Like all other surgical procedures, post hair transplant surgery will definitely cause some slight discomforts and you will require proper post-operation care.
If you intend to undergo Follicular Unit Transplantation, then you should also know about what are the things that you will need to do after the surgery, what to expect and when will you see the results. It's best to be prepared because most people tend to have panic attacks if they are not well informed about the repercussions of the transplant.
Before the Procedure
Most honorable hair surgeons will keep you up to date with all the important and crucial information on what you must do after a hair transplant surgery. If they don't by any chance, make sure you ask them first before going under the blade.There are many things you should know before and after the surgery because each individual's tolerance and reaction are different so to prevent any post-op complications the key is to ASK FIRST.
Before the surgery, common preoperative measures and precautions will include
- Halting anti-coagulating medications
- Examining blood clotting and bleeding time
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol for two weeks
- Applying antibiotics to prevent infection
- Stopping physical exercises
- Maintaining a normal daily routine with adequate rest
These pre-op precautions are necessary to follow as they help ensure that your hair transplant procedure will proceed smoothly. The following steps are also important to make sure a smooth recovery process and also reduce the risk of developing any post-operative complications.
After the Procedure
Nowadays, performing hair transplant surgery is usually a one day procedure and you can go back home right after the surgery. Although things now are less complicated, there are many steps you must take for weeks to come to overcome certain visible changes and symptoms that are likely to occur to all hair transplant patients.
Usually after the surgical procedure, you will often to worried about how to take care of the area which has been treated and I bet you will also wonder how long it will take to get the results you wanted, a fuller head of hair. It's going to be a long journey so it's probably best to do it right.
Right after surgery, your hair surgeon is likely to prescribe you with pain relieving medications for the first few days. That is because when the anesthesia wears off, if there is any noticeable pain, then the first and second day will be the most prominent therefore you will need the pain killers. In the first week after the hair transplant surgery, you might also continue to experience some mild swellings on the transplanted area which is quite common.
Accompanying with the swellings, very small blood clots might also develop at the incision sites. You can apply light pressure in the bleeding area using a clean gauge or towel until the bleeding stops.
After the first week, the treated area might remain pinkish for the next few weeks. Crusts can also form in certain areas of the incision sites. This is a common healing process and can happen to anyone and the severity is also different. What you can do is to properly maintain your hair and scalp after the surgery to make sure it's clean always. Some of the steps below are standard maintenance procedures for a hair transplant patient.
Post-Operative Care
Maintenance is very important after the surgery to prevent infections and scabs of the skin and scalp. Some of the steps you can take for properly hair maintenance are
- Shampoo your hair once or twice daily
Use a sponge to soak up the shampoo and water together. Roll the sponge over the grafts gently. Do not rub it back and forth as it might dislodge the newly transplanted grafts. Your hair surgeon should be able to provide you with the necessary shampooing sponge. If he/she doesn't, don't hesitate to ask. - Proper washing methods
To wash off the shampoo, place your hand between the shower and your head and let the water run off your hand until all the shampoo is off. Pat dry with a clean towel. Try not to soak with water too long as it might cause the grafts to raise and look like bumps. If that happens, don't worry as it will subside after a while. - Cleaning the Crusts
Crusts usually form if the grafts bleed and dried off. To clear of the crusts, gently use a moist cotton swab and roll it over the crust. Repeat a few times and the crusts will slowly disappear. Do not pull it off with your fingers or a peeler.
If you still have any worries, make sure your hair surgeon is always there to assist you. A good one will probably let you know everything you should even before you leave the office, just make sure you pay prompt attention to it as it will save you much trouble in the near future.
The 'Shocking' Experience
During the first month after the hair transplant surgery, the transplanted hairs will move into a dormant state and begin to shed. This temporary shedding is triggered by the intense procedure the hair had to endure and it's very similar to Anagen Effluvium, or shock triggered hair loss. The shedding is part and parcel of a hair transplant surgery and you should be prepared for it even before the procedure begins.
The hairs lost in the transplanted areas will usually grow back in 3 to 6 months time after the surgery and that is when you will see the initial results of your newly transplanted hairs.
Your End of the Deal
Your transplanted hairs will initially grow back up as fine and weak looking hair, which will eventually gain in length and thickness over time as they continue to grow. After five to six months, you should see considerable new regrowth with most of them measuring between two to three inches in length.
As your hair grows less than an inch every month, you do need to wait a whole year to see the final results of the hair transplant surgery to see your investment. From month eight to ten, you should notice an impressive hair density difference on the transplanted area when the new hairs have fully grown into thick and strong terminal hairs.
Most of the above information should be well provided to you from your hair surgeon. If he or she doesn't inform you about this basic information, it might reflect a lack of commitment and responsibility as a professional hair surgeon that puts the patients first and you might want to look elsewhere.
Nevertheless, many hair surgeons in the US and Europe are very professional and qualified to perform a near perfect hair transplant that you are looking for. For more sources on where to get the best surgeons, the Hair Transplant Network is a good place to start. If you are from Asia, hair transplant in Pakistan is also emerging as a affordable and reliable alternative.
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