Post-operative instructions
Post-Operative Hair Transplant Instructions
The following is a list of post-operative instructions for your care after your hair restoration surgery in our Glasgow clinic. Following these instructions is essential to achieve the best results. Please read them carefully several times. During your hair transplant recovery period, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and a 24/7 helpline for your convenience.
The first few days
Day of the Procedure & Day One
- Avoid contact with the grafts, as they can be dislodged if you are not careful.
- Immediately after surgery, plan to go home and rest. You will leave the clinic wearing a light dressing, which you'll need to keep on the first night.
- We will provide a spray bottle with sterile N/S 0.9%. Spray the recipient area every 30 minutes until bedtime - this speeds up healing, protects against infection, minimises scabbing and relieves itching. Place the spray bottle in the fridge overnight.
- Before lying down, place the disposable pad on your pillow and the sterile drape on the pad.
- Sleep with your head elevated at a 30-degree angle for the first couple of nights to help decrease swelling. A neck pillow can help.
- On Day 1, resume spraying every 30 minutes on waking, take your medication as directed, and remove the bandage from the donor area 24 hours after surgery.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your scalp. If the bandage sticks, wet it with lukewarm water and remove gently — never rip it off, as this can cause bleeding.
Washing routine
How to Wash Your Scalp
- Use the mild shampoo from your aftercare bag. Rinse the donor area with room-temperature water, lather a small amount of shampoo in your hands, spread it on the donor area with your fingertips and gently massage. Do not wash the transplanted area at first. Rinse thoroughly, dry naturally, and repeat twice daily.
- On Day 2, keep spraying the recipient area every 30 minutes on waking, wash the donor area morning and evening, and take your medication as directed.
- From Day 3, you can stop using the spray bottle and gently wash the recipient area. Wet your head with room-temperature water; if using the shower, block the stream with your hand so the pressure isn’t too intense.
- Do not rub shampoo directly on your scalp - lather it in your hands first. Avoid massaging your scalp for the first three days; use a gentle tapping motion with your fingertips and don’t catch the grafts with your fingernails. Do not pick or scratch the scabs.
- Keep washing twice daily until the scabs fall off. After three days, gently massage as you wash to help remove them. Your scalp should be clean around ten days after surgery. Some hair may shed with the scabs, this is normal.
Recovery & regrowth
General Recovery Guidance
- Most people take at least 2-3 days off; some take a week due to swelling and crusting. Crusts usually fall off seven to ten days after surgery.
- Refrain from physical exercise besides walking for one week, and from strenuous exercise for two weeks to let your follicles heal.
- Avoid swimming in the sea for ten days and in pools for three weeks, and avoid direct sun exposure for ten days (you can wear a hat after four days).
- Swelling may occur between days two and four - painless, starting on the forehead and bridge of the nose. It subsides in 2-3 days; ice packs and gentle massage from the forehead toward the temples can help.
- Avoid styling products (gel, mousse, hair fibres, colouring, hairdryers, power showers) for four weeks, and do not consume alcohol for three days.
- Refrain from smoking if possible, as it constricts blood vessels and can hinder healing. We recommend abstaining from at least one week before surgery until two weeks after.
- Itching, numbness and tingling in the recipient area are normal and usually resolve after a few days. Transplanted hair may shed two to three weeks after surgery, with regrowth beginning 2.5 to 3 months later. Full results may take 15 months or more. Please be patient - time is on your side.
Recovery
General Post-Operative Instructions
Most people prefer taking 2-3 days off; some take one week due to swelling and crusting.
Crusts usually fall off 7-10 days post-surgery.
Refrain from physical exercise besides walking for one week.
Refrain from strenuous exercise for two weeks to allow follicles to heal.
Avoid swimming in the sea for 10 days and in pools for 3 weeks.
Avoid direct sun exposure for 10 days; you can wear a hat after 4 days.
Swelling may occur on days 2-4 (painless, on forehead, bridge of the nose and around the eyes); it subsides in 2-3 days.
Use ice packs on swollen areas; massage with index and middle fingers from forehead toward temples.
Avoid styling products (gel, mousse, fibers, coloring, hairdryers, power showers) for 4 weeks.
Do not consume alcohol for 3 days.
Refrain from smoking if possible; it causes blood vessel constriction and poor healing. Abstain at least 1 week pre-surgery through 2 weeks post-procedure; vaping may be less harmful after one month.
Avoid scratching your head (itching is common).
Numbness and tingling in the recipient area are normal and usually resolve after a few days.
Transplanted hair may shed 2-3 weeks post-surgery (normal healing); regrowth commences 2.5-3 months after shedding.
Hair growth may be irregular with varying thickness, colour and texture; this usually normalises.
Results take 15+ months from the starting point, especially for crown procedures.
Questions or concerns?
We're Here Throughout Your Recovery
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your post-operative instructions, don't wait - please contact Dr Bonaros or the nursing staff. Our team is always happy to help, and our 24/7 helpline is available throughout your recovery to talk through any questions or concerns you may have.
This content is meant for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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