After Transplant Care for the Prevention of Infection and Rapid New Hair Growth

You are finally overjoyed after your hair transplant and now you have fulfilled your dream of having full and denser hair. However, you need to do proper scalp care after transplantation -

• After few hours of surgery, when the effect of anesthesia is reduced, you may feel a little pain on the scalp area, which may be due to swelling or numbness of skin. For instant relief, painkillers such as paracetamol can be taken.
• You cannot go back to your office or your workplace just after the surgery rather you are advised to stay at home and allow the bruising or any swelling on scalp to be recovered.
• You may feel some soreness or numbness in the donor area from which the hair follicles is transplanted. It is quite normal which may be due to scab formation on the scalp.
• On the transplanted part of scalp, earlier the new hair will be shed off. This is a normal phenomenon due to less blood supply to the graft. It may also occur due to thermal shock in which extreme heat is provided to the hair follicle.
• Just after the hair transplant surgery, you are advised not to drive by yourself as you might be under the influence of anesthesia or a sedative given prior surgery to reduce your discomfort.
• Sleep in a position with your head elevated so that the scalp may not get touched accidentally
• You need to see your doctor to get your stitches removed
• You will have to be extra careful about your shampoos. You must shampoo the scalp as recommended by your doctor as washing your hair will help reduce the scab formation around the scalp and it will promote hair growth.
• Smoking and drinking will be restricted for 2 days after surgery
• Your doctor will give a “growth factor” lotion, which will promote the growth of your new hair. You are advised to apply this lotion on your scalp regularly.
• Avoid any vigorous exercise or any sport after the surgery
• Wear a hat before getting exposed to sunlight

Contact your doctor immediately, in case you notice any unusual pain, bleeding or swelling. After transplant care is substantially required for the proper growth of transplanted hair as well as to avoid infections after surgery.