After Hair Transplant: All the Steps You Need to Take

Modern hair transplant surgery offers incredible natural-looking results, but it is still a delicate procedure, and the recovery process takes time. In fact, aftercare is just as important for promoting hair growth and avoiding any unnecessary damage that would minimize the effectiveness of the surgery.

We will explain what your hair and scalp will look like in the weeks and months after your transplant, how long it will take to see the full results, and what you can do to help the healing process along.

The Full Timeline of Hair Transplant Recovery

Once the surgery is over, the hair transplant surgeon will give you all the instructions you need and the correct aftercare products, and you will be transported to the airport for your return flight. The healing will start from this point, but it will take some time for the swelling to subside and even more time for the follicles to start growing a full head of hair. Here’s what the whole process will look like.

The First 4 Days After Surgery

The donor and recipient area of the scalp will be swollen and painful at first, and then tiny scabs will form by the end of this period, which will cause itchiness.

You must get lots of rest and quality sleep to allow your body to heal faster, but keep your head at a slightly elevated position in bed.

4 Days
After

From Day 5 to Two Weeks In

The swelling and the pain should be almost completely gone by day five or six, and you will be able to gently wash your head with water, although the area can still look reddish. There will be more scabs and dry skin, which will slowly fall off on their own – don’t try to scratch or pick them off.

During the second week after surgery, you will be able to sleep in your preferred position, and you will also experience some hair shedding, which is normal as new hairs will begin to grow from the recipient area.

You will be able to go back to your normal life, wash your hair, and engage in exercise. Just avoid contact with the scalp.

From
Day 5

1 Month After Surgery

The hair in the donor area should already be back to normal, while the recipient area will still look somewhat patchy, and there will be more shedding, but this is a normal part of the process. The hairs are simply in different states of growth, and some will need more time to catch up. There can also be some mild redness in the hairline.

1 Month
After

3 to 6 Months Post Hair Transplant

More hair will be noticeable by the third and fourth month, but it will be thinner and lighter than your regular hair because it still needs time to mature. Some people still experience itchiness and redness at this point, while for some, it may take up to six months for the first thin hair to appear. For most, around the six-month mark is when lots of thicker and longer hairs begin to grow.

3-6 Months
After

9 to 12 Months In

The hair should continually thicken and grow in length, slowly getting close to its youthful, natural look, which is a sign of a successful hair transplant. Most of the hair will have matured by this point, so you will be able to get a haircut.

9 to 12 Months

12 to 18 Months After the Hair Transplant Procedure

At this point, all the new hairs should be fully matured and match the rest of your hair in thickness and color. There will be no signs of previous hair loss, and you will be able to style your hair however you want and have fun.

12 to 18 Months

Tips on Post-Operative Care in the First Two Weeks

The crucial part during the first few days is to spray your scalp with the provided saline solution throughout the day to help prevent infection and keep the area hydrated. Never let your scalp fully dry out, and always have the spray bottle near you.

Things you should avoid include:

Rubbing or scratching your head;

Using towels or pulling clothes over the scalp;

Washing your hair;

Doing strenuous physical activity that makes you sweat.

After day five and up to two weeks after your FUE hair transplant, you can pour a bowl with lukewarm water and some shampoo, mixed until soapy, over the area, then gently dab and rinse out with regular water during the second week after the procedure.

Your Daily Hair Care Routine After Hair Restoration Surgery

Once the initial symptoms have died down within the first month, you can have a light scalp massage with oils to stimulate the scalp and provide hydration. A diet rich in meat and eggs will also ensure you are getting enough biotin, and you can use products with Argan oil to help strengthen the new hair.

You should avoid hair gels and sprays, and don’t use a hair dryer – dab it with a towel and let your hair dry naturally. If the recipient area still feels itchy after the first month, you can use an antihistamine or apply an Aloe Vera gel to soothe it.

Monitor Your Growth Progress

Keep an eye on your hair growth and consult the timeline we’ve provided. You should contact your clinic if you see any signs of persistent inflammation, where the recipient area feels hot and painful, after 1 month and if there isn’t any visible growth after 6 months.

Get in Touch for a Free Hair Analysis

Feel free to contact us with any questions about hair transplantation in Turkey or to request a free, non-binding assessment of your hair loss. Our experienced team will provide clear and helpful information tailored to your individual situation.

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