Post op concerns

[Lost my hair]

Hi, after a lot of thought I've decided I want to have a hair transplant, I will try to schedule one in the Winter months as I can wear a hat without raising any suspicions. I won't be able to wear a hat at work though, therefor I need sufficient time out to recover during the immediate post operative period. I'm hoping to get around 2500 grafts via Fue to rebuild my receded hairline and temples.

I've viewed many results on here with varying degrees of redness, some look as though it lasts 1-2 weeks whilst with others it seems to linger for months. Realistically how long on average does the redness and swelling usually last? Are there any specific post operative lotions or sprays that work really well in reducing these factors?

I'd appreciate your views on this

 

[Boberto]

I think its totally down to your own physiology re redness. I dont think theres a set time period as each person will respond and recover in their own time based on their own physiology.

Fair skinned people it will be more noticeable. I personally had next to no redness which i was amazed with. Swelling was a non issue also.

I had bought some foundation concealer in case the redness was bad going back to work. I took 3 weeks off work but was fine to go back at 10 days really. Zero redness. Aloe Vera is good for reducing redness too.


I think the best thing is to play it ear. I think a good way to approach it is be ready to add some sick leave on to your time off if the redness is bad. Buys you valuable days and work in some foundation make up also which should be OK to use after 2 weeks.

 

[Lost my hair]

Thanks for the reply Boberto, my hair colour is light brown and I'd say my skin complexion is fair which makes me think any redness could stand out more. I'll keep some sick days in reserve, not that I often take sick days.
Where did you get this foundation concealer?

 

[Coopman]

Lostmyhair

Not all HT clinics will insist that you need to completely shave your recipient area. You can use your existing hair to cover over areas where you have redness etc.
This is what im going to be doing, as due to my profession shaving my recipient area is not an option.
If they are implanting between native hairs the length of time carrying out the HT will increase and you may have to pay a small premiun.

 

[Lost my hair]

Thanks Coopman, I did look at some results where shaving down was not required, can this be done for 2000 grafts? I understand it may cost more as it will be time consuming for the clinic but that's something I don't mind doing if it's a viable option.

 

[Coopman]

It would be prudent to have in person consultations with 3-5 of your preferred Clinics. In my experience, I got the following responses when I stated I did not want to shave my recipient area.

1. Im sorry we cant help you.
2. We can but we will charge you a premiun.
3. We will do it if you shave your recipient to 7-8mm
4. Yes no problem.

Please note all Clinics I consulted stated that if I did not shave my recipient area, then my results would be compromised to some extent. We all know its easier for Technicians to implant onto a shaved head, than a head with lots of native hair.
Finally your choice of Clinic should not be based on whether or not they want to shave your recipient area. Everyones hairloss pattern is unique and in my case my 1st HT will involve very little implanting between native hairs, but my 2nd, 3rd will.
Good luck with your research!

 

[Lost my hair]

I will have several consultations to find a clinic to suit my needs, why do they say the yield will be compromised? If they are taking longer to plant around the existing hairs surely there should be no difference in the final outcome.

 

[Coopman]

Its easier to see where your implanting on a shaved head. If you have hair in the way then it is a nuisance for the Technician/Surgeon.
Higher levels of concentration are required, the implanting takes longer. Remember Technicians/Surgeons are humans just like the rest of us. They get tired when they are at work. With smaller sessions of 1000 grafts or less it may not be so problematic, but if you are having 1500+grafts implanted within a day then your transplant may take 10+hours to undertake. You may also bleed more than other people, this will bind to your native hair.

 

[Lost my hair]

Do the Technicians not rotate to alleviate tiredness? I do see how it will be harder to plant with an unshaven recipient site. What if the hair was trimmed very shorter rather than shaved down, would this be the same scenario?

 

[Bigmac]

Consult with a few clinics and see what they say.Dr Wesley posted a topic on this subject.
http://www.hairlossexperiences.com/view_topic.php?id=5054&forum_id=2
Good luck, hope you can achieve your goals.
Bm.

 

[Lost my hair]

Thanks Bm.

 

[DHI]

Dear Lost my hair,

Swelling is not obvious due to cortisone. Exceptions less than 5%. Swelling as a skin histological state exists for no longer than 5-7 days usually.

Actual redness due to the operation lasts for no more than 5 days. Yet sometimes light violet color may last longer due to micro ecchymosis. This depends on the person's skin sensitivity.

No there is no certain lotions or whatever to diminish this situation. You can avoid aspirin after the session for a few days.

If you are worried you can do navy shave or line shaving.

 

[Lost my hair]

Thanks Dhi,
What is Navy shave?

 

[DHI]

It is the Marines haircut that is shaved on the sides and back up to the crown.

See attached pic.

 

[Purist]

"I've viewed many results on here with varying degrees of redness, some look as though it lasts 1-2 weeks whilst with others it seems to linger for months."

This is one of the reasons that is putting me off having one. I can't have any redness after three weeks.

It's a shame clinics won't perform a small incision procedure to factor in the healing time.