Hair Transplant Aftercare

24-48 hours post-op

Protect the newly implanted grafts. Handle the donor area only as instructed below.

• There should be no direct water pressure from the shower head on the newly implanted grafts
• Mix 2–3 drops of baby shampoo with lukewarm water in a cup to create a lather.
• Tilt your head back. Gently pour the lather over the recipient area, from the forehead toward the crown.
• Do not touch the recipient area or new grafts with your fingers during the first 7 days. You may gently wash the sides and back of your head and massage the donor site only as directed by your team.
• Rinse by gently pouring lukewarm—not hot—water from a cup over your scalp. Keep direct shower pressure off the new grafts.
• Use this washing method for the first 7 days. You may resume normal washing after day 7; follow your surgical team’s guidance if your healing requires a different schedule.
• Do not consume any alcohol for the first 24-48 hours after your procedure
• Sleep in an elevated position for the first 2 nights following the procedure. It is best to use 3 pillows under your upper body or sleep in a recliner
• Consult with your physician before resuming any medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements
• Follow your agreed medication plan. Do not take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or aspirin for pain unless your physician has cleared it. Do not stop prescribed aspirin or blood thinners without instructions from your prescribing clinician and surgeon. Ask whether acetaminophen (Tylenol) is appropriate and follow your clinician’s dosing directions.

After 48 hours post-op

Your donor site should be healing. Ask your physician when to remove the bandage; do not remove it early on your own.

• There should still be no direct water pressure from the shower head on the newly implanted grafts.
• As your scalp begins to heal, you will start to see scabbing on the donor site as well as the newly implanted graft site. This is perfectly normal
• A very loose fitting hat/cap (that does not come in contact with the grafts) may be worn.
• After bandage removal, use only the ointment recommended by your surgical team. Confirm the exact product, how often to apply it, and how many days to use it, especially if you have a history of skin allergies.
• Only use hair products that are recommended to you by your physician for the first 14 days
• You may massage the donor site, but do not touch the new grafts with your fingers for 7 days post-op as this may cause the grafts to dislodge

2-3 weeks post-op

Scabs usually loosen and fall off during healing. Do not force them off; contact the team if they persist or you are concerned.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure to the grafts for the first 90 days. After 14 days you may use spray-on sunscreen or an adjustable hat if you will be out in the sun for more than 30 minutes
• Avoid exposure to water (e g. swimming), which may result in submersion of the newly implanted grafts, for at least the first 3 weeks
• No helmets, wigs, or fitted hats/caps/beanies for the first 14 days, unless otherwise cleared by your physician
• Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating, such as running, weightlifting, intense workouts,
  or the use of a sauna within the first 14 days. Ask your team which light activities are appropriate during this period
• Only use hair products that are recommended to you by your physician for the first 14 days
• Refrain from using bleaches or any type of hair dye for the first 6-8 weeks following your hair restoration procedure. Even afterward, it is recommended that you only use a semi-permanent dye so as to not damage your grafts.
• Check with your physician before resuming Rogaine 5% foam or Propecia at this time
  

3 weeks post-op

Check with your physician before restarting hair medications. If you are considering genetic testing, discuss whether TrichoTest would add useful information to your longer-term hair-care plan. Testing is optional and does not replace clinical assessment. Click here for the Tricho Test.

After the first month

• Check with your physician before resuming the use of supplemental hair products, such as Topik or Rogaine
• Continue to refrain from using bleaches or any type of hair dye for the first 6-8 weeks following your hair restoration procedure Even afterward, it is recommended that you use a semi-permanent dye so as to not damage your grafts.

For itching & discomfort

Mild itching and scabbing can occur during healing.

• Do not pick or scratch at these scabs as this can hinder healing and could cause scarring or infection
• Scabs may contain small hairs as they fall away. This can occur during recovery; contact your surgical team if you are concerned about graft loss.
• If your surgical team recommends a saline mist, use the exact product and schedule they provide. Ask the team to clarify the solution before use; this page does not provide a home-mixing recipe.

For sleep

Use the sleeping position recommended for your treatment area.

• Frontal Hairline Restoration: Sleep in an elevated position for 2 nights following the procedure. It is best to use 3 pillows under your upper body or sleep in a recliner.
• Crown Restoration: Sleep with a neck pillow or rolled up towel under your neck

For swelling

Swelling may begin around days 2–3 and commonly settles within 5–7 days. Contact your team if swelling worsens or concerns you.

• Do not apply ice directly to the graft area
• For swelling around the eyes and forehead:apply an ice pack on the eyebrow area and below
• Do not use hot compresses
• Do not remove the pressure bandage from the back of the scalp. Discuss with your physician about the best time to remove these bandages.

For minor bleeding

Minor bleeding can occasionally occur at the donor or transplant area.

• To control bleeding: apply gentle, but firm pressure on the area for 5-10 minutes with a dampened gauze pad. Press only, do not rub.
• If excessive bleeding occurs anywhere on the scalp and cannot be stopped by firm pressure for greater than 20 minutes, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room or urgent care facility.

Call Advanced Medical & Aesthetics at (949) 658-2727. Take these instructions with you if you seek urgent care. For severe bleeding or a medical emergency, call 911; do not delay emergency care to reach our office.