DOs and DON’Ts after a Hair Transplant

When you have just returned home from a hair transplant, you want to make sure you know how to care for your most valuable possession: your newly implanted hair grafts. They are still frail and require some tending before they can take root. 

Here are a few DOs and DON’Ts that you should be aware of:

• Alcoholic beverages should be avoided for three days following your surgical treatment. Alcohol has the potential to thin the blood and induce bleeding.
• For at least 3 days after your procedure, do not take Vitamins, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and or Arthritis Medication. These drugs thin the blood, which may cause excessive bleeding. Please use a non-aspirin-containing medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or the pain medication provided to you for pain and/or headache. 
• Running, cycling, and weight lifting, as well as sports such as golf, baseball, and soccer, should be avoided for at least three days following your surgical treatment. When such activity is undertaken prior to this critical period, it may result in bleeding and graft loss, as well as severe swelling around the eyes and forehead. For one week following surgery, vigorous physical activity should be avoided.
• To avoid bleeding or excessive swelling, avoid bending over or lifting for at least 48 hours after surgery. During this time, keep your head and upper body elevated above the level of your heart, especially when sleeping.
• For the first 48 hours after surgery, do not wash or disturb the grafts. Shower and wash your hair after this time by lathering the shampoo in your fingers and lightly applying it to the grafted area as well as the donor location. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and minimal pressure. These measures should be followed for a period of 5 days following your surgical operation. Normal shampooing can then be resumed. It is best to use a thick moisturizing conditioner on the grafted areas as well as the donor area on a daily basis. Allow the conditioner to sit on the area for 5 minutes before gently rinsing. This will considerably reduce the production of scabs.
• Minor bleeding from one or more of the graft sites may occur on rare occasions. This can be relieved by applying mild pressure to the region for 5 to 10 minutes with a damp clean towel. Take cautious not to disturb the surrounding grafts.
• After exiting the shower, apply mild pressure to the grafts using a towel or gauze pad. This absorbs any blood that has accumulated on or around the transplant sites.
• For the first 3 to 4 days, sleep with your head and upper body propped up on numerous pillows. This will keep the forehead from bulging. Sleeping on a lazy-boy chair for 48 hours with your head and upper body raised is also useful.
• Following your procedures, it is advised that you utilize our hair care products: shampoo, conditioner, and replenisher. Your hair will be properly washed, and the products will create an ideal environment for transplant development and maturation.
• Apply ice packs as follows: While awake, an ice pack is administered immediately to the suture line in the donor area for l0 minutes every hour for 3 days. Please put a gauze pad to the affected region first, and then place the ice pack on top. Do not apply the cold pack directly to the grafted site in the recipient area. Rather, for three days, lay an ice pack on the forehead for ten minutes every hour while awake. The longer you keep an ice pack in place, the less likely you are to experience swelling.

To summarize, it is your job to care for yourself following surgery in order to achieve the best potential results. Furthermore, because the do’s and don’ts are significant and real, there is no reason to undervalue your own role; do what you can and avoid anything that may harm you.

What Should Not Eat After Hair Transplant?

Within a week of hair transplantation, the individual should avoid spicy foods and fast foods. In addition, avoid products with a high sugar content. Implementing tiny adjustments can help you achieve the best outcomes in the long run. You should also abstain from alcohol for a week. Do not forget, you will not follow those procedures for the sake of the surgeon; the very most important thing is your health. Thus, eat what you should and do not consume what makes you sick. Your body will tell you what it needs, listen and do whatever it says.

Can I touch my grafts after 10 days?

After a hair transplant, it is important to follow specific instructions to ensure optimal healing and hair growth. One common question patients ask is whether it is safe to touch their grafts after 10 days.

At the 10-day mark, the grafts will have already established a strong connection to the surrounding tissue and blood supply. However, it is still important to be cautious when touching them to avoid dislodging them or causing damage.

Patients should only touch their grafts when washing their hair or applying any prescribed topical treatments. It is important to use gentle pressure and avoid rubbing or scratching the scalp. Additionally, patients should avoid wearing hats or helmets that may apply pressure to the scalp.

Following proper post-operative care guidelines is essential for achieving the best results from a hair transplant. If you have any concerns or questions about caring for your grafts, be sure to speak with your surgeon.

Reference:
https://nashvillehairdoctor.com/recovery-after-hair-transplant/dos-and-donts-after-a-hair-transplant