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Hair transplant healing and hair growth

Dr Bicer’s Consultant

Dr Bicer’s Consultant

Valued member
The healing is an important aspect of the hair transplant success, may influence the graft yield, and donor scarring. Take this as a guide for a healthy individual, no medical condition, and no scalp issues. Healing, always follow the instructions from your doctor, there maybe issues during your procedure that influences the Doctor to alter the general instructions. There´s no problem asking for third party advice but still confirm with your doctor before adding or taking away what has been instructed.

Deciding when to have a hair transplant can be important, you are financially and emotionally invested in this, so don´t rush or put yourself under pressure to fit it in. Be prepared to put your normal life on hold for a week or so after. Avoid vigorous activities and excessive sweating for the recommended period. Protect the scalp from direct sun exposure and take advice on the best headwear to use. Possibly your doctor will suggest reducing or stopping smoking, as it can hinder healing, reducing blood flow, which can compromise graft survival.

The first week is often called the “ugly duckling stage,” You may have a little swelling over the frontal and forehead, which dissipates naturally, but take the clinic´s advice as they will probably suggest an optimum sleeping position. The scabbing over the recipient can be hidden under suggested headgear while healing, if indoors try to keep open so the scalp can breathe.

By two weeks post-transplant the grafts are fully embedded and there´s superficial healing of the scalp, although there is likely slight redness to the skin, which returns to normal overtime. By one month, it´s common the transplanted hair shed, although if you are fortunate, you may keep the hair, either way, keep or shed, at this stage it has no bearing on the result. The donor hair will be growing longer, and the small punch wounds start to become harder to see by the end of the second week.

Three months, the transplant starts to come out of a dormant phase of the hair growth cycle, growth will be minimal, often around 10%, with the amount increasing over the coming months. The hair calibre and quality are often finer than the native hair and this also matures. From six months plus is when you see the largest cosmetic improvement, with the transplant density or fullness improve which continues to around 10-12 months. Although the crown can take a month or so longer to fully mature.

Placing into impaired skin or an individual with health issues, on certain medication can cause complications, inflammation, scarring, possible poor circulation, or taking blood thinners. Any issues can only be measured on a case-by-case basis and should be discussed prior to surgery, so you understand the risks. Be open with the doctor as it´s in your best interests and wellbeing. Good healing and growth!
 
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