Proper post-op care is crucial for healing and achieving the best results after a hair transplant. Here’s a detailed guide:
🔹 Immediate Post-Op (First 1–3 Days)
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activity. Keep your head elevated while sleeping (use 2–3 pillows).
- Avoid Touching: Don’t touch, scratch, or rub the grafted area.
- Bleeding/Discharge: Mild oozing is normal. Dab gently with sterile gauze if needed (no pressure).
- Pain/Swelling: Use prescribed painkillers. Swelling may occur, especially on the forehead—apply ice (not on grafts).
🔹 Washing and Cleaning (Days 3–14)
- First Wash: Usually recommended around day 3–5. Follow your surgeon’s instructions.
- Washing Method:
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.
- Mix shampoo with water and gently pour over the grafts.
- Pat dry — never rub.
- Crusts/Scabs: Will form and fall off naturally. Do not pick them.
- 🩺 Medications
- Antibiotics: Prevent infection (usually for 5–7 days).
- Anti-inflammatories/Steroids: Help with swelling.
- Topical Sprays: Saline or prescribed growth-promoting solutions.
- 🔹 Activities to Avoid (First 2–4 Weeks)
- No heavy lifting, running, or gym workouts.
- Avoid sun exposure — wear a loose-fitting hat if needed.
- No smoking or alcohol — they hinder healing.
- Avoid swimming (chlorine or salt water can damage grafts).
- No hair dryers, styling products, or dyes.
- 🔹 Shedding Phase (Weeks 2–6)
- Shock Loss: Transplanted hairs may fall out — this is normal. It’s part of the growth cycle.
- Hair will start growing back around 3–4 months.
- 🔹 Long-Term Care (3 Months and Beyond)
- New hair begins to grow, usually thin and fine at first.
- Full results can take 9–12 months.
- Continue gentle hair care.
- Minoxidil or finasteride may be recommended to maintain non-transplanted hair.
