Hair Transplant Aftercare

Our Aftercare Protocol: A Day-by-Day Guide to Protect Your Grafts & Optimize Healing

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Is the aftercare process easy to manage?

Yes, it just requires consistent attention to detail. Our protocol breaks down recovery into clear, manageable phases—from the first 24 hours to long-term maintenance. By understanding what to expect and adhering to simple guidelines on washing, activity, and monitoring, you can navigate the healing journey smoothly and confidently.

Sara’s Comment

The success of your hair transplant depends equally on the surgical procedure and the crucial recovery that follows. Our specific, preventive aftercare protocol is designed to stabilize grafts, minimize complications, and create the optimal environment for healing. Following these evidence-based instructions meticulously is your active partnership in achieving the full, natural result.

What are the critical instructions for the first 24 hours?

The immediate post-op period focuses on graft stabilization and comfort. Our current protocols emphasize safety and practicality.

Movement & Rest: Avoid bending, lifting, or sudden movements. You can sleep normally in your own bed; slight elevation with a pillow helps reduce swelling.
Pain Management: Discomfort is typically mild, often described as tightness or tenderness. Prescribed medication manages this effectively.
Swelling Prevention: Use the provided compression dressing as directed to minimize facial puffiness.
Supportive Therapy: Your included Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) begins on Day 1 to reduce inflammation and accelerate initial healing.

What does the washing and cleaning routine involve?

Proper cleansing is essential to prevent infection and allow scabs to shed naturally.

Start: Begin gentle washing 24 hours post-surgery.
Technique: Use the provided pH-balanced shampoo with room-temperature water. Apply with only your fingertips in soft, circular motions—no scratching or scrubbing.
Key Rule: Do not pick scabs. Daily washing will soften them, and they will fall off naturally between Days 10-14.

When can I return to normal activities and exercise?

A gradual return prevents strain on healing grafts and donor areas.

Days 1-3: Rest. Most patients return to sedentary/office work within 2-3 days.
Week 2: Only light walking is permitted.
Week 3: You may introduce low-impact cardio (e.g., stationary bike).
Week 4: Moderate exercise can resume, but avoid heavy weightlifting, contact sports, or activities that cause excessive sweating.
Important: Avoid salons for the first 3 months, as they often use hot water and vigorous techniques that can harm grafts.

What are normal healing responses versus signs of concern?

Understanding your body’s normal reactions prevents unnecessary worry.

1. Normal & Expected:

Shock Loss: Temporary shedding of existing, non-transplanted hairs around the recipient area. Regrowth typically occurs within 3-6 months.
Folliculitis: Small, red bumps as new hairs emerge. Usually resolves with continued gentle washing.
Temporary Numbness: In donor or recipient areas; sensation usually returns fully within 3-6 months.

2. Requires Attention:

Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus), persistent bleeding, or unexpected severe swelling. Contact your clinic immediately if these occur.

What long-term support is needed after a transplant?

Protecting your investment requires a long-term view.

Clinic Follow-Ups: We schedule checks at Day 1, Day 7, 1 Month, 4 Months, and 12 Months to monitor progress.
Adjuvant Therapies:
- Short-Term (Months 1-12): Copper peptide sprays may be recommended to support graft stabilization.
- Long-Term (Ongoing): Medications like minoxidil or finasteride are often advised to protect and maintain your existing, non-transplanted hair from further loss.
Core Principle: Transplanted hair is permanent, but native hair can still thin. A comprehensive maintenance plan is essential for lasting density.

Key Takeaways

The First 24 Hours Are Critical: Follow stabilization protocols—gentle movement, proper sleeping posture, and using the compression dressing—to protect newly placed grafts.
Consistent, Gentle Washing is Non-Negotiable: Proper cleansing from Day 1 onward prevents infection and ensures scabs shed without disturbing grafts.
Gradually Resume Activity: Strictly avoid exercise and sweating for the first week, then follow a phased return over one month to ensure graft security.
Plan for the Long Term: Commit to follow-up visits and discuss medical therapy to maintain the results and protect all your hair.

Need Clarification on Your Aftercare Plan?

Healing is a partnership. To receive a personalized aftercare sheet or to discuss any concerns, send a message with photos of your progress through our secure portal. Our medical team will provide specific guidance to ensure your recovery stays on track for the best possible outcome.

MEDICAL - DISCLAIMERS

Images & Information shown are for reference only

Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized medical advice. It is not intended to promote our service or imply superiority over another.

Individual results in hair restoration vary significantly and no outcome can be guaranteed. The before-and-after images shown represent possible results — not promises. We recommend seeking independent medical advice to discuss your options … Read More

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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.