Even though aftercare is pretty minimal after a hair transplant, there are of course a few do’s and don’ts following your procedure. Taking good care of your scalp and following these few tips will ensure that your results are the best they can be.
Do’s
Make sure you have someone to drive you home! During the hair transplant procedure, an anaesthetic will be administered that may not have worn off completely by the time you’re ready to go home, so driving isn’t recommended. Also, pay proper attention to the instructions given by your surgeon for your aftercare. There are of course other guides that you can follow, but it’s always best to follow the instructions of your surgeon as they know best what will work for your scalp post-hair transplant. You should keep the clinic’s contact number close by post-hair transplant, in case of any side effects or emergencies (though the chance of anything happening is very rare). Make sure your scalp is kept dry for the first 24 hours after your hair transplant, to allow the healing process to take place. Keep your scalp and the area around it clean throughout your recovery, and try and avoid using any chemicals as these will just amplify any negative side effects that could occur, like soreness or numbness. If you feel any pain or discomfort, you can take some painkillers – any pain is usually very minor, as the scalp mostly feels just a bit sore after your hair transplant. You’ll also need to sleep in a semi-upright position for the first couple of nights, as any other sleeping position could cause excess swelling to the scalp.
Don’ts
Don’t expose your scalp to sunlight after your hair transplant! This will irritate your scalp, especially if it’s still sore and swollen. Wear a hat if you absolutely have to go outdoors for the first couple of days following your procedure. Make sure you don’t mess around with your scalp either – itching might occur, but it’s important to leave it alone as you may dislodge the new grafts before they even have the chance to grow. Don’t drink alcohol or smoke post-hair transplant, as both can disrupt the blood supply to the head and affect the healing of your scalp and the growth of new hair. You shouldn’t play any sports or engage in any activity that’ll work up a sweat, either – it’ll increase the risk of infection.
