After any hair transplant procedure, both the donor area and recipient area will be red, swollen, and likely itchy for the first several days. These areas will be wrapped in a protective surgical dressing to help prevent infection. It is also required to wear an anti-swelling band on the forehead to minimize facial swelling. The medical dressing will be removed the day following the procedure during the follow-up appointment and the anti-swelling band can be removed after three days.
Post-surgery, your scalp will form several small scabs in the recipient area, as well as small red holes in the donor area. This redness is typically more pronounced in patients with lighter skin. These will heal on their own over the next two weeks.
Are There Any Side Effects From Hair Transplants?
Hair transplants are minimally invasive, outpatient operations with little risk. However, depending on the patient, some minor side effects may present themselves in the days and weeks following the operation. Often, these are short-lived and easily treated. The most common side effects are:
- Redness
The recipient and donor areas will likely experience redness for the next few days as the scalp will need time to heal. This typically subsides in the first 3-7 days. A moisturizing lotion (provided by us) can help to reduce redness.
- Swelling
Swelling of the face and eyes is an expected side effect in the days after a hair transplant. This typically goes away over the next 3-5 days. If the swelling is irritating, apply a cold compress. No medication is required or recommended.
- Itching
Mild to moderate itchiness of the scalp is an expected part of the healing process. This itching may last for up to one week after the operation. DO NOT pick or scratch at the transplant site as this may cause the hairs to fall out.
- Burning
A burning sensation is normal for up to five days post-op in the donor area. We recommend using a moisturizing lotion on the donor area no more than 3 or 4 times a day.
To help prevent post-op side effects, it is advised that patients avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours prior to the operation.
How Should I Care For My Hair After A Transplant?
The most important thing after a hair transplant in Istanbul is DO NOT TOUCH the transplant site for the first three days. Afterwards, follow these guidelines for your first wash.
Step 1: Apply Lotion
Apply the lotion (provided by us after your operation) to both the donor and recipient areas. Using a few drops at a time, gently dab it onto the transplant site DO NOT RUB THE SITE. Allow the lotion to absorb into the skin for approximately one hour. Be careful to apply the lotion along the same lines as the implanted grafts to avoid damage.
Step 2: Apply Shampoo
After an hour, it’s time to clean the transplant area. Take a small amount of the provided shampoo and rub it in your hands to create foam. Next, gently place the foam over the scalp without any rubbing motions. Let the shampoo sit for 2-3 minutes before carefully rinsing it out.
Step 3: Rinsing
Do not use water that is too hot or water that is pressurized when rinsing. The best method for rinsing is to fill a bowl with warm – not hot – water. Then gently and slowly pour it over your head.
Step 4: Drying
Do not use a towel as this is likely to stick to the implanted follicular units and pull them out. Use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting from a moderate distance.
Comprehensive Service With Dr Serkan Aygin
As an established member of the International Society of Dermatology, Dr Serkan Aygin has been helping patients to recover from hair loss for over 25 years. In that time, he’s assisted more than 15,000 men and women from around the world with an astounding hair regrowth rate of 98%. Dr Aygin is a pioneer in the Sapphire FUE hair transplant procedure. With his knowledge and expertise, our clients experience virtually no scarring after healing. Book a consultation today to see what we can do for you.
