A hair transplant procedure is an outpatient operation, meaning you can return to your home or accommodation after the procedure. However, it is recommended to avoid driving for at least 6 hours after the procedure.
Before the first wash, you should ensure that the treated area does not come into contact with water. The first wash is typically done on the 2nd or 3rd day.
For one month after the procedure, avoid environments like baths, saunas, pools, or the sea, and protect the area from intense sunlight.
While sleeping, it is recommended to keep your head elevated at an angle of approximately 35-45 degrees, using a small, firm pillow or a travel pillow placed under your neck. There is no harm in sleeping on the donor area.
Due to the saline solution used in the donor area, there might be a pink-colored fluid leakage for a few days after the procedure. This is normal and does not indicate bleeding. To prevent staining your pillow, you can place a towel or an absorbent pad underneath it.
Avoid bending your head forward during the first two days after the procedure. When using your phone, tablet, or computer, try to keep your head upright, as bending forward can cause the fluid under the skin to move to the treated area and cause swelling in your face. If swelling occurs, applying ice to your forehead and eyelids can help reduce it. Swelling usually subsides within two or three days.
Since the procedure is done under local anesthesia, you might experience numbness in your head for the first three to five days. Therefore, be cautious and move slowly, especially when driving.
The first 48 hours are the most critical; during this period, the treated area should not come into contact with anything. The first seven days are crucial for the adaptation of the hair grafts.
Avoid alcohol consumption and blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin) during the first three days after the procedure. During this period, avoid strenuous activities and rest as much as possible.
You should use the medications and the recommended lotion and shampoo as prescribed by your doctor.
During the healing process, especially in the first seven days, you should protect the treated area from sunlight; direct exposure to the sun should be avoided.
For the first 15 days after the procedure, you should protect both the treated area and the donor area from any items that could cause damage, such as pillows. Sleeping on your back is the best option.
During this period, wear wide-collared or zippered clothing to prevent damage to the hair grafts during changes. Haircuts are not recommended for at least 45-60 days after the procedure. Hair trimming can be done with scissors without touching the scalp.
You should protect the treated area from potential trauma. For drying your hair, use a towel gently and avoid using a hairdryer.
Sexual activity is not recommended during the first two weeks. Additionally, you may experience itching, which is common; avoid scratching the area and interfering with the scabs. If scabs persist beyond 10 days, consult your doctor.
After the first wash, wash your hair with non-pressurized water daily for 15 days.
Hair transplant procedures typically last between 6-8 hours, and pain during the procedure is minimal. After the procedure, a special washing process is applied to aid the healing of the scalp. Within 15 days, transplanted hair may temporarily shed, which is normal. New hair growth usually starts around the third month, and the final results are generally visible within 9-12 months.
Immediately after the procedure, a bandage is applied to the donor area, and you may need a bandage on your forehead to prevent swelling. Small scabs and redness in the treated and donor areas usually disappear within 15 days.
Swelling, itching, and mild pain are normal after the procedure. These symptoms can be managed with ice packs, soothing lotions, and, if necessary, mild painkillers.
A few days after the procedure, you might experience swelling on your face, particularly around the eyes. Applying ice to the swollen areas can help. No special medication is required; swelling usually subsides within five days.
Itching is a normal part of the healing process and can occur 2-3 days after the procedure. Avoid scratching the treated area, as itching can last a few days.
On the day after the procedure, a dressing is done at the clinic, and the bandage on the donor area is removed. On the second or third day, the first wash with special lotion and shampoo, as recommended by your doctor, begins. This process helps in the healing of the scalp and removal of scabs.
On days 5-7 after the procedure, the transplanted hair becomes more firmly rooted and does not move with touch. During this time, avoid damaging or scratching the treated area. Itching is normal and indicates healing.
Within 15-30 days, your appearance will normalize, and the difference between transplanted and existing hair will be less noticeable.
Between the first and third months, shock loss, where transplanted hair sheds, may occur, but this is temporary. After this period, hair growth resumes. PRP treatment may be recommended starting from the first month to accelerate the healing process. Typically, three sessions can be scheduled at 15-day intervals.
From the fourth month onwards, hair growth accelerates, and by the sixth month, about half of the expected results of the hair transplant can be seen. Between 6-12 months, the transplanted hair continues to grow, and the hair strands strengthen.
By 12-18 months, you will achieve the final results of the hair transplant, with your hair fully grown, dense, long, and strong.