Hair Transplantation and Post-Transplantation Process
Hair Transplantation and Post-Transplantation Process
Hair transplantation takes 6 to 8 hours on average. Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, patients feel minimum pain. Another anesthetic method is sedation. It can be preferred for patients who feel high level of anxiety and concern.
A special washing procedure is performed for the scalp for 10 days after the procedure; the transplanted hair shed for 2 months starting from Day 15 of the transplant. However, this is a transient condition and they start to grow slowly starting 3 months after the procedure. Growth of all hair is completed from nine months to twelve months after the procedure.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PROCEDURE-FIRST NIGHT
- When you leave the hospital after the surgery, the donor area should be covered with a bandage and you should wear headband to prevent postoperative swelling.
- Small crust formations and mild redness in recipient and donor zones will disappear within 15 days.
- You may have swelling, itching and feel mild pain after the procedure. These symptoms can be managed with cold-pack, softening lotions and non-potent drugs that alleviate symptoms –if necessary- recommended by the doctor.
Swelling
Swelling can occur on face and mostly around the eye several days after the procedure, although rare. In this case, applying ice on the swollen region is the best solution. There is no need for a specific drug. The swelling disappears spontaneously 5 days later.
Itching
Itching is a sign of healing and it is absolutely normal for 2 to 3 days after the procedure. Do not scratch the transplanted area. Feeling of itching may persist for several days.
Sensation of burn
Sensation of burn can develop 4 days after the day of transplantation, especially in donor area. In this case, it is recommended to use moisturizing lotion only for donor area three or four times a day and wait until it is absorbed.
Wound dressing and Hair therapy session are started at the clinic the day after the surgery. The bandage that covers the donor area is removed after wound dressing.
Hair washing procedure is started with recommended special lotion and shampoo as instructed. Hair wash procedure helps healing of scalp and elimination of crust formations.
Hairs become stronger and they do not shed in response to touch on days 5-7 after the procedure. You should be careful not to damage or scratch the recipient area. You may feed itching in this period. This is normal and a sign of healing.
Your look will return to normal within 2 to 3 weeks; the fact that you had hair transplant will not be understandable as the difference between transplanted and existing hairs will be lost.
The hair transplanted to the recipient zone will fall off, a process called shock loss, in this period, but your hair starts to grow immediately after this interval.
Hair growth accelerates in month 4 and half of the expected outcome from hair transplantation can be seen in around month 6.
In this period, transplanted hairs continue growing and hairs get stronger and thicker.
You will see the final outcomes of hair transplantation within 18 months. At this time, hair growth will be completed and 100% of transplanted hairs will become visible. You will have denser, longer and stronger hair.