Hair Transplant Surgery Recovery- Timeline, Diet, & Lifestyle Changes

The recovery period after hair transplant surgery varies from 3 months to a year. Pristyn Care provides assistance to patients during their recovery and schedules follow-up consultations at regular intervals to ensure the patient gets optimal results.

The recovery period after hair transplant surgery varies from 3 months to a ... Read More

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Recovery After Hair Transplant Surgery- An Overview

Hair transplant surgery is a very intricate procedure that requires extensive and delicate care. The recovery after the procedure usually takes around 3 months, and the hair growth may take 9 to 12 months. Throughout the recovery period, the patient needs to be very careful with his/her scalp and follow the doctor’s instructions strictly to get the desired outcome from the treatment.

Regardless of the technique used for hair transplant treatment, hair growth will be slow and steady. Thus, it’s imperative for the patient to take proper care of the newly implanted hair follicles. By taking good care, the patient will be able to ensure long-lasting results. As the transplanted hair will continue to grow for the rest of the patient’s life, it’s critical to take proper care in the initial days after surgery and let the follicles settle in the scalp so that the growth will be stronger and healthier.

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Recovery Timeline After Hair Transplant

The recovery timeline after a hair transplant can vary from person to person depending on the individual’s healing process, the extent of the procedure, and other factors. The general timeline is explained below-

Week 1:

Immediately after the procedure, the patient is given instructions on how to care for the scalp, which typically involves avoiding any physical activity that could cause sweating, keeping the head elevated, and avoiding any rubbing or scratching of the scalp.
The patient may experience some swelling, redness, and discomfort around the treated area, which should subside within a few days.
During the first week, scabbing and crust formation will start to occur in the transplanted area, which is normal and part of the healing process.

Week 2:

The scabs and crusts on the scalp will start to fall off, and there might be itching in the scalp as it heals.
The patient may be advised to start washing the scalp gently with a mild shampoo to help remove any remaining scabs or crusts.
If there are stitches in the donor region, they will be removed within 7 to 14 days.

Week 3-4:

The transplanted hair will enter into a dormant phase, and the patient may start to experience some shedding of the transplanted hair. This is a natural part of the healing process, called shock loss, and it should not cause concern as the hair will start growing in a few months.
The patient may start to see some tiny new hairs growing in the transplanted area.

1 Month Post-surgery:

By this time, most of the hair shedding will stop, and the transplanted hair follicles will be firmly embedded in the scalp.
The patient may start to see some new hair growth in the transplanted area, but it will be thin and fine at first.
The scar in the donor region will start to improve at this point.

2-3 Months Post-surgery:

The new hair growth will become more noticeable, but the growth may still be thin and patchy.
Some of the implanted hair may still be in the resting phase and are likely to grow in the upcoming months.
It’s safe to resume regular activities, including exercise and other physical activities, after 3 months.
The donor region scar will also start to fade away within 3 months, and the hair growth will also cover it up.

4-6 Months Post-surgery:

Patients may see significant improvement in hair growth.
The transplanted hair will start to grow longer and thicken.
Hair growth may still be uneven, but it will continue to improve.

9-12 Months Post-surgery:

Hair growth should be more consistent and natural-looking.
Patients may be able to style their hair as desired.
The transplanted hair will continue to thicken.

12 Months Post-surgery:

Patients will be able to see the full results of the hair transplant.
Hair should be thick, full, and natural-looking.
Patients can continue to see improvements for up to 18 months post-transplant.

The long-anticipated surgery results will be fully visible within a year or so. The patient will be able to enjoy a full head of hair and style them as desired. In some cases, the patient may not be happy with the results and decide to get a second hair transplant to see improved results.

Diet to Follow After Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair health is directly linked to nutrition levels in the body. Whenever an individual suffers from any type of deficiency, the immune system’s reaction leads to hair loss. Thus, a healthy and nutritious diet plan is important to speed up the recovery and provide ample nutrition to the implanted hair follicles so that they grow and develop roots in the scalp as soon as possible.

The patient must incorporate healthy eating habits in his/her daily life so that the hair follicles grow and their lifecycle improves. After the surgery, the doctor will provide detailed dietary modifications as below.

Foods to Eat After Hair Transplant:

Protein-rich foods: Protein is the building block for the hair and scalp tissues and is essential for hair growth and repair. Include a variety of protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts in the regular diet.
Vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which is important for healing. Include foods such as citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables in your diet.
Iron-rich foods: Iron is also necessary for healthy hair follicles. Include foods such as lean meats, dark leafy greens, beans, and fortified (added vitamins and minerals) cereals in your diet.
Zinc-rich foods: Zinc is important for hair growth and repair. Include oysters, beef, poultry, beans, and nuts in the diet.
Whole grains: Whole grains are rich in fiber and nutrients that promote healing. Add brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread to the diet.
Water- Keeping the scalp hydrating is also essential, especially after the surgery. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure that hair loss doesn’t happen due to a dry scalp.

