Hair Transplant Recovery Guide: Tips for a Safe and Successful Result

Hair transplant, a cosmetic operation, has around a 90-95% success rate and 100% safety only if done carefully by the right surgeon with a suitable method. Also, when a proper aftercare plan is followed by the patient, the transplanted hair grafts safely heal, and the surgery ends with a natural, permanent, aesthetic restart of the normal hair growth cycle. Dr. Shilpi Bhadani, a top-rated hair transplant surgeon at SB Trichology Clinic, best hair transplant clinic in Gurgaon, attempts to make every hair transplant seeker. Learn how to swiftly and confidently pass through every stage of recovery after a hair transplant.

What to Expect After Hair Transplant- The General Recovery Timeline

A hair transplant surgery does not provide immediate results. Patients have to wait for months, probably for around a year, to enjoy the optimal outcomes. Here’s what is normally expected during different stages of recovery:

• First 3 days of Recovery- There is slight swelling (especially around the eyes and forehead), tenderness, and bleeding.
• Days 4 to 10- The swelling gradually subsides, and itchy scabs form and eventually fall off. All these are signs of natural healing.
• Week 2 to 6- The transplanted hair naturally sheds as the implanted hair grafts enter the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. Thereafter, new hair strands sprout from the dormant, implanted hair follicles. Probably, the transplanted area will appear patchy and thin.
• Months 3 to 6- Roughly 50-60%, thicker and stronger new hair growth is noticed.
• Months 9 to 12- The new hair growth continues, and the area appears naturally fuller.
• Months 12 to 18- All transplanted hair follicles naturally grow healthy hair of a length where it can be styled. The ultimate hair coverage is obtained.

Top 8 Essential Tips for Successful Recovery from Hair Transplant

Hair transplant success starts with careful post-procedure recovery and care. Recover faster and safer with these top hair transplant guidelines:

Strictly Adhere to Immediate Post-Operative Guidelines Provided by the Surgeon.

To prevent the freshly implanted hair follicles from getting dislodged or accidental harm, make sure to follow these dos and don’ts in the first 48-72 hours:

• Keep your head raised while sleeping to lessen post-operative swelling
• Avoid hand contact on the healing areas
• Do not wash the scalp and hair until the surgeon allows
• Make use of prescription saline sprays or medications.

Well-Protect the Implanted Hair Follicles.

The first week of recovery is the most delicate phase to ensure the survival of the graft. For the protection of the grafts, follow these instructions:

• Avoid exposure of the scalp and hair grafts to direct sunlight
• Wear a surgeon-approved headwear, most probably a loose cap
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as such addictions can delay natural healing
• Do not go for heavy weight lifting, bending, or high-impact workouts that could increase the blood flow to the scalp.

Follow the Gentle Hair Wash Routine.

After 3-4 days of getting a hair transplant or when the surgeon allows, have a controlled head and face wash, so that there is minimal crusting and smooth healing.

Do the following:

• Wash with water that is made to gently flow from above
• Gently pat dry damp skin and hair. Never rub, as it can cause harm to the healing site
• Wash scalp hair and face with the hair transplant doctor-approved, mild product and lukewarm water.

Safely Manage the Itchy Scabs.

When scabs form, do not pick them or scratch the itchy area. To control itching, use the prescribed saline sprays or hydrating product.

Avoid Heat/Chemical Exposure and Sweating.

Heat, chemicals, and sweat can interfere with healing by irritating the operated areas. So, for 2-3 weeks after the surgery, do the following:

• Avoid going to saunas, swimming pools, and steam rooms, or take a hot shower
• Do not indulge in any activity that increases the chances of sweating
• Avoid the use of hair straighteners, hair curlers, gels, sprays, and hair dryers.

Stay Calm by Setting Realistic Expectations.

Know before hair transplant surgery what is normal. Be thorough with the surgery process, including the recovery timeline, preparations, and aftercare, so that it is easy to set reasonable surgery goals and be less anxious about what to expect after a hair transplant. A stress-free journey is crucial for optimal results.

Switch to Healthy Lifestyle Habits.

For maintaining the long-term health and strength of new hair after transplant, do the following:

• Protect the scalp from direct UV, heat, and chemicals
• Eat healthily. Have a diet rich in iron, protein, omega-3s, and biot-in
• Choose only the hair transplant doctor-approved products and therapies, or medications, to ensure good quality, dense hair growth.

Attend all Follow-Up Appointments.

All scheduled visits to the hair transplant surgeon in Gurgaon are essential to detect any issues that arise during healing, timely detected and treated. So, during visits, make sure to report all problems experienced at the time of healing. This will help prevent serious risks and complications associated with hair transplantation.

