Post Hair Transplant Recovery: The Do’s and Don’ts
Receiving a hair transplant has become really popular. More and more people are choosing this option because the methods have improved with advances in science. Many do a lot of research to understand how the procedure works and what they can expect in terms of results. Often times, however, people do not know how to take care of their hair after the transplant.
If you’re someone who has already had a hair transplant or is thinking about getting one, and you’re not sure about what to do afterward, here are some quick tips on what you should and shouldn’t do.
How Can I Sleep After a Hair Transplant?
How you sleep right after a hair transplant can make a big difference in how you feel and how well it turns out.
DO: In the first few nights after the surgery, prop your head up a bit when you sleep. This can help reduce swelling in your scalp and make your recovery more comfortable. Make sure you’re gentle with the areas where you got the hair transplant, so you don’t accidentally rub the grafts off or make them irritated.
DON’T: Sleep on your stomach for at least a week. It’s best to sleep on your back to protect the new hair and the spots where your surgeon put them.
When Can I Wash My Hair Normally After a Hair Transplant?
Fortunately with better techniques, you can get back to your regular routine pretty quickly after the surgery. If you have undergone transplantation at the Saratoga Hair Center at Williams, we offer a complimentary shampoo 24 hours after your procedure. The shampoo may also be very gently performed at home one day after transplantation.
DO: Take care not to aim the water directly at your head as the water can interfere with the healing process. We recommend using a cup to gently pour water over the transplanted area.
DON’T: Use really hot or cold water. Once the scabs are gone, which usually happens around the 10th day, your scalp will be less sensitive, and you can go back to washing your hair like you normally would.
Can I Wear a Hat After a Hair Transplant?
After your hair transplant, you might want to conceal the area for a variety reasons and might be wondering if wearing a hat could cause any issues. It takes about 3 days for the newly transplanted hair to get firmly rooted after the surgery.
DO: Let your scalp breathe by not putting anything restraining on.
DON’T: Wear a hat during this period. It’s a good idea to let the transplanted hair follicles settle in before you start touching or pressing on them. Your surgeon might even suggest waiting for 10 days before you put on a hat after a hair transplant. And if you’re thinking about wearing a helmet, it’s best to wait for at least 4 weeks.
Can I Consume Alcohol After a Hair Transplant?
After you’ve had a hair transplant, having alcohol can mess with the blood flow to your scalp and slow down the healing.
DO: Avoid consuming any alcoholic beverages for at least a week. It’s even better if you can skip it for two weeks or until you’ve fully healed.
DON’T: Avoid this step! Your results will have a negative impact leading you to have some doubts or disappointment post-surgery.
If I Can’t Have Alcohol, Can I Have My Morning Coffee After A Hair Transplant?
Can’t resist your usual cup of coffee after a hair transplant? While it’s not completely off-limits, you should be cautious.
DO: Avoid caffeinated iced or hot coffee for 1-2 days after the surgery because it might increase the risk of bleeding.
DON’T: Go for any other type of caffeinated beverage including energy drinks or iced teas. You can always switch to decaffeinated options right after the operation since it won’t interfere with your recovery.
Should I Remove Scabs After A Hair Transplant?
Scabs are a normal part of the healing process. Even though it might be tempting, don’t pick at or remove them for the first 10 days following a hair transplant. Watch the video below to hear what we suggest to do after surgery:
Is It OK to Pop Pimples After a Hair Transplant?
Think twice before trying to pop the pimples that may arise after your hair transplant.
DO: Use the ointments that your surgeon suggests to keep pimples away.
DON’T: Squeeze pimples after a hair transplant because it can make your skin swell, which harms the new root hairs.
What Are Potential Post-Op Infection Risks?
While a hair transplant is generally not too invasive, it’s still a surgical procedure. So, it has some risks and needs to be done with great care. The good news is that because it only involves tiny incisions, the chance of infection is pretty low. The biggest risk of infection during or after a hair transplant comes from not keeping things clean and sanitary after transplantation.
Click here for the full list of what to avoid during your healing process
To stay clear of any chance of getting an infection, here’s what you should do: Make sure the surgery takes place in a sterile room, try not to touch your scalp right after the surgery to avoid spreading germs, resist the urge to pick at scabs or scratch your head, and stay away from smoking and alcohol since they can slow down your healing. It’s crucial to stick to the aftercare advice your surgeon gives you to keep the risk of infection low. At The Williams Center, we always put your health and safety first, so you can be confident you’ll get the best results in the safest way!