Post-Op Care
The healing or post-operative care period after a hair transplant surgery is important if you want to obtain the best results. Our dedicated and experienced board-certified physician, Dr. Robert Niedbalski, offers comprehensive and detailed post-operative care instructions designed specifically for you following your hair restoration surgery.
Below, you can find our general guidelines for care following your hair restoration procedure.
After Hair Transplant Surgery
Whether you had an FUE or FUT hair transplant procedure at Northwest Hair Restoration, effective wound healing requires some fundamental steps immediately following your hair restoration surgery. We encourage our patients to keep the following in mind:
Keep the Area Moist
Keep your treated area moist without letting the area get either too wet or too dry. The post-procedure kit you are given by Dr. Robert Niedbalski includes soothing compresses and surgiHEAL PRO®, a specialized antimicrobial spritz that aid in healing and help keep the area moisturized.
Keep Swelling to a Minimum
Consider sleeping at a 45-degree angle, slightly propped up, for the first three nights post-procedure to help speed healing. Taking an anti-inflammatory or other pain medication prescribed by Dr. Niedbalski will help minimize swelling and irritation. A bag of frozen peas or a cold pack can also help soothe the area.
Avoid Exercise
You have an excuse from your doctor to skip the gym (at least for the first 24 hours after surgery). Vigorous exercise in the week following your hair transplant procedure will promote scalp pain and swelling of your face.
Feed the Follicle
Applying Rogaine® (minoxidil) to the scalp dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to the transplanted hair follicles. Using Tricomin shampoo and conditioner along with follicle spray in the months following surgery will ensure the hair grafts and native hair receive the nutrition they need. Laser therapy in the form of LaserCap® can also increase scalp circulation and follicular nutrition during your recovery.
Dr. Niedbalski has designed a comprehensive follow-up protocol for hair transplant surgery. Download our brochure detailing what to expect and do at 1 week, 4 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, and 1 year after your procedure.
Hair Coloring Following Hair Restoration
We understand that when you are pursuing the best possible results from your hair transplant surgery, you want to safeguard your investment in your hair. That should involve care when coloring your hair after your hair restoration procedure.
While you can color your hair before and after you have recovered from your surgery, here are some important things for you to consider:
Color Matters
The greater the contrast between your hair color and your skin tone, the more the scalp becomes visible. If you have a lighter skin tone, wear your hair color lighter or allow it to go grey. If you have a darker skin tone, keep your hair color closer to your skin tone to reduce the contrast and the visibility of the scalp.
Be Cautious
Dr. Robert Niedbalski at Northwest Hair Restoration has treated patients who have incurred scalp burns, follicular damage, and even scarring from hair bleaching/coloring gone wrong. Wearing tight braids, ponytails, and extensions can also permanently damage the hair follicle and lead to a condition called traction alopecia, requiring a hair transplant to fill in the areas permanently damaged.
Use a Skilled Stylist
Men can color their hair with the same products women use. However, we suggest avoiding over-the-counter products and pursuing salon-grade or medical-grade products instead. A reputable hairstylist knows their craft and will be better at color matching, as well as offering the least damaging options.
A stylist does not necessarily have to use permanent hair color that contains hydrogen peroxide, which opens the cuticle of the hair strand and causes damage to force the color to bond permanently to the hair.
Semi-permanent color is temporary and uses a lower percentage of hydrogen peroxide or, in some formulations, none at all. This is a less damaging alternative that washes out over time and is gentler on the hair. Anytime hydrogen peroxide (also called bleach) is introduced to the process, it increases the possibility of over-processing, leading to hair breakage.
A skilled stylist can advise you about the best choice for your hair. Even hair that is colored can still be healthy and vibrant with the right products and treatment.
Hair Transplant Surgery in Tacoma, WA
If at any time you have questions about your care during recovery after hair restoration surgery or ACell + PRP injection therapy, please call Dr. Robert Niedbalski at Northwest Hair Restoration of Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane, Washington, at (253) 572-2949. You may also use our convenient and secure form to request a consult online and start your journey toward thicker, fuller hair.
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