Following the instructions after a hair transplant and adhering to them significantly increases the chances of success. The outcome doesn’t depend solely on the doctor; the patient must follow the post-operative care guidelines provided by the doctor to ensure the best results and a shorter recovery time.
At Turk Aesthetic in Istanbul, Turkey, we provide comprehensive Hair Transplant Aftercare Instructions. For optimal results, read the article thoroughly and follow all the guidelines.
After hair transplant Instructions
Driving | After hair transplant
The doctor may apply strong anesthesia during hair transplant procedure. Therefore, avoid driving immediately after the procedure.
You should not drive for 24 hours after the procedure. Ensure you have someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
Medication label instructions
- Some patients ignore the instructions on the medication packaging. Do not do this.
- Always read and follow the instructions on the medication label. Antibiotics should be taken regularly as prescribed by the doctor to avoid infection.
- After taking the painkillers prescribed by the doctor post-procedure, make sure not to drive.
- Ensure you take the painkillers with a proper meal if indicated on the medication label, as most painkillers can harm the stomach if taken on an empty stomach.
Proper Sleeping Position
In the first few days after the procedure, you might experience some swelling in your head. It’s always recommended to sleep with your head elevated.
If you feel significant swelling, use more than one pillow to keep your head at a 45-degree angle!
Not all patients experience swelling. If you don’t feel any swelling, you can sleep generally without elevating your head.
Using Ice | After hair transplant
- As mentioned earlier, you should sleep with your head elevated if you feel any swelling.
- Additionally, you can apply ice just above your eyebrows for about 30 to 40 minutes.
- The ice will help you feel better, especially 4 days after hair transplant procedure.
- Applying ice can also be comforting, even if there is no swelling.
Do not apply ice directly to the scalp
- All post-hair transplant instructions emphasize avoiding contact with the transplanted or donor areas.
- Do not touch the transplanted area or place ice directly on your head!
- You can touch your scalp gently and carefully, but treat the area with extreme caution when applying conditioner or any products to avoid scratching your scalp.
How to wash your hair
After 24 of the procedure: the hair is washed, but there is a special wash, you can watch the steps explained in the video below.
In the following days: You can start washing your hair, but be careful not to rub your scalp too hard.
After 5 days, you can use the shampoo and conditioner prescribed by your doctor, but it is recommended that you use a cup to pour water over your hair instead of directly exposing your scalp to running water.
Do not dye your hair
After a hair transplant, do not use hair dye for at least a month, as dyes contain chemicals that can harm the newly transplanted hair. The hair follicles are weak and require special care.
You can dye your hair before the procedure but must not do so within the first four weeks after the transplant!
Drink Plenty of water
- We all know the importance of drinking plenty of water, which becomes even more crucial after a hair transplant.
- Drinking extra water is vital both before and after the procedure.
- Water keeps your body hydrated, which aids in faster recovery.
- Turk Aesthetic recommends downloading an app on your phone to remind you to drink water throughout the day!
Dealing with hair loss
Many patients believe that hair loss after a hair transplant is dangerous.
This belief is completely incorrect! On the contrary, Hair loss is a healthy and natural part of the hair growth cycle.
So, there is no need to worry if you notice hair falling out after the procedure.
Don’t sleep on your stomach
Sleeping on the stomach or tossing and turning a lot at night harms the transplanted area after hair transplant process.
It would be best not to rub your newly transplanted hairline on the pillow. If you can’t stop yourself, use a heavy blanket or try sleeping on a chair!
Avoid strenuous exercise
- Keeping your blood pressure and heart rate stable during the initial period is essential.
- Light or moderate exercises are fine, but avoid strenuous workouts and make sure to get enough rest.
- Instead of intense exercises during the first 30 days, try yoga or walking to avoid boredom.
Sweating Issues
Do not engage in activities that cause excessive sweating, as this can damage the newly transplanted hair follicles.
This doesn’t just apply to exercise—avoid going to the sauna too!
Sexual Activity| After hair transplant
While sexual activity is known to reduce blood pressure in the long term, during the act, blood pressure can rise significantly above normal levels, which can harm the scalp, especially in the first two weeks after a hair transplant.
Additionally, sexual activity causes sweating, which can negatively affect hair transplant results. There’s also the risk of touching the scalp during intercourse, increasing the likelihood of infection.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure:
For the first two weeks after a hair transplant, avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
During this period, the sun’s rays are vital; exposure can harm your scalp and lead to severe complications.
Avoid Wearing Hats | After hair transplant
As mentioned earlier, nothing should touch your scalp during the first few days.
This includes hats, which can damage the transplanted area and lead to more scabbing!
Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose water, leading to dehydration and thus slowing down the healing process!
- Alcohol can also raise blood pressure above normal levels and reduce the necessary blood and nutrient supply to the scalp.
- It is recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 5 days after the procedure.
- For smokers, it is advised to quit smoking 7 days before the procedure and to continue abstaining during the recovery period.
- Nicotine increases blood pressure and restricts blood flow to the scalp, preventing sufficient blood supply for healthy hair growth.
- Proper blood flow is essential for ensuring the growth of new, healthy hair.
Scab Removal
Scabs that form after the transplant should be cleaned after 12 days, as shown in the following video. Otherwise, the transplanted hair will not grow.
You can contact the Turk Aesthetic team using this link for more information about treatment in Turkey.
