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What to Do After Hair Transplant Surgery in the First Month and Beyond (Including Beard and Eyebrow Transplants)

  • Writer: Euro Med Park Clinic
    Euro Med Park Clinic
  • Feb 7, 2014
  • 3 min read





Nightly Care (First 10 Days)


  • First 5 nights: Keep your head elevated and straight, even when using your phone, to prevent swelling caused by anesthesia.

  • Sleep position: Sleep on your back only during the first 10 days , using the special pillow provided to prevent side sleeping. Use a travel pillow or a regular pillow for neck support if needed.

  • Fluid drainage: Some fluid discharge from the donor area is normal during the first 5 days.


Daily Cleaning Protocol (Days 1-10)


Step 1: Foam Application


  • Apply foam once daily to the implantation area.

  • Distribute gently with your hands without rubbing.

  • Leave the foam on for 5-10 minutes.

  • Rinse off with lukewarm water, avoiding direct shower pressure.

  • Do not dry your hair by rubbing it with a towel.


Step 2: Shampoo Treatment


  • Apply shampoo immediately after the foam.

  • Use with a pH-neutral, alcohol-free, paraben-free shampoo.

  • Rinse gently and let air dry.


Important Note: Bring your shampoo and spray to the hospital for a washing demonstration.


Special Washing Protocol (Day 11 and Beyond)


  • Begin the scab removal process.

  • Apply shampoo to the transplanted area and press softly on scabs.

  • Do not force resistant scabs; they will naturally fall off in subsequent days.

  • Repeat the process daily until all scabs are removed.

  • Once scabs fall off, use shampoo every two days and discontinue foam use.


Post-Operative Restrictions


First Month


  • Do not scratch the transplanted area.

  • Avoid using hairdryers.

  • Do not wear helmets.

  • Avoid hats or caps for 1month unless they do not touch the implanted area.

  • Avoid tight clothing that could come into contact with the grafts (use button-up shirts or zip-up jackets).

  • Do not swim in pools or the sea.

  • Avoid saunas or hammams.

  • Refrain from physical activity.

  • Avoid sun and rain exposure for the first 15 days.

  • Wait 10 days before resuming sexual activity.


Extended Restrictions


  • Avoid using chemical products (hairspray, gel, dyes) for 12 months.

  • Resume physical activity after 1 month.

  • Hair can be cut with scissors on the receiving area after 3 months and can cut only the sides donor area after one month is permitted.

  • Razor use is permitted after 12 months.

  • Hair dyeing is allowed after 12 months.

  • Hairdryer use is permitted after 3 months.


Specific for Beard Transplants


  • Avoid eating hard-to-chew foods.

  • Minimize muscle movements around the mouth area.


Medication Schedule


Medication

Purpose

Dosage

Timing

Cipro

Antibiotic

2 tablets/day

After breakfast and dinner

Parol

Pain relief

Up to 2 tablets/day

As needed

Prednol

Anti-swelling

Day 1: 3 pills/dayDay 2: 2 pills/dayDay 3: 1 pill/day

After meals

Lanzedin

Stomach protection

1 tablet/day

30 minutes before eating

Coraspryn

Anticoagulant

1 pill/day

On an empty stomach for 10 days


Recovery Timeline and Results


Graft Shedding Phase


  • Starts around Day 10 and continues through the first month.

  • Transplanted grafts naturally fall out—this is normal and expected.


Growth Timeline


  • Month 2: Initial signs of new hair growth become visible. Growth occurs progressively, not simultaneously.

  • Months 3-5: Gradual increase in density as more follicles enter the growth phase.

  • Months 6-12: Final results become visible. Full density typically achieved within this period.


Donor Area Recovery and Shock Loss


Understanding Shock Loss


  • Empty spots in the donor area are normal and due to “shock loss.”

  • Hair follicles temporarily enter a dormant phase (telogen phase).

  • This is a natural response to surgical stress and is temporary.


Recovery Process


  • Over weeks to months, follicles transition to the growth phase (anagen phase).

  • Hair regrowth begins, filling in the empty spots.

  • Complete recovery of the donor area occurs within several months.

Important Notes:

  • This is a temporary phase.

  • Follow aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and regrowth.


    Common Misconceptions

    • First transplanted hair falling out is normal, not failure

    • Initial results don't reflect final outcome

    • Uneven growth patterns are normal

    • Temporary numbness in donor/recipient areas is common

    • Minor asymmetry during healing is normal


Additional Recommendations


  • Reduce salt intake to minimize swelling.

  • Apply cold compresses and massage from the center to the sides of the forehead to reduce swelling.

  • Optional: Undergo 2-3 PRP sessions to improve blood flow, strengthen grafts, and accelerate healing.

  • After 12 months, use gentle hair products and vitamins to maintain hair health.

  • Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 10 days post-procedure.


  • Personal Hygiene Tips

    • Use disposable towels for drying

    • Change pillowcase daily first week

    • Avoid face masks that touch graft area

    • Avoid excessive sweating


  • Managing Recovery Phase

    • Be patient with growth timeline

    • Keep realistic expectations

    • Focus on long-term results


  • Dietary Recommendations

    • Increase protein intake for better healing

    • Stay hydrated (2-3 liters water daily)

    • Avoid spicy foods first few days

    • Limit caffeine consumption

    • Consider supplements:

      • Biotin

      • Vitamin C

      • Vitamin D

      • Iron (if prescribed)

      • Zinc


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