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Eva G
Are you getting ready for your hair transplant?
To help you prepare for your recovery here's a few tips so that you're comfortable and have everything you need to survive your recovery:
Sleeping
Sleep in semi-sitting position (45-degree angle) for the first few nights, an adjustable Lazy Boy recliner would be perfect— keeping your head elevated will help reduce any swelling after your procedure. You can also stack pillows to raise up your head comfortably, and a “U” shaped neck pillowwill also help to keep your head in the correct position. Don't forget a comfy blanket to keep you warm!
The morning after
According to Doctor Jae Pak, most doctors have patients come back for a follow-up and hair wash at the office the next day. He further tells us that some doctors "may have their own specific regimen so it is always advisable to follow your doctor's instructions."
Ice
You may have some swelling across the forehead, temple or ears, don't worry, this is a normal part of the healing process—you can apply an ice pack to the forehead to reduce swelling. Caution, never place the ice directly on the transplanted area.
Pain management
In general, most patients experience minimal or no discomfort after a hair transplant. You may feel some tension or burning which should subside within the first week.
If you should have some mild discomfort, Tylenol is generally sufficient to ease any pain. If you need something stronger you can ask your doctor for a prescription for pain relief.
Significant pain or discomfort is very unusual and should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Hair Washing
Your doctor may supply you with some shampoo, otherwise most doctors here on RealSelf suggest using a gentle (baby) shampoo with the least amount of additives to avoid any irritation of the recipient area for the first 10 days. Shampoo very gently as proper hair wash is essential—your doctor should show you how to wash your hair and if you have any questions you should ask your doctor before proceeding. Do not wash your hair or touch the transplanted area for the first 24 hours. Do not let the shower flow onto your head at all during this time.
Related: Grooming After Hair Transplantation
Scabs and Crusting
Following your hair transplant procedure, there will be visible scabs and crusting at the recipient sites, which usually fall off by day 10. It's important to keep the area moist, Doctor Richard Fitzpatrick says, "you can do this by standing in the shower twice a day and by just spraying a mist of water on the healing areas repeatedly during the day. Keeping an ointment such as Aquaphor over the healing areas helps as well." Do not pick at your scabs!
Photos courtesy of wikipedia.org
For best results and a faster recovery, you should not consume any alcohol prior to your surgery and 3 days after. Also, smoking is not a good idea— Doctor William Rassman explains that smoking has a "negative impact on the blood supply which can be constricted from cigarettes." [ Read more]
After your hair transplant, it's very important to follow your doctor's post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and growth of the transplanted hair. All the aftercare materials should be provided to you by your doctor, as well as any pain relief prescriptions should you need them.
DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES – If you are concerned about anything after your hair transplant, follow-up with your doctor immediately.
If you have questions, or just want to chat about your upcoming procedure, leave a comment below.
To help you prepare for your recovery here's a few tips so that you're comfortable and have everything you need to survive your recovery:
Sleeping
Sleep in semi-sitting position (45-degree angle) for the first few nights, an adjustable Lazy Boy recliner would be perfect— keeping your head elevated will help reduce any swelling after your procedure. You can also stack pillows to raise up your head comfortably, and a “U” shaped neck pillow
The morning after
According to Doctor Jae Pak, most doctors have patients come back for a follow-up and hair wash at the office the next day. He further tells us that some doctors "may have their own specific regimen so it is always advisable to follow your doctor's instructions."
Ice
You may have some swelling across the forehead, temple or ears, don't worry, this is a normal part of the healing process—you can apply an ice pack to the forehead to reduce swelling. Caution, never place the ice directly on the transplanted area.
Pain management
In general, most patients experience minimal or no discomfort after a hair transplant. You may feel some tension or burning which should subside within the first week.
If you should have some mild discomfort, Tylenol is generally sufficient to ease any pain. If you need something stronger you can ask your doctor for a prescription for pain relief.
Significant pain or discomfort is very unusual and should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Hair Washing
Your doctor may supply you with some shampoo, otherwise most doctors here on RealSelf suggest using a gentle (baby) shampoo with the least amount of additives to avoid any irritation of the recipient area for the first 10 days. Shampoo very gently as proper hair wash is essential—your doctor should show you how to wash your hair and if you have any questions you should ask your doctor before proceeding. Do not wash your hair or touch the transplanted area for the first 24 hours. Do not let the shower flow onto your head at all during this time.
Related: Grooming After Hair Transplantation
Scabs and Crusting
Following your hair transplant procedure, there will be visible scabs and crusting at the recipient sites, which usually fall off by day 10. It's important to keep the area moist, Doctor Richard Fitzpatrick says, "you can do this by standing in the shower twice a day and by just spraying a mist of water on the healing areas repeatedly during the day. Keeping an ointment such as Aquaphor over the healing areas helps as well." Do not pick at your scabs!
Photos courtesy of wikipedia.org
For best results and a faster recovery, you should not consume any alcohol prior to your surgery and 3 days after. Also, smoking is not a good idea— Doctor William Rassman explains that smoking has a "negative impact on the blood supply which can be constricted from cigarettes." [ Read more]
After your hair transplant, it's very important to follow your doctor's post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and growth of the transplanted hair. All the aftercare materials should be provided to you by your doctor, as well as any pain relief prescriptions should you need them.
DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES – If you are concerned about anything after your hair transplant, follow-up with your doctor immediately.
If you have questions, or just want to chat about your upcoming procedure, leave a comment below.