Hair Transplant Recovery: What to Avoid in 2024
Hair loss has been a significant concern lately, with an increasing number of women sharing their battles with it. Moreover, recent studies have revealed a notable increase in hair loss among people of color during the pandemic. Thus, the persistent popularity of hair transplant surgery is not unexpected. It also has a relatively high rate of patient satisfaction and can provide natural-looking and long-lasting outcomes.
However, hair transplantation is typically not covered by insurance as it is regarded as an elective procedure. Hence, it is essential to take extra measures to safeguard your investment. Whether you opt for follicular unit transplantation (FUT), which involves transplanting a strip of skin, or follicular unit extraction (FUE), which relocates individual follicles one at a time, the appropriate post-transplant protocol is crucial, especially when it comes to caring for the grafted skin or hair follicles. "It is advisable to keep the grafts well moisturized and clean," says Beverly Hills, California, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Natalie Attenello. "Scabs will form, and you can delicately soften and remove them to keep the area as clean as feasible for optimal growth and results."
The recovery process can differ from one person to another. "Most patients will feel capable of resuming daily activities the day after both FUE or FUT harvest surgery," says Los Angeles hair restoration surgeon Dr. Jae Pak, who notes that the suggestions may vary depending on your provider. Nevertheless, certain activities and habits should be avoided for a specific period. Here's what you should steer clear of to assist the transplanted hairs in taking root and achieving the most favorable results.
1. Avoid Getting a Haircut or Color
Don't make an appointment at the salon for now. "It is preferable to wait five days to have the donor area cut and three weeks before the recipient area is touched to prevent disrupting the follicles," says New York City board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Linkov. While keeping both areas clean is vital for healing, it is better to refrain from interfering for a few days. And consider postponing coloring or chemical treatment for a few weeks, as "the chemicals used could negatively impact graft survival," he remarks.
2. Steer Clear of Styling Products
Hold off on using styling products as well as any topical products or medications that promote hair growth, as both can interfere with keeping the recipient area clean. While the precise timing varies among patients, Pak says, "generally, you should avoid topical products for approximately one week."
3. Abstain from Intense Workouts
The experts have varying opinions on this matter. "Usually, light exercise should be avoided for at least 7 to 10 days with FUE and two to four weeks with FUT," says Dr. Attenello. "It is essential to be gentle in the immediate postoperative period as the grafts are still fragile and can dislodge with any vigorous activity." However, Dr. Pak informs his patients that light weight training and cardio are acceptable after just two to three days, although contact sports are not allowed. Follow your surgeon's recommendation, as they will know what has worked for other patients, and reduce the intensity when you return to the gym.
4. Stay Away from the Sun
Postpone that beach trip, as the sun should be avoided at all costs after the transplant. "When the hair follicles are freshly placed, we need to keep them moist," says Dr. Attenello. "If they are exposed to the sun for an extended period, it can cause the hair follicles to dry out." Additionally, sun exposure in the transplanted area can result in hyperpigmentation during the healing process, which can remain visible until the hair grows in, which could take several months.
5. Refrain from Tight Hairstyles, Wigs, or Weaves
Protective hairstyles, such as tight braids and knots, may protect the hair from styling or heat damage, as the name suggests, but they can also contribute to traction alopecia, as can wigs and weaves. After a hair transplant, "it is best to avoid them for an indefinite period if possible, especially if they were the cause of hair loss initially," says Dr. Linkov.
6. Avoid Fitted Hats and Hair Coverings
You can wear hats depending on the fit, which can be helpful if you want to conceal any scars or bandages. The rule of thumb is: "They are acceptable only when worn loosely and without rubbing the recipient area," says Dr. Linkov. Otherwise, friction could potentially disrupt the newly transplanted follicles. So choose floppy sun hats instead of tight-fitting baseball caps.
7. Don't Wash Your Hair
Regardless of the differences in surgical methods, it is always a sensible idea to wait before washing, as doing it too soon can have significant implications for the success of the transplantation. "For instance, one clinic may use larger-than-average incisions to accommodate your hair follicle," explains Dr. Pak. "If the 'holes' are relatively loose when the hair follicle is inserted, washing your hair too early might cause them to fall out." And if the hair follicles weren't trimmed, leaving the top layer of skin protruding from those mentioned holes, "washing your hair too early could cause them to become waterlogged and swell up," he says. This could interfere with the healing process and potentially prolong it.
8. Don't Apply Water to Other Areas
The question of whether to wash or not can be less straightforward for hair transplanted to other areas of the body compared to that on your head. "No water should be on the grafts for six days after surgery when performing certain specialized hair transplant procedures, namely eyebrows, beard, and pubic hair," says Dr. Linkov. "This is because of the acute angle of placement, where the grafts are at a higher risk of being disturbed."
9. Don't Be Excessively Cautious
It can be stressful to do anything after surgery without worrying about disturbing the grafts. But being overly cautious can have unintended consequences. "Sometimes patients are too frightened to touch the grafts and therefore neglect the postoperative instructions, which leads to increased crusting and scabbing," Dr. Attenello explains. "Once the crusts form, which is normal and expected, patients should gently clean the area so the scabs soften and fall off more quickly." Dr. Pak concurs. "The grafts are relatively stable after the first three days post-procedure and are difficult to dislodge," he says. "It is best to relax during this period and then enjoy your life as you wait for the hair growth to occur."
