What to do Before and After Hair Transplant Operation

One may have heard about the precautions to be taken and such experiences as itching, pain or sleeping issues after hair transplant. With the help of specific instructions, it is possible to go through the hair transplant process like walking in the park:

Before Hair Transplant Operation

You should provide your doctor with detailed information about your medical history during the initial interview. You should inform your doctor of the medications you are taking or if you have any discomfort or if you have any conditions that require regular medications, such as diabetes, blood pressure, ulcers and the period of use.

2 Weeks Before Hair Transplant:

• Stop taking any medications or vitamin supplements that contain aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin, Aleve etc.). Tylenol is fine. These medications increase your risk for bleeding making it very difficult for your transplanted hair grafts to kick in.

1 Week Before Hair Transplant:

• Refrain from smoking and nicotine products since they constrict blood vessels.
• Refrain from alcohol since it makes you more likely to bleed during the procedure.
• Refrain from exercise 3-7 days prior to your hair transplant procedure. If you take supplements, please refrain at least one week.
• If you have ever experienced high blood pressure, asthma, chest pains, liver or kidney problems, or shortness of breath, inform your doctor.

One Day Before Hair Transplant Operation:

• The day before surgery it is recommended to drink plenty of water.
• Do not smoke 24 hours before the intervention because it delays healing. In addition, it increases the possibility of infection, compromising the success of transplants.
• Of course, it is not convenient to use lacquer, jelly or wax.

Day of the Hair Transplant Procedure

• Eat breakfast with no caffeine as it can increase bleeding and sensitivity to medications.
• Prefer clothing (button down, zipped shirt, sweatpants etc.) that does not need to be pulled over your head. Valuables should be left at your hotel.
• Feel free to bring music to listen to during your procedure!
• Remove your contact lenses before your procedure.

Hair Transplant Aftercare

The most common complaints and the precautions are  listed below for whom had a hair transplant.

Pain in Donor Area After Hair Transplant

Mild pain can be expected for a couple of days after the hair transplant procedure. This can be relieved with pain medications.

Swelling After Hair Transplant

Swelling may occur on the forehead and around the eyes and can last 2 to 5 days after the hair transplant procedure. You can apply cold compress to minimize the swelling. Do not use cold compress on your donor or recipient areas. This situation is normal and our partner medical team will provide you anti-edema pills for just in case.

Sleeping After Hair Transplant

You need to sleep in a semi-upright position on your back to decrease swelling that might occur and also to protect the transplanted hair grafts getting damaged.

When Can I Sleep Normally After Hair Transplant?

You can sleep normally 10 days after hair transplant.

Alcohol & Smoking After Hair Transplant

As they might extend the period for healing by thinning the blood and causing bleeding. Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking 2 weeks after the hair transplant.

Bleeding & Itching After Hair Transplant

Following the FUE Hair transplant, your head can be itchy. This is normal and lasts for 10-15 days. There may be small amount of liquid on your pillow. This is not a bleeding; it is the extra liquid injected during the operation. Never scratch your donor and recipient areas since it can affect the results negatively.

Washing Hair After Hair Transplant

Your medical shampoo and lotions is included in the all-inclusive package. You can apply these for 14 days in order to get rid the dried blood and crusts. Your first hair wash will be performed during your check-up with Clinic Center partner specialist. How to wash your hair;

First 15 days of your hair transplant procedure you should use the spray that will be provided after this time limit, wash your hair by lathering up the shampoo in your hand and lightly applying both to the donor and recipient area. Rinse with lukewarm water and light water pressure. Your hair still mustn’t be touched at this stage, so should be left to drip dry. It is advisable to apply a moisturizing conditioner daily on the grafted sites as well as in the donor area carefully. Let the conditioner remain for 5 minutes, then rinse gently. This process will significantly decrease scab formation.

Sun After Hair Transplant

Do not get exposed to direct sunlight because it can damage your skin. If necessary, wear a hat to avoid the sunlight. Do not swim in the sea or in the pool in your first month after the FUE hair transplant procedure.

Sport After Hair Transplant

In your first month after the hair transplant, you should avoid heavy physical activities like running, cycling etc.

Hair Transplant Recovery

You will feel fine within a day or two after hair transplant procedure, numbness can be expected for several days. Generally, you will gain normal appearance with slight redness after 15 days. If beard hair grafts have been used as donor area, it can be shaven after one week. The donor area is usually healed after one month.

7 Days After Hair Transplant

In the days following hair transplant, most of the patients will notice a moderate swelling in the transplant area. This phenomenon generally starts on the third day, and then disappears completely within the 7th (sixth) postoperative day.

10 Days After Hair Transplant

Small blood clots may be seen near the incision areas. These generally dissolve between the seventh and tenth day after surgery.

Hair Transplant After 2 Weeks

At this point there will be almost no scabs left on the scalp. However, it is very likely that the itching of the donor area after the hair graft persists. During this time, this area will no longer need any special care.

Hair Transplant After 1 Month

The most important thing is that, during this period of time, the so-called “shock loss” will begin to appear. The new hair that grew after hair transplant will fall out, entering a period of rest and beginning a new phase of growth, to later grow back.

Hair Transplant After 2 Months

Depending on the person, the next stage is marked by the growth of the transplanted hair.

From here, the implanted hair will continue to develop its hair cycles with complete normality.

At first, these new hairs will look a bit thinner. However, over time they will increase in thickness.

Hair Transplant After 3 Months

From this moment, it is possible to cut the hair with scissors, but not with a machine. If you go to the salon, reject products with chemicals. The overall appearance of your hair will have markedly improved at this point in your hair graft progress.

Hair Transplant After 4 Months

The hair will be approximately 4 to 6 cm long and look much denser. In addition, the itchiness of the donor and recipient areas will have almost disappeared, as well as the appearance of granites.