Hair Transplant Aftercare Instructions

If you want to obtain optimal results in hair transplant, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions quite strictly. For an effective wound healing, you should apply some fundamental steps. This applies both whether you had an operation via an FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) technique.

Immediately after the operation, you should go home and have a rest. Because hair transplantation is a delicate surgery, you should engage in a minimal activity afterwards.

Wound Care

Keep the Area Moist:

Immediately after the operation, your center will provide you with a spray bottle and a water solution. For the first 12 hours, you should spray the transplanted area and the donor every 20 minutes. By spraying vigorously and using both hands, you should ensure that the solution reaches the transplanted and donor area. The aim of spraying is to prevent any scab formation on the transplanted area and on the donor area. When you finish the solution, you can use tap water instead. Put some towels around your shoulders in order not to get wet on your clothes.  After 12 hours of spraying, you should sleep for a few hours. You should spray half hourly during the day and sleep as normal at night.

Keep Swelling to a Minimum:

Especially after your first transplant, swelling may occur usually on the forehead beginning around day 2-4 following the operation. Nevertheless, it will not last permanently. To help speed healing, sleep with your head at a 45-degree angle for the first three nights post-operation using pillows. Because hair follicles are still very vulnerable after the operation, you should stay away from bending over or putting your head down. To minimise swelling, you may apply an ice pack on to your scalp. You should apply this in the first 12 hours after treatment, for up to 15 minutes, 3 – 4 times a day. By following these, you will prevent irritation, swelling, and excessive bleeding.

Hair Transplant Aftercare Washing and Hair Care

After a few days following the operation, you may begin to wash your hair gently in the

shower. Try not to let the water beat directly onto the transplanted area and the donor area. During this time, do not wear a hat. On the following days, commence a tea tree shampoo regime. Pour the tea tree solution over the transplanted area and the donor area and rinse it off. You may pat it gently using a clean towel. However, after the rinse off, do not towel dry or blow dry your hair. Let it dry naturally. If applicable, your clinic should remove your stitches between day 7 and day 10. After two weeks, you may return to your normal hair washing. At this stage, washing your hair vigorously will remove any crusts in the area. Starting from then on, you can get your hair cut, die your hair and start using products like gels and hair sprays. For 4 weeks after FUT (2 weeks for FUE), avoid exercise such as weightlifting, swimming and strenuous hill walking.

Complications That May Occur Following Your Operation

Swelling and Bleeding:

Swelling may occur 24 to 48 hours after the operation. Some swelling can occur in the forehead, which may descend to the eyelids. This may result in an asymmetrical appearance. Usually 48 to 72 hours after, it will begin to resolve itself. Directly after the operation, there may be some bleeding from the donor area. If this occurs, you should apply pressure and wait until the bleeding settles.

Pain and Infection:

You may feel pain in the donor and the transplanted area. Hair of Istanbul is one of the world leading hair transplant aftercare clinic. The clinic will not only provide you with a smooth operation, but also with specific instructions to follow post operatively. This includes instructions about pain relief. The clinic will prescribe you post hair transplant medications that you need. These medications will also help reduce any irritation.

There is a very small risk of infection as with any operation. If you feel any signs of infection such as localised redness, pain, or congestion, you should contact your clinic. During the first week, avoid dirty and dusty environments, which can lead to infection. Keep the operated areas clean and if prescribed, use the antibiotics given.