Hair transplant recovery process typically takes a period of 10 to 14 days. Throughout this recuperation period, patients should anticipate their newly transplanted scalp displaying redness, scabbing, and swelling. It typically takes between 10 to 14 days for these visible indications to subside.
After a hair transplant, you may be feeling nervous about the recovery timeline. Here is a day-by-day timeline of what to expect, with pictures:
What is Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair follicles from one part of the body, called the “donor site,” to a bald or balding part of the body, known as the “recipient site.” The technique is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness. In this minimally invasive procedure, grafts containing hair follicles that are genetically resistant to balding (like the back of the head) are transplanted to the bald scalp.
Hair transplant procedures have increased dramatically in recent years, with a 157% increase worldwide between 2008 and 2019. In the Turkey, hair transplants have grown by 85% since 2016.
One reason for this surge is that celebrities are increasingly speaking openly about their hair transplant procedures. This has helped to normalize hair transplants and make them more socially acceptable.
As a result, hair transplants are now a sought-after treatment for hair loss. Many people are eager to get a hair transplant to restore their hair and confidence.
Step by Step Hair Transplant Recovery Timeline
If you have been considering a hair transplant, you have taken a big step. Be sure to do your research and choose a qualified surgeon to ensure the best results.
Swelling After a Hair Transplant
While a hair transplant is considered a minimally invasive procedure, it is essentially a surgical operation with potential side effects. One of the most frequently encountered side effects following a hair transplant is swelling, which is a natural response of the body to injury or trauma.
Even with a skillfully and delicately performed procedure, some swelling around the forehead and eyes can be expected. Furthermore, the fluids used for local anesthesia during the hair transplant surgery can also contribute to swelling. It is essential to understand that this swelling is a natural and harmless bodily reaction.
Although this swelling is harmless, it may still cause mild discomfort. To alleviate this, you can apply a cold compress to the swollen areas while keeping your head elevated and avoiding sleeping on your stomach. Additionally, it’s important to stay well-hydrated and refrain from vigorous exercise during this brief recovery period.
7 Days After a Hair Transplant
The first week following your hair transplant procedure is the most crucial phase and may be the most uncomfortable period. Typically, the bandage will be taken off on the day following your surgery, and you might opt for a hair wash at our clinic. You can commence gentle hair washing with a special shampoo from the third day onward. During the initial days, you may encounter some itching or minor instances of bleeding.
Around the fifth day, the transplanted hair grafts will begin to gain strength, but it is still imperative to exercise caution and be gentle with the transplanted area.
10 Days After a Hair Transplant
In the second week following a hair transplant, the wounded area will experience significant healing, and you’ll notice that scabs begin to shed, while the redness gradually diminishes. It’s crucial to continue the gentle washing of your hair during this time to eliminate any residue or dead skin cells. Your initial post-operation check-up, which occurs during the second week, can be conducted either virtually or in person, depending on your availability.
Around 7 to 10 days following your hair transplant procedure, the hair grafts will have settled in, marking the commencement of a resting phase. During this period, you might undergo minimal hair loss, a natural phenomenon often referred to as ‘shock loss.’
Shock Loss After 10 Days
Shock loss is a commonly occurring, natural process intricately linked to the innate growth cycle of hair follicles, encompassing their phases of growth, transition, and resting. This resting phase is colloquially referred to as the shedding period. Following a hair transplant, hair follicles enter this resting phase due to the surgical trauma they experience and the follicles’ inherent mechanism of self-preservation.
As an integral part of the natural life cycle of hair follicles, shock loss is generally nothing to be overly concerned about. The duration of this natural phase may vary from one individual to another, but it typically extends for about 2 months, with observable regular hair growth resuming around 3 to 4 months later.
3 Weeks After a Hair Transplant
Around 3 to 4 weeks following your hair transplant, you may still encounter instances of shock loss. By the third week, any swelling and scabs should have considerably subsided, and you can anticipate a significant reduction in redness around your hairline. At this point, you can gradually resume exercising, but it’s crucial to do so with care and closely monitor your body, especially the treated area.
Typically, your second post-operation check-up is scheduled for the third week to assess your progress and provide additional post-transplant care instructions. Similar to the initial check-up, this follow-up can be conducted either online or in person.
1 Month After a Hair Transplant
The recovery process following a hair transplant is indeed a lengthy voyage. Over the course of the months following your surgery, you will witness both minor and substantial transformations. Every month will herald distinct enhancements, ultimately culminating in the realization of the full head of hair you’ve longed for.
At the one-month mark after your hair transplant, you might encounter the most pronounced stage of shock loss. Although patients may experience mood fluctuations during this period, it’s essential to bear in mind that this is entirely normal and a natural part of the process!
2 Months After a Hair Transplant
During the second month, hair transplant turkey of shock hair loss gradually diminishes, and you’ll begin to notice the emergence of new hair growth. The pace of this hair growth may exhibit irregularities and disparities. Typically, the hair that hasn’t shed during the shock loss phase often appears to be somewhat weaker.
3 Months After Hair Transplant
In the third month following your procedure, you can anticipate substantial hair growth. Nonetheless, it’s important to remain vigilant for blisters and potential infections resulting from heightened sensitivity of the skin. Blisters are usually more manageable to address, while infections might necessitate medication.
Should you observe any indications of infection, it is advisable to consult with your surgeon or medical consultant promptly. Ensure strict adherence to the provided aftercare instructions for achieving swift and effective results.
6 Months After a Hair Transplant
Six months into the journey, hair growth is at its peak rate, with each passing day bringing thicker and stronger hair strands. By this point, your hair coverage should extend to around 80% of the desired outcome.
You will find that you can comfortably use a wide hairbrush for combing your hair and can even consider trimming it to eliminate any irregular hair strands or using a shaver for a cleaner look. While it might seem like everything is returning to normal, it’s crucial to remain cautious and protect your hair from extreme hot or cold conditions.
Additionally, at the end of the sixth month, you have the option to schedule a post-operation check-up to closely monitor your progress.
1 Year After Hair Transplant
The culmination of your hair transplant journey typically occurs around the 12-month mark, where you can anticipate achieving your desired results. Both the donor and transplanted areas are nearly fully recovered, approaching 100% restoration.
At this stage, you can revel in the pleasure of a healthy, robust head of hair that exudes confidence. You are free to style your new hair as you wish and employ various styling products without any apprehension.
How Long Do Hair Transplant Take To Grow?
As previously mentioned, the first week following the procedure is a critical phase in the healing process and tends to be the most uncomfortable period. Around seven to ten days post-operation, the hair grafts will have settled, marking the onset of a resting phase, during which you may encounter minimal hair loss, commonly referred to as “shock loss.” This is a natural outcome stemming from the innate growth cycle of hair follicles.
The duration of shock loss can extend up to two months, and it is usual to witness regular hair growth resuming about three to four months later. By the six-month milestone post-surgery, hair growth is at its most accelerated pace, with hair strands progressively thickening and strengthening, resulting in coverage of up to 80%.
The ultimate and desired results typically manifest around the 12-month mark following the procedure. At this juncture, your transplanted and natural hair will have attained a sufficient length, enabling you to style and utilize it as you wish.
Source: National Library of Medicine
