The First Year: What to Expect After Your Hair Transplant

Hair transplant procedures are on the rise with surgeries increasing 10% since 2016.[1] Despite the myth that hair transplant results are immediate, it takes time to recover from the procedure and for the newly transplanted hair to settle in and grow.

Part of the anxiety surrounding any kind of procedure is the unknown. Offering education and setting appropriate expectations is especially critical for hair transplant surgery which involves both health and appearance. So let us replace the unknown with a roadmap for your post-procedure journey. Here’s what to expect if you’re expecting a hair transplant.

Immediately After Transplant

While a hair transplant is minimally invasive and does not require a lengthy recovery, many people take two-to-three days off post-surgery to rest and begin the healing process.

Immediately after the hair transplant procedure both the area hair was taken from (the donor site) and the area it was grafted to (the recipient site) will begin the healing process. Both areas will be bandaged and you will probably feel achy and want to use over the counter pain relievers to dull the discomfort.

Some amount of itchiness is also normal as your scalp heals and scabs begin to form about 24-72 hours after surgery. Your scalp may appear red when the bandages are removed, especially in the area where hair was transplanted. This redness typically resolves within two weeks.

Depending on your procedure, you may be asked not to wear headwear or a hat to aid in recovery. Your medical team will let you know when you can wash your hair, often not until five days post-procedure. You should avoid scratching or rubbing your head or participating in any significant physical activity until your doctor approves, likely two weeks post-procedure.

Two Weeks

At the two-week mark the post-restoration healing process is well under way. The achiness you felt immediately after the transplant should be over and any swelling should have resolved. However, itchiness may continue and there may still be some redness. At this point you are returning to your normal routines including exercise. Do not be worried if you notice some hair shedding, this is normal, the hair that is lost will be replaced by the new hair that is forming and will begin to grow.

One Month

The newly transplanted hair in the recipient site may appear patchy, this is normal, as the hair is in different stages of its growth cycle. You may experience continued shedding, your transplanted hair falling out is a normal part of the healing and recovery process and will not impact your long-term results.

The donor site, where hair was removed from should have returned to normal, with new hair growing in and covering the impacted area. At the one month mark your scalp should be feeling pretty good. Inflammation and redness should be gone. If they are not, you should notify the healthcare team at your hair restoration clinic.

Two Months

Two-month post-surgery the hair growth cycle will be continuing, how quickly or slowly this occurs depends on your unique situation. Avoid becoming overly concerned about the appearance of your transplant and instead allow time as your hair goes through the different phases of growth and begins to come in.

Three Months

This is an exciting time in the recovery process, as your new hairs will begin to emerge. These new hairs will be wispy and thin as they have not yet matured, this is normal and to be expected. The most important thing right now is replacing panic with patience. The new hair growing on your head may be almost transparent, but it will mature and thicken with time, to blend in with the rest of your hair.

Six Months

Good news – the hardest part is over. You finished both the procedure and the early months of recovery. Your days of patchy and thin, wispy hair are coming to an end. At this point you should notice your hair becoming thicker and stronger, you can expect this to continue. While your hair should be looking better, hair growth rates are unique and impacted by many factors. It is too early to expect to see the final results of your transplant procedure.

One Year

The year mark is a great milestone to look forward to on your hair restoration journey. At one-year post-procedure you can finally see the result of your hair transplant surgery. The early thin, transparent hairs that you noticed at six months should have grown in, thickened and matured, blending well with the rest of your hair. It is time to enjoy the results of your transplant procedure.

Experiencing the results of hair restoration takes time. And we want you to know what to expect from the moments immediately after surgery to the one-year mark. Every patient’s journey is a little different, but we’ll support you every step of the way. At AdvancedYOU Hair Restoration we have accompanied many people through the hair transplant process. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you plan your SmartGraft hair restoration for a time that works with your schedule and allows for adequate healing.

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Infographic

Anxiety around medical procedures often stems from the unknown. For hair transplant surgery, education and clear expectations are vital, as it affects both health and appearance. This infographic will guide you on what to expect during post-procedure recovery.