Bleeding After Hair Transplant: A small amount of bleeding is expected. If you notice any bleeding, fold a clean bath cloth or use the gauze provided for you in your aftercare bag, and apply firm, constant pressure to the area for 20 minutes (do not keep rechecking during this time). Remember hot beverages and activity may increase bleeding. If excessive bleeding persists, call Your Doctor for further instructions.
Bandages After Hair Transplant: Although a postoperative bandage is rarely used, occasionally doctor will opt for a bandage if excessive bleeding is noted intra-operatively. If a bandage is used, it will be removed the next morning at your postoperative visit. The scalp is then shampooed and all postoperative care is discussed.
Pain After Hair Transplant: Pain is usually mild to moderate and is more frequent the first six to eight hours after the transplant. Your rescriptions will control any discomfort you may encounter. We recommend that you start taking pain medication when you arrive home to prevent a pain cycle. Remember to always take pain medication with food to avoid an upset stomach.
Medications After Hair Transplant: Please take all your postoperative medications as directed and as needed. Additional medications may be ordered as indicated for you by doctor.
Crusting After Hair Transplant: Crusting or scabbing will occur to a minor degree after transplantation. A minimal amount of oozing/bleeding follows surgery. Postoperative after care, such as soaking and spraying the grafts with supplies provided, will minimize crusting.
Most crusting will be completely resolved in seven to ten days, leaving a hint of pinkness around the grafts. The pinkness, if present, will fade in three to six weeks.
Swelling After Hair Transplant: Occasionally, there is painless swelling of the forehead and/or bridge of the nose that may develop three to five days after surgery. An anti-inflammatory will be prescribed during your preoperative visit. Sleep with an extra pillow propped under your head for three nights postoperatively. This should greatly reduce the risk of postoperative swelling.
Shampooing After Hair Transplant: After surgery, cleanse your scalp by gently patting shampoo over recipient sites. If you have a low to medium flow shower, you may stand directly under the water; otherwise, use a cup or pitcher to gently pour water over your scalp to rinse shampoo. Pat dry with a clean towel. DO NOT manipulate or agitate grafts with fingers during the first week post-op! On a cool setting you may use a hair dryer, but do not rub the scalp. Use the mild shampoo provided to you for the first week post-op. Begin normal shampooing seven days after the transplant. Medicated shampoos can be started after the second week.
Hair Care After Hair Transplant: Hair coloring, perms and other chemical treatments should be planned during the week prior to surgery and/or one month after. A short haircut is not advised before surgery, as longer hair will provide more coverage to conceal the grafting site. However, the hair may be trimmed 2 – 3 weeks after surgery, if you desire.
Activities : Limit all activities for the first week following surgery.
Sun Exposure : Avoid direct sun exposure to the grafted areas for three months post-op. Sun exposure increases the risk of hyper-pigmentation to the scalp. Wear a hat or sunscreen to protect the grafts when outdoors.
Graft Care After Hair Transplant: You will be provided with all necessary aftercare supplies following your surgery. Use these supplies to soak and spray the grafts several times daily for the first seven days post-op. To soak the grafts, saturate the gauze given to you with the saline solution and place on top of grafts sites.
DO NOT MANIPULATE! This gauze acts as a sponge to draw off excess drainage and keeping crusting to a minimum. Spray the grafted areas with the copper peptide healing solution as directed. Use this spray to mist grafts between saline soaks.
Rogaine: Rogaine can be resumed seven days post-op. Retin-A should not be used for two weeks.
Alcohol: No alcohol for two days after surgery.
AS YOU HEAL AFTER YOUR HAIR TRANSPLANT
Hair Growth: The transplanted grafts may shed during the first two to three weeks after surgery. New growth is noted three to four months post-op. Please visit doctor after four months to evaluate their progress.
NOTE: Some patients do not begin new growth until five to six months post-op.
Regrowth starts in two to four months and is expected to be 100% temporary in all cases.