Hair Transplant Aftercare

Follow Our Preventive Protocol To Minimize Postop Complications

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Your Healing Journey, Step by Step

Last Updated: 26 Nov 2025

We believe that the procedure in restoring hairs is just the beginning — true success happens during recovery. This comprehensive aftercare guide outlines exactly what to expect and do, day by day, to protect your grafts, minimize discomfort, and maximize results.

These protocols are tailored to our advanced techniques and reflect years of clinical experience. While other clinics may offer different instructions, following our specific plan is key to achieving the natural, lasting outcome you deserve.

Day 0–1: The First 24 Hours – Protect & Stabilize

The hours immediately after your procedure are the most delicate. Grafts are settling into their new home and are easily dislodged.

1. Movement & Transportation

Be extra cautious when getting in and out of cars — avoid hitting your head on door frames or roofs.
Do not bend over, lift heavy objects, or make sudden movements (e.g., standing up too quickly), as these can spike blood pressure and increase swelling or bleeding.

2. Sleeping

You do not need to sleep upright in a chair ( a common myth ). Sleep normally in your bed.
For added comfort, place a rolled towel or neck pillow under your neck to keep your head slightly elevated and reduce fluid buildup.
Take the prescribed pain reliever or mild sedative if needed — restful sleep supports healing.

3. Pain & Discomfort

Most patients report only mild tightness or tenderness, especially in the donor area ( more noticeable after FUT strip surgery ).
This sensation typically fades within 2–3 days.

4. Swelling Prevention

Wear the provided compression dressing during waking hours overnight ( remove only while sleeping ).
This helps redirect fluid away from your forehead and eyes, significantly reducing facial puffiness.

5. Supportive Therapy

Your treatment package includes Low-Level Laser Therapy ( LLLT ).
Your first session begins Day 1 — clinically shown to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and minimize “shock loss.”

Days 2–7: The First Week – Cleanse, Rest, Observe

This is when daily care becomes active—and critical.

1. Hair Washing Begins (Day 1 onward)

Start gentle washing 24 hours post-op using the specialized, pH-balanced shampoo we provide.
Use room-temperature water ( 20–22°C ) ; in winter, lukewarm (up to 22°C) is acceptable — but never exceed 36°C in the first month.
Wash daily using only your fingertips in soft circular motions. No nails, no scrubbing.

2. Diet & Hydration

Avoid very salty foods for the first 3 days — they worsen swelling.
Mild nausea the evening of surgery is normal ( due to anesthesia or fasting ); sip ginger tea or clear broth if needed.

3. Returning to Daily Life

Most patients return to office work or light activities within 2–3 days.
Avoid all exercise, sweating, saunas, and steam rooms — sweat can irritate grafts and increase infection risk.

4. Scab Management

Tiny crusts will form around transplanted hairs by Day 3–5. Do not pick them.
Daily washing will soften them so they shed naturally by Day 10–14.

Weeks 2–4: The First Month – Gradual Return, Continued Caution

Grafts are now anchoring—but still vulnerable.

1. Exercise Reintroduction

Week 2: Light walking or stretching only.
Week 3: Add low-impact cardio ( e.g., stationary bike ).
Week 4: Begin moderate workouts — but avoid heavy lifting, contact sports, or bending forward aggressively.

2. Haircuts & Salon Visits

A light trim is safe after Day 7, but avoid clippers near the transplant zone.
Wash your hair at home for the first 3 months. Salon staff often use hot water, strong shampoos, and vigorous scrubbing — all of which can damage healing grafts.

3. Infection Prevention

Following a strict hygiene protocol, we maintain a sub-1% infection rate — without routine antibiotics.
Key rules:
- Wash daily
- Don’t touch your scalp unnecessarily
- Make sure your hats, helmets, or wigs is free from dirts. You can wear them after just a few days.

Normal Healing Responses

Shock loss : Temporary shedding of existing hair around the transplant zone is common—it usually regrows in 3–6 months.
Folliculitis : Small red bumps may appear as new hairs emerge; keep the area clean, and contact us if they persist.
Numbness : Temporary loss of sensation in donor or recipient areas is normal and typically resolves within 3–6 months.

Month 2–12+: Long-Term Support & Optimization

Your journey doesn’t end when scabs fall off—long-term maintenance ensures lasting results.

Follow-Up Schedule

Our doctors provide routine check-ups at :

Day 1
Day 7
1 Month
4 Months
12 Months
For overseas patients, we offer virtual consultations and collaborate with trusted dermatologists in select regions.

Adjuvant Therapies to Enhance Results

Short-Term (Months 1–12):
- Copper Peptide Spray (e.g., Tricomin): Applied daily to support graft strength and reduce inflammation.
Long-Term ( Ongoing ) :
- Topical Minoxidil ( 5% ) : Helps maintain non-transplanted hair and improves density.
- Oral Medications ( e.g., Finasteride ) : May be recommended to halt further genetic hair loss — only under physician supervision

💡 Remember: Transplanted hair is permanent — but the hair around it can still thin with age. Protecting your full head of hair is part of the long-term strategy.

Final Note: Healing Is a Partnership

Your hair transplant is more than a procedure—it’s an investment in your confidence. And like any investment, it requires consistent, informed care during the recovery phase.

By following this timeline, avoiding shortcuts, and staying in close contact with our team, you give your new hair the best possible chance to thrive.

🌿 Trust the process. Respect the healing. Embrace the result.

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Medical Disclaimers

Information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be interpreted as promotional material or as claims of superiority over other techniques or providers.

Individual results may vary, and no outcome can be guaranteed. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about medical treatment.

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Our ‘No Regret’ Safety & Precision Protocol

At Dr. Bertram Hair Transplant, we only offer what aligns with natural results, minimal risk, and realistic expectations. Since 2009, our FUE protocols are in strict accordance with evidence-based guidelines from ISHRS and WFI. Every procedure is internally audited against ABHRS surgical benchmarks.

ISHRS

International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the leading global medical association that establishes international practice standards and patient safety protocols.

ABHRS

The American Board of Hair restoration Surgery represents the highest standard. To maintain rigorous certification requirements the physician must demonstrate surgical expertise.

WFI

Worls FUE InstituteI serves as the premier educational body focused exclusively on Follicular Unit Extraction methodology. The institute ensures consistent application of safe FUE.