One of the most effective restorative options available to treat hair loss is hair transplant surgery. It involves relocating healthy hair follicles from the back and sides of the scalp to the balding or thinning area where more hair is desired.
Whether the procedure is done via the FUE (follicular unit excision) or FUT (follicular unit transplantation) method, a hair transplant can restore a receding hairline, increase overall hair density, and bring back the youthful appearance and vitality of a previously full head of hair.
A hair transplant surgery typically requires a seven to ten day recovery period for effective wound healing before resuming normal activities. The duration of this recovery depends in large part on how extensive the procedure is and how closely you follow the doctor’s recommendations.
What Should I Do After a Hair Transplant?
If you want to minimize your recovery period and obtain the best results from your hair transplant surgery, there are several key self-care steps you need to take. These include doing the following:
- Keep the newly grafted area moist. Your surgeon should provide you with the necessary tools to maintain moist environment for the newly transplanted hair follicles. Common strategies include frequent misting of the scalp with a saline solution or topical application of an ointment such as Aquaphor to protect the grafts from dehydration.
- Keep any swelling and irritation to a minimum. Frequent gentle scalp cleansing will minimize any scabbing and scalp itching. Also, sleeping at a 45-degree angle for the first three nights following your procedure will minimize the movement of fluid down into the forehead which reduces swelling.
- Avoid vigorous exercise following surgery. Restricting strenuous physical activity for a period of time will minimize pain, swelling and overall comfort. Generally speaking non-aerobic exercise such as walking and stretching in moderation are OK right away. After 7-10 days, exercise intensity can be increased gradually over the next week. Sweating is not harmful to the new transplants but intense physical exertion will increase pain and swelling.
Hair Transplant Surgery in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, WA
Experienced hair surgeon Dr. Robert Niedbalski at Northwest Hair Restoration has pioneered hair transplant techniques during his many years of practice. He regularly performs FUT and FUE procedures, and he also performs various nonsurgical techniques to successfully treat hair loss.
You can read or download this brochure detailing what to expect and what to do at 1 week, 4 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, and 1 year after a hair transplant procedure.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call Northwest Hair Restoration today at (253) 572-2949 or use our convenient appointment request form online to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you love the way your hair looks again!
