How to Minimize Discomfort during Hair Transplant Recovery Period

Hair Transplant is a minimally invasive surgery that does not involve intervention on scalp tissues. This is why recovery after surgical hair restoration is often quick and uneventful. But after all, it is a surgical procedure that does involve some degree of pain and discomfort. But by carefully following post-op instructions of your surgeon, you can significantly minimize discomfort during hair transplant recovery period.

Here are simple tips that every hair transplant patient must follow to ensure quick, uneventful healing and optimal growth after the transplant.

1. Use Cold Compressions

As soon as the effect of local anesthesia subsides, you will start feeling pain and discomfort. Use of cold compressions may help relieve the discomfort. Press firmly but gently so as not to dislodge the freshly transplanted follicles.

2. Take Prescription Medicines

Your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics and pain medications for smooth recovery. Start using the medications immediately after the surgery. Don’t wait for the pain and discomfort symptoms to take medicines.

3. Sleep with Head Elevated

For the first few days following the surgery keep your head above the body level, even while sleeping. Sleep in a reclining chair or use two or three pillows to elevate your head at 45 degrees angle. This will help relieve pain as well as post-surgical swelling on scalp and face.

4. Don’t wash head for 24 hours

Head washing is not allowed for the first 18 to 24 hours. The technical staff at the clinic will wash your head for the first time after the surgery and explain how you have to do the washing at home. Follow the instructions to ensure you don’t damage the transplanted follicles.

5. Shampoo very gently

Be very gentle while you shampoo your scalp. Avoid rubbing or massaging the scalp vigorously. Pour some shampoo on your hand and rub it between the palms to produce rich lather. Now use your both hands to gently and carefully rub the scalp. It is pertinent to mention here that do not let shower water fall directly on the head. Use a cup to carefully pour small amounts of water on the scalp. Also use a mild, sulfates-free shampoo to wash your head for the first few weeks following transplant.

6. Don’t take blood thinners

Aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood thinners, which you stopped taking a couple of weeks prior to the surgery, continue to remain a big no for another couple of weeks after the surgery. These medicines can increase blood flow to the scalp, increasing chances of bleeding and even blood clotting, ultimately hampering the healing process.

7. No smoking for two weeks

Smoking is also not allowed for a couple of weeks following hair transplant surgery for the same very reason – it hampers healing process and hair growth. Cigarettes contain nicotine which constricts blood vessels, affecting efficient blood supply to the scalp. Newly transplanted follicles don’t get sufficient blood and nutrients and thus fail to grow properly.

8. Avoid alcohol for a week

Alcohol consumption should also be avoided for 5 to 7 days after hair transplant surgery as it can also hamper the healing process and hair growth from the transplanted follicles.

9. Avoid vigorous physical activities

Most people are able to resume routine activities on the third day of the transplant but this should not include vigorous physical activities, such as exercise, running, sports and other activities that raise pulse and cause you to sweat. Sweating increases chances of infection and therefore should be avoided as much as possible.

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Hope these tips are helpful. If you still have any queries or you are interested in a hair transplant surgery, feel free to contact Hair Transplant Dubai Clinic now. To book a FREE CONSULTATION, fill the form below.