After Operation

Aftercare after hair transplantation is a critical stage for the continuation of a successful operation. You need to follow certain rules in order to regain your natural appearance. Here are the important points to be considered after the operation:

Condition of Your Scalp

After the hair transplant operation, you may see bruises and red spots on your donor and recipient areas. These conditions are usually temporary and there is no need to worry. Bruises and red spots are a natural result of the operation and are part of the healing process. These symptoms will decrease in the first few days. During this period, you should take care to keep your scalp clean and dry and carefully follow the care instructions recommended by your doctor.

Redness and discolouration

Avoid touching the hair transplanted area for the first day or two. The bruised appearance and small red spots will heal within 7-10 days. During this time, you may notice a slight redness and pink discolouration on your scalp. This indicates that your skin is in the process of healing and is completely normal. The redness and discolouration will disappear over time and your scalp will regain its natural colour.

Mild Pain

There may be mild pain after the FUE procedure. You may feel pain in the donor area, especially during the first night. This pain is usually mild and subsides within a few days. You can use painkillers recommended by your doctor. The intensity of the pain may vary from person to person, but usually these pains are not at a level that will affect your daily activities.

Mild Plasma Loss

During the first night of the operation, there may be a slight loss of plasma (blood) in the donor and recipient areas. This is a normal and healthy process. Plasma loss is part of your body’s healing response and is usually short-lived. If plasma loss continues or increases, it is important to contact your doctor. Sleeping with your head elevated during the first night may help reduce plasma loss.

Swelling

On the 2nd and 4th days, there may be swelling around the forehead and eyes. These swellings reach their peak on days 6 and 7 and then decrease. Anti-inflammatory medicines will help reduce swelling. Also, sleeping with your head elevated and not tilting your head is helpful to prevent swelling. Swelling is a completely natural reaction and usually disappears within a few days. Applying cold compresses can also be an effective method to reduce swelling.

Shock Loss

You may experience shock shedding from the 13th day to the 3rd month after the operation. This loss usually occurs after the 1st month and is a normal reaction of your body to the treatment. Shock loss is part of the process of the newly transplanted hair follicles adapting to their place and you do not need to worry. This loss is temporary and your hair will start to grow back in a short time. When you experience shock loss, it is important to continue to gently clean your scalp.

Crusting and Itching

Crusting and itching are common sensations after the operation. Crusting can continue for 7-10 days after transplantation. Itching is an indication that your scalp is healing. Avoid forcibly removing the scabs, as this can damage the newly transplanted hair follicles. You can use lotions recommended by your doctor to relieve itching. When the scabbing process is complete, you will notice that your scalp looks healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the recovery period?

The healing process takes 6-12 months. In the first 2-4 weeks, the growth of the transplanted hair begins. The first two weeks can be challenging, but then you can return to your normal routine. In the first few months, you will see your hair grow noticeably. It is important to be patient to see the full results. Since hair transplantation is a long-term investment, keep in mind that the final results will appear between 12-18 months.

When are the results seen?

First results are seen in 6 months, good results in 12 months and final results in 18 months. During this time, you will watch your transplanted hair grow and thicken. Being patient and following your doctor’s instructions will help you achieve the best results. The results of hair transplantation may vary from person to person, but usually at the end of this process, you will have a natural and full hair appearance.

Bandage Use

If there is swelling, an elastic bandage can be applied. The bandage helps to reduce swelling and protect the transplanted hair follicles. Dressings are changed in our clinic and your doctor will inform you when the bandage will be removed. During the use of the bandage, it is important to move your head carefully and not to apply any substance under the bandage. Correct use of the bandage will speed up your healing process.

When Does Hair Start to Grow?

Hair starts to grow immediately after the operation. The first bumps can be seen within two weeks and growth continues for 12-18 months. In the first few months, you may notice that your hair is thinning and falling out, but this is normal and temporary. Over time, your hair will thicken and gain a healthier appearance. Regular follow-up and care supports the hair growth process.

How should I sleep?

It is recommended to sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first 7-10 days. This prevents damage to the transplanted hair follicles and reduces swelling. The neck pillow provided by our clinic keeps your head and neck stable, preventing the grafts from dislodging. You can also increase your comfort by using extra pillows around your head while sleeping. Paying attention to your sleeping position positively affects your recovery process.

Can Hair Be Lost?

