Hair Transplant Swelling

Hair transplants are minimally invasive outpatient procedures that typically only last 4-6 hours. However, the recovery period can take several weeks or months. Aside from itching, scabbing, and minor bleeding, swelling is perhaps the most common side effect following a hair transplant operation. What causes swelling and how can it be prevented or treated? Here, we’ve laid out some of the key information.

What Causes Swelling After A Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant procedure is performed by extracting healthy hair follicles from a donor area (most commonly at the back of the head) and then implanting those hair grafts into the recipient area. Depending on the method of hair transplant chosen (FUE or DHI), this may require the creation of thousands of small channels in the scalp.

While a hair transplant is completely safe, this amount of stress on any part of the body will likely result in swelling as blood rushes to the site to try and force the newly-made channels closed. This typically lasts for a few days before subsiding on its own and is nothing to worry about. In extreme cases, the swelling can prevent a patient from opening their eyes and may cause black eyes, though these are rare.

How Can I Prevent & Treat Swelling After A Hair Transplant?

There are a few tips to prevent swelling that we highly recommend.

Sleep in a recliner

Keeping your head elevated is one of the best things you can do to prevent swelling after a hair transplant. Lying on your back can cause blood to pool around the scalp, leading to increased inflammation. Further, sleeping in a recliner prevents tossing and turning that may dislodge hair grafts. If a recliner isn’t an option, prop up a few pillows on your bed or couch.

Hydrate

Drinking water is another key here. Staying properly hydrated is one of the best things you do for your skin in general. In the days following your hair transplant, it’s important to drink LOTS of water.

Medication

Following your hair transplant, you will be given a full range of post-operative medicines. One of these is a steroid to help prevent and reduce swelling. It is important to continue taking these for the entire duration, even if the swelling is not severe.

Ice

A cold compress or ice pack is one the most effective means of preventing swelling.

Rest

Your body will need time to heal. Avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for at least a few days.

How Long Does Swelling Last After A Hair Transplant?

Swelling typically appears within the first 24-48 hours after the operation. Your hair transplant surgeon will provide you with an anti-swelling headband to be worn for the next 3-7 days. As long as you follow all instructions, take your medicine, and relax, the swelling shouldn’t last any more than one week.

A Lifetime Of Satisfaction

We know that you’ll be so with your results. We’re so sure that we offer a full, lifetime guarantee on all of our procedures. If your transplanted hair grafts don’t grow, we’ll give you a second transplant for free! We stand by our work and our patients. We’re truly committed to providing the best results anywhere. If you’re unhappy with your results for any reason, we encourage you to contact us so we can make things right.

A Hair Transplant With Dr Aygin

Dr Serkan Aygin is an esteemed member of the International Society of Dermatology. In his 25-year career, he has helped over 15,000 clients and has a hair regrowth rate of 98%. His contributions to the field of hair restoration include developing the use of sapphire blades during a FUE hair transplant in Turkey. This has led to great reductions in healing time, risks of scarring, and increased hair density in patients. As recognition for his work, Dr Aygin was awarded the European Award for Medicine in the field of “Hair Transplants” in 2019. In the same year, our clinic was named the “Best Medical Tourism Facility” by La Razon.