Foods to Avoid After Hair Transplant:

Along with following the diet chart, the patient also needs to avoid consuming certain food items that can interfere with the healing process. The foods that should be avoided include the following-

Spicy and hot foods can increase blood flow to the scalp, which can cause swelling and inflammation. It is best to avoid such foods in the initial weeks after the surgery.
Alcohol can dehydrate the body and slow down the healing process. Try to avoid drinking alcohol until the scalp has fully healed.
Caffeine can dehydrate the body, which can slow down the healing process. Limit the intake of caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea.
Fatty and processed foods can slow down the healing process and contribute to inflammation. It’ll be best to avoid them completely in the first three months and keep the intake minimal after recovery as well.

Exercises Recommended After Hair Transplant Surgery

After hair transplant surgery, the patient needs to avoid all exercises and activities that can cause sweating and increase the blood flow in the scalp for at least 2 weeks. Sweating can heighten the chances of bacterial infections, exercises can inadvertently cause bleeding and graft failure, stretching can tear the stitches (in the donor region) and injure the transplanted follicles, and sports activities can increase the risk of head injury. To ensure that the treatment is successful, it’ll be better to abstain from all these physical activities for as long as the doctor advises.

After 2-3 months, it’ll be safe to resume basic activities. Some exercises that will help promote healing after hair transplant treatment include the following-

Walking can be recommended after 2-3 weeks when the swelling has subsided. Initially, the doctor will recommend taking short walks and gradually increasing the duration and intensity over time.
Yoga may also be helpful in relaxing the scalp and promoting blood flow without causing sweating or strain.
Light stretching is another exercise that will be safe and helpful in improving circulation to the scalp without causing excessive strain.

Exercises typically won’t be recommended to the patient in the first 3 months. After that, the patient should consult the doctor when performing strenuous activities, exercises, and sports activities is safe.

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Lifestyle Changes Recommended After Hair Transplant

Patients getting hair transplants should understand that lifestyle habits are a major reason for hair loss. Thus, they need to make significant changes to get optimal results from hair transplant surgery. The recommended lifestyle changes include the following-

Avoid smoking, as it can slow down the healing process and negatively affect the growth of new hair follicles. It is also advised to stop using nicotine products.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate the body, which can slow down the healing process. Limit the intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages until the scalp has fully healed. Even after healing, it’ll be best to keep the intake minimal.
Avoid direct sunlight, as sun exposure can damage the scalp and slow down the healing process. Wear a hat when going outside for the first few weeks after the surgery.
Follow post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon strictly, such as washing your hair properly, avoiding hair styling products, and avoiding touching the scalp.
Get enough sleep, as sleep is essential for healing and overall health. Try getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Manage stress levels as stress is another major factor contributing to hair fall. Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle exercise to reduce stress.

Dos & Don’ts After Hair Transplant

Some additional tips regarding the do’s and don’ts after getting a hair transplant surgery are given below.

Dos

Follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.
Keep the scalp clean and dry. Wash the hair gently using the prescribed shampoo.
Sleep in an elevated position to reduce swelling.
Take prescribed medications, such as pain relievers and antibiotics, as directed.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet to promote healing.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Wear loose-fitting clothes that can be easily removed to avoid rubbing against the scalp.
Take regular follow-ups with the doctor to monitor the recovery and look out for the signs of post-surgery complications.

Don’ts

Don’t smoke or use any nicotine products.
Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages for the first few weeks after the surgery.
Don’t expose the scalp to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Don’t wear any tight-fitting hats or headwear that may rub against the scalp.
Don’t scratch or pick at the scalp.
Don’t use any hair styling products or dyes for the first few weeks after the surgery.
Don’t touch the scalp unnecessarily.
Don’t stress or engage in activities that may cause stress.

Scalp Care Tips After Hair Transplant Surgery

Here, we are listing some additional care tips the patient must follow to preserve the implanted follicles and promote hair growth.

Keep the scalp clean and dry to prevent infection.
Wash the hair gently using the prescribed shampoo and avoid getting the scalp wet for the first few days after the surgery.
Use a mild shampoo and be gentle while rubbing the scalp, as aggressive rubbing can damage the newly transplanted follicles.
Avoid using hot water to wash hair until the scalp has healed completely.
Do not use hair styling products, such as gels, hairsprays, mousses, etc., for the first few weeks after surgery.
Protect the scalp from the sun, as it can damage the skin tissues and cause hyperpigmentation and graft failure.
Avoid scratching or picking at the scalp, as it can damage the new hair follicles and delay healing.

Content Reviewed By

Dr. Surajsinh Chauhan

10 Years Experience Overall

Last Updated : March 7, 2024

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She analysed the issue first. She comforts me with her words without making me panic. She discussed the treatments and maintenance in details. Then she prescribed medicines. Totally worth taking this appointment and really helped me in understanding me problems and curing ways. Thankyou so much roshini mam.

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Haji Bhai

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Good excellent advice given by doctor raashi. I am waiting to see the results, but the recovery is ongoing. Hoping for the best.

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Aman Nahar

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Pristyn Care's hair transplant was a game-changer for me. The team's attention to detail and the post-surgery care were commendable. I can't thank Pristyn Care enough for giving me back my hair!

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Hair Transplant Surgery Recovery- Timeline, Diet, & Lifestyle Changes

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