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Post-Operative Recovery: Clear Guidelines to Resume Work, Exercise & Daily Life
Medical downtime is minimal. Most patients experience only mild discomfort and can return to sedentary or remote work within 2-3 days. Social downtime—the time until the scalp looks normal—is typically 5-7 days, after which any residual redness or scabbing is easily concealed.
Sara’s CommentMost patients return to desk work within 2-3 days after an FUE hair transplant, with full social discretion within a week. A phased approach to physical activity is critical: avoid exercise for 7 days, gradually reintroduce it over 4 weeks, and delay swimming for 3-4 weeks to protect healing grafts. Adherence to this timeline minimizes risks and supports optimal growth.
ACTIVITIES | WHEN TO RESUME AFTER PROCEDURE |
Wearing Hat or Banada | Same Day on Discharge |
Indoor Activities | Next Day (Day 1) |
Shopping, Dining Out | Next Day (Day 1) |
Hair Wash at Home | Day 2 (Day 1 we shampoo for you) |
Travel by Plane | Day 2 (We had patients leaving that same evening) |
Drink Alcohol | Day 2 |
Office Work | Day 2 |
Light Exercise (Tai Chi) | After 1 week |
Golf | After 1 week |
Hair Styling Gel / Spray | After 1 week |
Wearing Hairpiece / Wig | After 1 week |
Resume Minoxidil Lotion | After 10 days |
Moderate Exercise (jogging) | After 2 weeks |
Hair Cut / Dye | After 4 weeks |
Strenous Exercise (weight lifting, soccer) | After 4 weeks |
Swimming (pool or beach) | After 4 weeks |
Sauna | After 3 - 4 months |
Your return depends on your job’s physical demands and your comfort with visibility.
Office/Remote Work: Can often resume Day 2 or 3. A loose-fitting hat can be worn immediately; a gentle hairstyle can often conceal the recipient area after one week.
Public/Client-Facing Roles: Plan for 4-5 days off to allow initial redness and scabbing to subside for greater confidence.
Physically Demanding Jobs (Construction, Manual Labor): Require 7-10 days minimum, and you must avoid dust, heavy sweating, and helmet use until cleared by your surgeon.
Strenuous activity increases blood pressure and sweating, which can disrupt grafts. Follow this phased approach:
Days 1-7: Complete Rest. No exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over. Light walking is encouraged.
Week 2: Light Activity. Gentle walking, stretching, or very light stationary cycling. No heavy lifting or cardio that induces sweating.
Week 3: Moderate Cardio. Introduce light jogging, elliptical, or light resistance training. Continue avoiding heavy weights and exercises that strain the neck/scalp.
Week 4+: Gradual Return. You may gradually resume your normal workout routine if healing is complete. Shower immediately after sweating to keep the scalp clean.
Pools, oceans, and saunas pose infection and graft displacement risks.
Weeks 1-3: Strictly Avoid. Do not submerge your head in any water. Avoid saunas and steam rooms.
Week 4: Swimming in chlorinated pools may be permissible if healing is excellent. Rinse with fresh water immediately after.
Week 5+: Swimming in natural bodies of water (ocean, lakes) may be considered, but remains higher risk. Always wear a swim cap and rinse thoroughly afterward.
Protect from Sun & Friction: Wear a loose hat outdoors. Avoid direct sun exposure on the new grafts for at least 3 months, as UV rays can damage healing skin and pigment.
Manage Sweat: Sweat is an irritant. Rinse your scalp with cool water after any activity that causes perspiration.
Follow Cleansing Protocol: Use only provided or recommended shampoo. Do not scrub or pick scabs; let them shed naturally with gentle washing.
Attend Follow-Ups: Our mandatory check-ups at Day 1, Day 7, and Month 1 allow us to monitor healing and prevent complications.
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
Pre-Consultation Review
If you want to get a personalized answer from our medical team, you can reach us using this form here. We will cantact you as soon as possible.
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.
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the leading global medical association that establishes international practice standards and patient safety protocols.
The American Board of Hair restoration Surgery represents the highest standard. To maintain rigorous certification requirements the physician must demonstrate surgical expertise.
Worls FUE InstituteI serves as the premier educational body focused exclusively on Follicular Unit Extraction methodology. The institute ensures consistent application of safe FUE.
