs by hand: It is important to wait for the scabs to fall off naturally. Forcibly plucking the scabs can damage the hair follicles and lead to infection.
• Moisturizing and Medication: You can prevent dry scalp by using moisturizing creams recommended by your doctor. Also, if your doctor has prescribed antibiotics or painkillers, you should minimize the risk of infection by using them regularly.

3. First Month: Itching and Shock Shedding Period

In the first month, itching and flaking may be observed in the hair transplant area. This is a normal part of the healing process and is often referred to as ‘shock hair loss’.

• Be patient with itching: There may be mild itching on the scalp during the healing process. However, avoid scratching the area to relieve itching. You can use sprays or lotions recommended by your doctor for itching.
• Shock Shedding Process: There is a temporary shedding process between 2-4 weeks after hair transplantation. This occurs as the hair follicles enter the adaptation process and is completely normal. After the shock shedding, the hair begins to grow stronger.

4. Between 3-6 Months: New Hair Growth

Approximately 3-6 months after the hair transplant procedure, new hair strands begin to grow slowly. During this period, the hair may be thinner and weaker, but it will become stronger over time.

• Use of Hair Care Products: You can use mild shampoos and hair care products recommended by your doctor for new hair growth. You can also consider using vitamin supplements to support the natural hair growth process. However, you should consult your doctor before using any supplements.
• Haircutting Process: For 6 months, avoid cutting or coloring the hair. It is recommended to cut the hair after the strands have fully adapted to their position. In this process, light styling products can be used to shape your hair.

5. 12 Months Later: Final Outcome

It usually takes 12-18 months for the full result to appear after hair transplantation. During this time, the hair strands become thicker, the density increases and all the effects of the transplantation process can be observed.

• Hair Care: After 12 months, you can take normal care of your hair. In the period after hair transplantation, you should avoid intensive hair care products and prefer natural and soft products.
• Doctor Checkup: It is important to go to a doctor one year after hair transplantation in order to detect any negative situation that may occur in the transplantation area in advance.

Other Points to Consider After Hair Transplantation

• Smoking and Alcohol: Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption in the first week after hair transplantation has a positive effect on the healing process.
• Intense Physical Activity: You should avoid heavy sports and intense physical activity for the first month.
• Sun Exposure: Avoid exposing the planting area to direct sunlight. If you need to go out in the sun, you can use a hat or sunscreen products.

The recovery process after hair transplantation is as important as the transplantation process in order to achieve a successful result. Proper care and attention supports the healthy growth of the newly transplanted hair and provides a natural appearance. To manage the process after hair transplantation, you should stick to your doctor’s recommendations and avoid situations that may damage the hair follicles. Remember, the healing process after hair transplantation requires patience; however, with the right care, the results will be long-lasting and satisfying.