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After Surgery

Here is a brief timeline indicating what to expect during the first 12 months after the hair transplantation procedure:

Immediately following surgery

• The patient may leave with either no bandage or he may be given a small sweatband to keep pressure on the donor area. The recipient area is left open or lightly covered. This enables the transplanted area to be exposed to the air for drying and healing.
• The doctor will give you written instructions detailing how to care for your scalp until the next visit.
• You may be given a prescription to fill (usually an analgesic like Tylenol or codeine, or an antibiotic to prevent infection.)
• The grafts are held in place loosely by fibrin (your body’s natural glue) for about 2-3 days following the surgery.
• Some discomfort generally exists in the donor site for a few days after the surgery. Swelling of the forehead is present in some people between the third and fifth day.

1 – 2 weeks following surgery

• The grafts only become fully secure about eight days after surgery.
• The surgical wound in the donor area usually heals within 1-2 weeks.
• Normal activity may be resumed 1-2 weeks after the procedure.

2 – 6 weeks following surgery

• The hairs that are present in your new grafts usually fall out during the first 2-6 weeks after the procedure. At this time, it is normal for the patient to look just like he did before the transplant. Many patients begin to feel anxious at this time because they wonder if the procedure has taken effect. Just remember that it is a “dormant phase” for the hair follicles, and it is normal for the hair shafts to shed.

3 – 4 months after surgery

• In most people, normal hair growth usually starts within 3-4 months after surgery.

8 – 12 months following surgery

• By 8 months, most people can see the full effect of the process
• By 12 months, the growth and bulk of the hair will have reached 90% of its total growth.