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A hair transplant is a procedure that can change someone's life by restoring not only their hair but also their confidence and self-esteem. However, the success rate of the transplant lies not only in surgical intervention but also in following postoperative instructions meticulously. We at Care4Hair provide our patients with free post-operative care for a whole year. We call them systematically to explain the detailed instructions they need to follow. Moreover, we send these instructions via email and our team is always available to answer any questions they may have during this time.
Below, we present a comprehensive guide segmented by the time elapsed after the hair transplant surgery to ensure the best possible results.
In the first 24 hours following your hair transplant, you are highly advised not to do anything that may lead to complications but to follow closely the guidelines provided by your hair transplant surgeon for a smooth recovery.
Antibiotics and Painkillers: Take the prescribed antibiotic every 8 hours for 7 days in order to prevent infections. If you feel pain, you can take Tylenol or Acetaminophen; again, avoid taking any medication that is not recommended by your doctor.
Swelling: Take the prescribed antibiotic every 8 hours for 7 days in order to prevent infections. If you feel pain, you can take Tylenol or Acetaminophen; again, avoid taking any medication that is not recommended by your doctor.
Washing hair: Swelling in the forehead and periorbital area may occur. This is normal. Rest as much as possible during the first 72 hours, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid bending or lowering the head as much as possible.
Drying of hair and protection: Wash your hair twice a day for one month using a chemical-free baby shampoo, which does not contain chemicals, and a bowl for rinsing the hair without getting it directly under the shower. Avoid rubbing or using your nails; rather, just pat it lightly with your palm.
Rest and Avoiding Strain: Let your hair dry naturally. Avoid using towels, bandages, or other things that may rub against the implanted area.
These routines must be continued starting 72 hours post-op to ensure that everything goes well during this healing process.
Wash hair: Continue the same washing routine with baby shampoo and a bowl to rinse the head. Remember not to put your head directly under the shower.
Hygiene and care: Take the prescribed antibiotic every 8 hours for 7 days in order to prevent infections. If you feel pain, you can take Tylenol or Acetaminophen; again, avoid taking any medication that is not recommended by your doctor.
Crust Removal: Use saline water to wet your hair, then wash it twice daily with baby shampoo. You can buy saline water from the pharmacy or make it at home by boiling some water with salt—1 liter of water per tablespoon of salt—and letting it cool before use.
Care of Donor Area: If you develop pimples or itching in the donor area, apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream to the area twice daily for two weeks.
You can relax some restrictions a week after the surgery but continue with proper care.
Rest and Exercise: You may now resume normal sleep and begin cardiovascular activity. However, you are to avoid lifting anything heavier than 30 pounds until a month has passed since the date of your surgery.
Sun and Activities: You may be out in the sun but should not stay out for more than 2 hours at one time. You may still not use swimming pools or go to beaches, nor use hot tubs, whirlpools, or anything that may rub against or cover the implanted area.
Washing and Scab Removal: Continue to wash your hair twice daily and soak it in saline water; this aids in the removal of scabs.
You can start resuming most of your daily activities one month after a hair transplant, though with some precautions.
Shampoo Change: From this day on, use a shampoo containing biotin. Biotin is one of the most important nutrients required for growing hair and maintaining good scalp health.
Supplements: Start taking biotin tablets 10,000 mcg once a day for one year to strengthen your hair and optimize the transplant results.
Activities and Hair Care: Resume sun exposure, beach or pool visits, and heavy exercise. You can also trim your hair everywhere except in the implanted area.
Now is the time to introduce some new treatments that will optimize your hair transplant results three months after surgery.
Minoxidil Application: 5% Minoxidil on the entire scalp: Apply 3-5 drops at night. If there are no side effects and over time, in a week, use it twice a day. You do not have to wash it out until next time you wash your hair.
Haircuts: You can trim the hair in the transplanted area using scissors; avoid clippers.
PRP Treatment: Consider starting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments to boost hair regeneration and growth.
Six months after the transplant, you still need to take care of the hair to sustain the achieved results.
Shampoo and Biotin: Use shampoo containing biotin and continue biotin tablets daily for a year
Minoxidil: If you have been using minoxidil in the last three months, discontinue it for one month and then resume.
From the above, careful adherence to post-operative instructions holds the key to the success of hair transplant surgery. Care4Hair aims to ensure the long-term recovery and success of your patient, thus ensuring the best possible care for each patient to achieve the desired results.
If you wish to learn more about the hair transplant procedure after reading this article, we encourage you to schedule your free evaluation consultation with our specialists.
