How to Care for Your Hair Transplant Post-Surgery

Hair transplant surgery is a big decision in anyone’s life who’s been considering options for hair regrowth. And even if it seems like a life-changing choice, the whole process is typically free of complications and pain. In fact, the process of hair transplantation is considered to be a low-risk procedure and low risk. But even with all these in mind, one needs to consider the process of recovery, as well. Here’s what to expect when you do get a hair transplantation surgery from Sure Hair International:

Procedure

With Follicular Hair Extraction, the hair transplant surgery yields no scarring post-procedure. This type of procedure is one of the more modern techniques in the field today and offers the fastest recovery period.

Here, each follicle or clumps of two or three follicles are removed individually, thus leading to numerous incisions on the scalp that are less than a millimeter in size. As compared to the more traditional procedure of Follicular Unit Transplantation which requires the removal of a donor strip usually from the rear scalp and spreading it into individual follicles for the transplant which leaves a scar line, modern techniques can work without leaving any scarring.

To minimize any discomfort during the procedure of the Follicular Hair Extraction, a local anesthetic is administered. To remove the follicle, a punch device is used, then the latter is placed in a bare area of the scalp, creating a more natural look.

The procedure removes follicles from one area of the scalp and transplants it to a bald area. It is important to expect some temporary side effects because of this but normally disappears in time once it heals.

Right After

First, you’ll notice that your hairline is taking shape. This is an immediate effect of the procedure once the follicles have implanted themselves. Expect some scabbing around each follicle but will heal quickly because of their tiny size.

Side effects such as swelling of the area should be expected but will subside in a few days. However, for traditional procedures such as the Follicular Unit Transplantation, a feeling of numbness in the site of the surgery may develop. This is temporary but can take a few months to resolve.

Another side effect of the surgery is minimal soreness and tenderness on the site. The doctor will normally offer advice to minimize soreness and swelling. This includes elevating your head when sleeping and holding off washing your hair or any activity that may get your scalp wet. And once you follow these steps, the transplant should be able to implant itself in a week’s time.

What to Expect Short to Medium Term

In the first two weeks, your hair follicles may fall out. Don’t panic. This is all a normal part of the post-op procedure. When a live follicle is transferred to its new site, its growth stops. Old follicles fall out as a part of the growth life cycle to make way for new follicles to grow.

It’s important to take into consideration the speed of hair growth which is 1cm per month. So it will take some time. The results fully manifest after 4 to 5 months but can take up to 18 months for you to see the results you hoped for. The season you have your surgery will also matter as exposing your scalp to elements like wind and heat can affect the recovery process.

What to Expect Long Term

After your recovery process has finally taken place, you can go about the usual hair treatments most people do with their hair. You can go for haircuts, and even have it dyed. This procedure is permanent and you will enjoy the results for the rest of your life without any restrictions on your hairstyle.

Treatments to Stimulate Growth

Post-op procedures to stimulate hair growth can be considered including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy. This type of therapy helps regenerate follicles to grow faster. This procedure depends on the plasma that naturally occurs in the blood. Blood is taken from your arm and placed in a centrifuge to extract the platelets. The extracted plasma is injected into the area of the scalp where the surgery took place, usually where the hair is thinnest.

Follicle revitalizing shampoos can also be used to stimulate hair growth. Laser therapy and vitamin therapy may also be offered as alternative treatments to stimulate follicle growth. However, it still comes as a case-to-case basis and is wise to ask your surgeon for his or her recommendation.