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Did You Know the Importance of Hair Transplant Recovery?

6 Min Read

A hair transplant procedure should be taken as seriously as any other surgical procedure, which means hair transplant recovery is an important factor. Your body will need time to recover, and you will need to be prepared for wound care once you are home. Take the time to discuss with your doctor what to expect after the procedure and what you should do to prepare.

Preparation

The most important step in hair transplant recovery and aftercare begins before the procedure. It is important that you are fully prepared for the transplant process and that your recovery space is ready before you return.

Make sure the phone numbers for the clinic and your medical provider are easily accessible on your phone, and also clearly visible for anyone who will be helping to care for you. Make sure you have enough pillows in place to comfortably sleep in a somewhat upright position for several nights following the procedure.

Rest

Rest is an essential part in hair transplant recovery. Plan to take several days off from work, and do not schedule other activities during this time. You should avoid being outside as much as possible as direct sunlight can negatively impact the transplant. Do not engage in exercise or other strenuous physical activity for at least two weeks after the procedure. Wait at least a month before resuming any contact sports activities.

It is best to avoid any activities that will result in excessive sweating. Perspiration can increase the risk of infection dramatically. This includes steamy showers and saunas.  

Wound Care

It is important to follow all of the wound care instructions provided by your doctor after the hair transplant. This may include things like how to take medications, and what medications to avoid. For example, you should not take aspirin, vitamins, or other medications that cause the blood to thin as this could cause excess bleeding at the wound site.

If bleeding occurs, apply light pressure to the area with sterile gauze until the bleeding subsides. However, take care not to disrupt the grafts that have been placed.

Apply ice packs for about 10 minutes per hour to the incision area. However, it is important to put a barrier of sterile gauze between the incision and the ice pack to minimize the risk of infection. This should be done for three days following the procedure. It may also be necessary to apply ice packs to the scalp and face if swelling begins to occur in these areas.

Your physician will schedule follow-up appointments to check on the wound and gauge the results of the procedure. Do not miss your appointments as it is imperative to ensure the incisions are healing properly.

Grooming

It is important to leave the transplant area alone as much as possible at first. Do not wash or otherwise disturb the area for at least the first 24 hours. For the five days following, carefully wash and rinse hair according to your physician’s instructions. Styling products should be limited for the first few days, and if a blow dryer is used, the setting should be on low intensity and low heat.

Hair Transplant Recovery Check List

Your physician will have a detailed list of the best practices for you to follow after your hair transplant procedure. As each procedure is slightly different, it is important to follow the guidelines strictly. This will help to ensure the best possible results.

Photo Courtesy: Female beauty via Flickr

freestocks.org via Flickr

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