Expert Tips from Hair Transplant Doctors at SB Trichology

Hair transplantation won’t be successful if it's not followed by patient-focused care. At SB Trichology, our registered practitioners create a personalised aftercare plan based on the patient’s existing scalp condition, graft type, and lifestyle. Here is the insider’s advice, the expert aftercare tips to support smooth recovery, and the surgery’s success:

• Sleep in an upright position on a clean pillowcase, with the head raised at a 45-degree angle, to minimise swelling during the first week of recovery.
• Gently cleanse and nourish the treated scalp with only DHI-recommended shampoos/conditioners and lotions.
• Refrain from bad lifestyle habits like alcohol and smoking for a minimum of two weeks, as these can impede blood flow to the hair follicles and delay healing.
• Avoid keeping the scalp dry or irritated by using a saline spray or a dermatologist-recommended solution that supports healing.
• Avoid rubbing or scratching the transplant site, even if it's itchy, as this can dislodge the grafts and affect transplant success.
• Keep the scalp as little exposed as possible to pollutants, dust, and UV from the sun. Wear a loose-fitting head cover after 10 days for protection.
• Have bio-tin-rich supplements if your physician allows and ensures their safety and effectiveness for your needs.

15 Do’s and Don’ts for Speedy Recovery Following a Hair Transplant

Here are some do’s and don’ts that one can follow for ensuring healthy and speedy recovery after undergoing a hair transplant surgery:

✅ DO’s:

• Gently cleanse scalp with medicated, mild shampoo
• Apply a cold compress on the forehead, not directly on the donor and recipient area
• Maintain proper hydration and nourishment of the body
• Attend all follow-up visits to the surgeon to keep a check on your recovery progress
• Strictly adhere to the detailed post-operative instructions shared by the specialist after surgery
• Keep the scalp clean and infection-free by maintaining personal hygiene
• Take only surgeon-prescribed medications and supplements
• Have patience, hair growth will show up in several months. 

❌ DON’Ts:

• Do not use hair styling tools or dryers, as well as hair dye/colour, on or close to the transplantation site for at least 6 months, as these can damage the hair graft
• Resist your urge to touch, scratch, pick, or rub the itchy hair transplant sites
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake and smoking
• Do not engage in vigorous activities or heavy workouts that cause sweating for a minimum of 2 weeks
• Refrain from swimming, especially in chlorinated pools or saline water, for 4 weeks or probably beyond
• Do not sleep in a flat, supine position for the first week of recovery
• Never try to self-treat your scalp.

FAQs on Hair Transplant Recovery

How much time does it take to recover from hair transplant surgery?

The initial recovery period that marks the shedding of scabs and no more redness is often around 2 weeks, allowing the patient’s return to social life. But, thereafter comes the shock hair loss phase of recovery, followed by hair regrowth and thickening. Full recovery is when the final results show-up and that requires patience of around 9-12 months or even more.

What are the potential risks and complications of hair transplant surgery?

Post hair transplant surgery, it’s common to experience mild, temporary swelling, numbness, itching, pain/discomfort, and crusting/scabbing, even if the surgery was performed by a skilled, experienced hair restoration specialist and the patient follows pre-surgery and aftercare instructions. Other possible hair transplant risks and complications include infection, scarring, failure of grafts, folliculitis, shock hair loss, altered sensation, and unnatural results.

When does one promptly contact a surgeon during the recovery period of a hair transplant?

It’s strongly recommended to attend all follow-ups scheduled with the surgeon and team during the recovery to keep a check on the healing and any complications. Every patient who experiences infection, profuse bleeding, intense or persistent pain and swelling, necrosis, extensive scarring, cyst formation, folliculitis, and serious reaction or allergic response during the recovery must promptly seek the attention of the surgeon who performed the hair transplant.

When can I see the results of my hair transplant?

Hair regrowth and thickening start within 3-4 months of the start of recovery. A considerable increase in hair density takes around 6 to 12 months. But, the full and final effects of a hair transplant- the area full of healthier, thicker hair- are typically apparent in around 12-18 months following a hair transplant.

How long do hair transplant results last?

A successful hair transplant will yield outcomes that last for a lifetime if the patient follows the surgeon's instructions before and after the transplant. The permanence of hair transplant in the recipient area is due to the transfer of D-HT-resistant hair follicles, which are genetically programmed to defy excessive hair shedding or balding.

Have Questions in Mind? Contact SB Trichology.

If considering a hair transplant in Gurgaon, but still have doubts regarding its journey, let our experts at SB Trichology Clinic guide you. We assure you of the return of desired hair transplant results at the best possible price.