After Hair Transplant Surgery: Expert Tips in 2024

No matter which clinic you visit, how skilled your surgeon is, or what technique you decide to undergo, one thing remains the same for every patient – the importance of good aftercare.

After a hair transplant, it’s crucial to keep the scalp dry for the first 48 hours and follow the surgeon’s care instructions to avoid dislodging grafts.

Take prescribed medications to manage pain and prevent infection, and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks to aid healing.

Expect initial shedding of transplanted hair, with new growth beginning in 3-4 months and full results visible within 12-18 months.

Today we’ll highlight helpful ways to maximize your comfort during this time, including different medications and products that can support further recovery.

1. Aftercare Quick guide
2. Treating the main side effects
3. Most important aftercare instructions
4. How to speed up recovery
5. 3 Optional treatments & supplements

Hair transplant aftercare quick guide

5 common complications after hair restoration surgery

As with any medical procedure, there are some complications you must be aware of.

Below are four potential problems you might encounter:

1. Pain and discomfort

During your hair transplant, your surgeon will numb your scalp to ensure you feel no pain or discomfort.

But in the days following, and as the anaesthesia gradually wears off, you might experience mild pain and scalp soreness.

This is quite common for patients and may only last a few days. Your surgical team may have suggestions on how you can manage your pain effectively.

2. Swelling

This is your body’s response to trauma and is a normal part of every patient’s recovery. Swelling after hair transplant can last 2 to 5 days and usually go away without intervention.

That said, if swelling continues to present itself for longer than one week, you should contact your doctor to ensure everything is OK with your hair restoration.

3. Itchiness

Another common complication of hair transplants is itchiness.

This can last up to two weeks and be quite challenging to ignore. But you must resist the urge to scratch your scalp during recovery.

Any pressure or trauma can damage hair and prolong the healing process.

If the itchiness is unbearable, consult your doctor on possible treatments, like antihistamines, that can help calm symptoms.

4. Shock loss

Shock hair loss after hair transplant means a sudden loss of hair around the donor and transplanted areas of your scalp.

It usually occurs three to four weeks after your procedure and can be distressing to experience, especially as you expect to grow a full head of hair.

But this sudden hair loss is to be expected after any major surgery. The good news is that new hair will start growing afterwards.

But you must be patient. It can take several months for a noticeable improvement to appear, and the final results of your operation will only be seen from twelve months on.

5. Pimples after hair transplant surgery

Pimples after hair transplant surgery can occur and are usually not a serious cause for concern.

These pimples can appear in the recipient area where the new hair grafts have been implanted.

There are a few reasons why pimples might develop after a hair transplant but it’s usually due to inflammation.

It can typically be prevented by following the aftercare instructions and ensuring your scalp remains clean and sterile.

You shouldn’t squeeze or pick at the pimples, simply wash your scalp more carefully and apply gentle scalp massage to the area.

What are the most important elements of my hair transplant aftercare?

Another common complication of hair transplants is itchiness.

This can last up to two weeks and be quite challenging to ignore. But you must resist the urge to scratch your scalp during recovery.

1. Removing scabs after hair transplant surgery during hair wash

The first four weeks after your hair transplant are incredibly important, as this is when implanted hair is at its most vulnerable.

As such, you must change how you wash and maintain your hair accordingly.

While your clinic will give specific instructions, you should avoid washing your hair during the first week of recovery.

Instead, you will sterilize your scalp with a special saline solution to prevent wound infection.

By week 2, you can start to soak and massage your scalp daily with lukewarm water to remove scabs, and by week three, you can use a gentle shampoo (like baby shampoo) to gently but thoroughly clean hair.

Avoid using products with harsh chemicals, including silicone, dyes or scents, and perfumes, as these can irritate the scalp.

You should also avoid using heating devices, such as hair dryers, and instead gently pat dry your scalp.

2. Sleep on your back

You must protect your scalp in the days and weeks following your surgery.

It is highly recommended that you adjust your sleeping position so that your head does not come in contact with anything.

Sleep on your back and elevate your head with soft pillows.

This can reduce complications like swelling and prevent your grafted hair from coming in contact with anything.

3. Minimize sun exposure

You should avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks following your procedure.

This is because prolonged exposure to the sun can cause dryness, discolouration, and hair thinning.

Many patients think wearing a hat or scarf can help protect their hair. But these accessories can cause damage themselves.

Wearing them too tightly could pressure your tender scalp, pull on new grafts, and ultimately prevent new hair growth.

As such, please wait at least three weeks before wearing them.

4. Limit physical activity

Excess sweating can slow down your recovery and increase your chances of developing an infection.

You should avoid high-intensity exercise for at least three weeks following your procedure.

You can still engage in gentle exercises following your hair transplant procedure.

Short walks, for example, are perfectly fine if you avoid sunlight and stay hydrated.

5. Stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and drugs

Alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs can all harm your body, especially as it recovers from surgery.

These toxins can cause stress and irritation and put undue pressure on your immune system.

Unsurprisingly, you should avoid taking alcoholic beverages, smoking cigarettes and cigars, or taking drugs for at least 2 weeks following your procedure.

How to speed up your hair transplant recovery

Certain medications and products can be recommended to you to help support your hair transplant procedure:

1. Antibiotics: Often prescribed to help reduce any chance of an infection developing on your scalp.
2. Shampoo for hair wash: Baby shampoos are especially useful for patients, as they are gentle on the skin and keep the scalp clean, healthy, and sterile.
3. Scarex or Contractubex: Especially for patients who underwent a Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), these can be effective in helping to reduce scar visibility.
4. Finasteride: This oral pill is known to help bolster thinning hair and reduce the likelihood of future hair loss.
5. Rogaine: Minoxidil is a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat and alleviate hair loss.

3 alternative treatments and supplements

1. Biotin supplements

Biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for healthy hair, nails, and skin. It is bought over the counter and is a safe supplement to take.

2. PRP after hair transplant

Platelet-rich plasma treatment, often shortened to PRP, is when concentrations of platelets from a patient’s blood are taken out and injected directly into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

But you must allow a couple of weeks for your scalp to fully recover from surgery.

3. Dermaroller

A derma roller is a device that massages your scalp, improving blood flow and circulation.

This prompts your body to produce helpful hormones that speed up new hair growth.

You should wait at least two months if you want to use a derma roller after hair transplant.

FAQ After Hair Transplant