Shock loss is normal and part of the healing process of your hair. Shock loss is part of the adaptation process of the transplanted hair follicles and usually lasts for several weeks. During this period, you should be patient and continue to gently clean your scalp. The lost hair will regrow in a short time and become stronger. When you experience hair loss, it is important to contact your doctor without panicking.

Can I Take a Shower?

You should not wash your hair for the first two days. The first wash will be performed in our clinic. You can take a shower below shoulder level, but be careful not to create too much steam. After the first wash, continue to wash your scalp gently. During the hair washing process, you can protect the hair follicles by using shampoos recommended by your doctor. Washing your hair carefully during the first few weeks will have a positive effect on the healing process.

When Can I Wash My Hair?

You can wash your hair after two days. You should be gentle for the first 13 days, then you can return to the old routine. Avoid applying too much pressure on your scalp during hair washing. Gently massaging your hair prevents damage to the hair follicles. Dry your hair gently with a towel after washing your hair. Avoid using a hair dryer for the first 6 months. It is recommended to use it on low heat. Hair dryers can damage the hair follicles due to the high heat. It is best to let your hair dry naturally.

Can I comb my hair?

You can comb your donor area, but you should not comb the transplanted area for the first two weeks. Be careful when combing your hair for the first two weeks. You can use wide-toothed combs to avoid damaging the hair follicles. After two weeks, you can gently comb and style your hair. Avoid putting too much pressure on your scalp while combing your hair.

Haircut and Colouring

A haircut can be done one month after the operation. You should use scissors for the first 5-6 months. Hair colouring is not recommended for the first 6 months. When cutting your hair, be careful not to damage the hair follicles. It is important to consult with your doctor before hair colouring. The chemical content of hair colours may adversely affect your healing process.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking negatively affects the healing process. Do not smoke 12 hours before and 2 weeks after the operation. Alcohol prevents hair follicles from attaching to the skin; therefore, avoid alcohol for the first 14 days. Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process of hair follicles by negatively affecting blood circulation. It is important to stay away from smoking and alcohol for a healthy healing process.

Exercise and Sport

Avoid exercise for the first two weeks. You can start light exercises after two weeks. You can do sports such as football and basketball within 2-3 months. Avoid hitting your head while exercising. Excessive sweating can negatively affect the healing process of hair follicles. During the first two weeks, it is important to stay away from intense physical activities. Take care to keep your scalp clean after exercise.

Use of Hat or Cap

Avoid touching the transplanted area for the first 10 days. The hat should not be too tight. When using a hat or cap, take care not to put pressure on the hair follicles. Choose wide and comfortable hats. In addition to protecting the hair follicles, wearing a hat also protects you from the sun’s rays. When using a hat, it is important to follow the instructions recommended by your doctor.

Sun Exposure

Avoid direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can be harmful until the healing process is complete. Sunlight can negatively affect the healing process of the hair follicles and cause spots on your skin. When you need to go out in the sun, protect your scalp by wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen creams. Avoiding sun exposure will help hair transplant results to be more successful.

Back to Work

You can return to office work after 3-5 days. For jobs that require physical effort, it will be useful to rest for 14 days. When you return to work, make sure you take the necessary precautions to protect your scalp. Make sure your working environment is clean and hygienic. If you are doing work that requires physical effort, you should be careful not to damage your hair follicles. During the return to work process, following the instructions recommended by your doctor will positively affect your recovery process.

Travelling

You can travel as long as you protect the transplanted area. During travelling, take precautions to protect your scalp against impacts. If you are travelling by plane, take care not to tilt your head too much. During long journeys, rest your head by taking frequent breaks. When travelling, following the post-hair transplant care instructions will support your recovery process.

Clinic Visit

You do not need to come to the clinic except in emergencies. You can follow your process by sending a photo. Our clinic will closely follow your recovery process and guide you when necessary. During clinic visits, it is important to have the condition of your scalp checked and take your doctor’s recommendations. Regular follow-up contributes to more successful hair transplant results.

What to do if swelling progresses?

Cold compress and light massage will help reduce swelling. If swelling increases, consult your doctor and get his/her recommendations. Applying a cold compress helps to reduce swelling quickly. Continue to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling. It may take a few days for the swelling to disappear completely, be patient in this process and follow your doctor’s instructions.

In the light of this information, you can achieve healthy and successful results by carefully caring for your hair after hair transplantation. Since hair transplantation is a long-term investment, taking care of the care process and carefully following your doctor’s recommendations will help you achieve the best results.