You did it! You made your decision, did your research, met with doctors, and prepared for your hair transplant surgery. The day of your procedure arrived, and you underwent the surgery that will transform not only your hair, but also improve your self-confidence and overall sense of well-being. Now, it’s time to make sure you take the rights steps – and avoid the wrong ones – so you can recover quickly and maximize the results of your surgery.
One of the many wonderful aspects of the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant technique – developed and implemented by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami’s Dr. Paul Rose – is that healing tends to be quicker and involve less post-operative limitations than other hair transplant methods.
Most patients can return to work the next day and resume all regular activities within a week to 10 days. That said, you’ll want to follow all your doctor’s specific post-operative instructions which will include some temporary do’s and don’ts.
Unless your hair transplant surgeon advises you otherwise, follow these important post-operative tips after your procedure:
- Get a lift home. A mild sedative is used during the procedure, so you should arrange for a ride home from our clinic and plan on resting for the remainder of your day.
- See us tomorrow. We’ll want you to pay us a visit the day after your procedure, so we can check and shampoo the transplanted areas.
- Stay away from booze. Avoid alcohol for at least three days after your procedure. Alcohol can act as a blood-thinner and inhibit the healing process.
- Avoid spicy food. Your body’s reaction to spicy foods diverts energy and resources which would otherwise be going to healing and repairs. Ease up on the spice for at least a week.
- Take it easy. You’ll get back to your regular exercise regimen soon enough, but in the days after your surgery, your body needs to use its energy to help you heal, not pump iron. Do not jog, cycle or lift weights within three days of surgery. Vigorous exercise or heavy lifting should also be avoided for at least one week.
- Elevate your head. Sleep with your head elevated for the first few days to prevent forehead swelling.
- Wait to wash your hair. Hold off for at least 24 hours after your procedure before washing your hair. When showering, wash the scalp gently under cool water.
- Be gentle. Avoid brushing your hair for as long as possible, don’t use hot styling tools for at least a week, stay away from tight bands or clips, and instead of rubbing your hair to dry it, apply light pressure.
With these steps, your hair restoration journey is complete, though it may take some time before you see your new, full head of hair as it will ultimately appear. It is normal for the transplanted hairs to “fall out” in the first few weeks, but those hairs then recycle and begin growing in about three to four months. The results are often not visible for six months or slightly longer with final, permanent results apparent at 12 months.
Congratulations, and enjoy the benefits of your successful hair restoration journey!
Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today
If you are concerned about your hair loss and are ready to do something about it, we invite you to schedule an evaluation at the Hair Institute of Miami. Drs. Nusbaum and Rose are internationally acclaimed hair restoration surgeons with more than 40 years combined experience. To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call or office directly at 305-925-0222.