Below I break down what to expect in the days and months post-surgery
It’s a long journey from surgery day to your full results. Below, I break down what the recovery process looks like – the ups and the downs. Image by Freepik.
One of the top questions I get about hair transplants from patients is about what happens in the days (and months) afterwards. Often, people are so focussed on the day of surgery, the details of the healing process can fade to the background – so much so that people sometimes find themselves scrambling after surgery to put together their post-surgery plan.
So, what should you expect during recovery? Everyone’s journey and experience will vary slightly, though my team does everything possible to make sure your recovery goes smoothly with no surprises. However, if you’re considering hair transplant surgery – or perhaps even getting ready for surgery – below I’ve outlined what to expect during the recovery process with some tips on how best to plan.
Also, I wanted to send out a huge thanks to one of my patients, Max, who documented his entire recovery journey on YouTube where he talks candidly and honestly about his full experience. And, if you’re wondering what surgery day is like? We have a video showing a live procedure available as well.
24 hours post-op
A hair transplant surgery is a marathon for both the surgeon and patient, so don’t be surprised if you’re tired the next day. Typically, there isn’t much pain and though some patients have difficulty sleeping – preoccupied by their transplanted hair – others sleep just fine. It depends a bit on the individual. Be mentally prepared for a different look – particularly if you’ve never had a shaved head before.
Take it easy – no gym trips or vigorous walks. There shouldn’t be much bleeding or scabbing, though swelling of the transplanted area will have begun.
Day 2
By day 2, swelling will have increased. Don’t be surprised if it’s begun to creep down into the face. The swelling isn’t finished either, expect it to peak around day 3.
Patients often report that this is when the itchy feeling starts at the recipient sites. Resist the urge to scratch!
Day 2 is also when patients do their first water pour over the recipient site, an important step to gently cleanse the skin.
Day 3 - Day 5
Swelling has peaked and is starting to resolve. Scabs at the recipient sites that have been drying up over the past few days begin to fall off revealing the transplanted hairs underneath. This can be a really cool moment for patients, as they get the first preview of their new hair. As patients get back to their normal routines, more scabs will continue to shed, particularly in the shower.
2 – 4 Weeks post-op
At the ~ 2 week mark is when patients can start introducing their normal hair care. Why not consider an option that encourages growth? Feel Confident is what I send my hair transplant patients home with.
At 2 weeks patients are still in recovery mode, but your hair, including the transplanted hair, has been growing and is more visible. It’s important to remember that this is only a preview. The transplanted hair will fall out – it’s supposed to.
Around the 3-week mark is when I do a follow up with my patients to see how they’re doing. The transplanted follicles are shedding and it’s completely normal and expected. Still, after going through a transplant and getting a glimpse of your results, this can be hard. Rest assured, the follicles are there and will grow. You’re getting closer to your goal!
Most patients go back to work and find that people don’t register they’ve had a hair transplant. Patients can reintroduce their normal hair care, and it’s a great time to consider adding hair care products that can support your new hair. My Feel Confident Haircare line is formulated with caffeine, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and curcumin – ingredients that research shows really can promote hair growth. It’s what I send my patients home with after their surgery.
Speaking of growing hair, this is also around when patients might want to visit a hairdresser to even things out.
Inexpensive Prescription Hair Loss Medication Delivered To Your Door.
2 – 3 months post op – the waiting game
This is where people find themselves asking ‘what the point?’ The transplanted hair has shed, and things look… well, back to the way they were. One of the things patients often are surprised by is how long it takes for their new hair to ‘come in’. After seeing the grafts in place and getting a preview, it’s really tough to be patient.
Three months out is where patients can first expect to see signs of their transplanted hairs growing though it’s less dense than in the non-DHT sensitive areas.
4 – 6 months – density!
A lot can change in a few months! The density has been improving and the new hairline and shape become more visible. Everything is evening out. This is also the point where you can see if transplanted hairs are in the right (or wrong) orientation – it goes to show just how critical proper placement and artistry is.
7 – 10 months – follow-ups
Progress! There’s a lot more coverage and most of the hair has grown in, so around this point I have another follow-up with patients to see how they’re progressing and answer questions. It can take 12 -18 months to see the full result, so there’s often more to come! But many patients are feeling confident with their hair by this point.
A note about consultations and medical therapy
I like to make sure my patients understand the recovery process and why I ask them to do things a certain way. Everything is designed to decrease the chance of complications. Before your surgery, you should have a thorough discussion with your surgeon and come out of it with a good idea of what to expect during and after surgery. You should know who is in your surgery and who will be directing it. It’s no secret that I am not a fan of places where the surgeon is absent for the surgery.
Regardless of where you get your hair transplant, make sure you have a good understanding of your post operative care. Also know who will be at and performing your surgery. Image by Freepik.
Your consultation should also involve a discussion about medical therapy and whether it’s right for you. Something I hear from many patients
Regardless of where you get your hair transplant, make sure you have a good understanding of your post operative care. Also know who will be at and performing your surgery. Image by Freepik.
Your consultation should also involve a discussion about medical therapy and whether it’s right for you. Something I hear from many patients is that they wish they’d paid more attention when their hair loss started and been more proactive with hair loss medical therapy. Prevention is one of the strongest tools you have.
If you’re considering a hair transplant and/or want to explore medical hair loss therapy, visit Feel Confident and City Facial Plastics to find out about your options.
