Many men and women who are considering a hair transplant are curious about the downtime associated with the procedure. This is understandable. We all have personal and professional lives that place demands on us, and we realize that any downtime is tapping into a very valuable resource: your time.
Simply put, downtime with RESTORE® is minimal. Patients typically recover quickly from this outpatient procedure. This is an outpatient procedure that is generally done in one day (sometimes two, but you will be informed regarding the duration beforehand) with only local anesthetic, so it is minimally invasive.
Hair transplant recovery is usually thought of in three ways:
- How long are the effects of the surgery visible?
- How long before I can return to regular activities?
- When will I see the results?
Hair transplant recovery time – healing from surgery
You have gone ahead with the decision and had the transplant. You will never look back. Now let’s look at the hair transplant recovery time.
Once the hair follicles (called grafts) have been “planted” into the thinning (recipient) areas, the donor and recipient areas are then cleaned and if you had a full shave FUE a dressing will be applied to the donor area. No dressing is applied to the grafted area. Our staff will then review the post-operative instructions. Pain medications are provided and you will be given a special spray that needs to be applied to the grafts. You will then be ready to leave the clinic, and we recommend wearing a hat as you do so.
Expect some crusting and scabbing for up to 10 days post-surgery (see image below). Some patients also experience pinkness or redness in the transplanted areas, which can last two-four weeks. Furthermore, if your donor area was shaved, it will take about two weeks for it to look “normal”, as though you had a very short haircut. You can wear a hat during this period.
The implanted hairs will take root in the recipient areas and grow for two-three weeks. However, at this point the follicles will go dormant and these transplanted hairs will fall out. Don’t panic, this is a natural part of the process! You will then look like you did pre-transplant.
Hair Transplant Recovery Timeline
Recovering from a hair transplant is a step-by-step journey. While every individual heals differently, here’s a general hair transplant recovery timeline to help you understand what to expect post-surgery:
- Day 0 (Day of Surgery): After the procedure, you’ll be able to leave the clinic the same day. Minor discomfort and a feeling of tightness in the scalp are normal. You’ll be given specific aftercare instructions and a special spray for your grafts.
- Days 1-3: You may notice some swelling in the forehead area and scabbing around the graft sites. Pain is usually minimal and can be managed with medication. Avoid strenuous activities for at least one to two days.
- Days 4-7: Scabs begin to fall off, and redness in the recipient area starts to subside. You can resume light activities but avoid swimming and wearing helmets. The healing process will be well underway.
- Week 2: The donor area will look more normal, as though you had a short haircut. Transplanted hairs may begin to fall out—a completely natural process called “shock loss.”
- Months 1-2: The transplanted follicles enter a resting phase, and the visible hairs will have fallen out. The scalp continues to heal.
- Months 3-4: New hair growth starts to appear in the transplanted areas. Around 20% of growth may be visible by the end of the third month.
- Months 5-8: Significant growth occurs, with about 60-70% of the transplanted hair visible. The texture and density improve over time.
- Months 9-12: By this point, most patients see the full results of their hair transplant, with natural-looking and undetectable new hair.
When can I resume activities after surgery?
This one is easy—if you had FUE we request that you avoid heavy or strenuous activity for three days post-surgery for FUE recovery. By Day 3 your scalp should be healed enough that you can begin to gently wash it again.
After that you may resume all activities, except for swimming and those requiring a helmet, which should be resumed no earlier than seven days. If you had a strip harvest you should avoid heavy or strenuous activity, swimming, and wearing a helmet for 7 days after surgery.
How to Recover From an FUE Hair Transplant
Recovering from an FUE hair transplant involves following specific steps to ensure optimal results. Here are some practical tips to remain healthy:
- Protect the Grafts: Avoid touching or scratching the transplanted area, especially in the first week. Use the provided spray as directed to keep the grafts moist and promote healing.
- Manage Swelling: Recover by applying ice packs gently on the forehead, avoiding direct contact with the grafts. Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights.
- Avoid Harsh Environments: Stay away from direct sunlight, saunas, or any environment that could cause excessive sweating for at least a week.
- Follow Activity Guidelines: Limit strenuous activities and exercise for the first three days. Gradually resume activities but avoid swimming or wearing helmets for the first week.
- Monitor Your Diet: Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins to support healing and hair growth.
- Follow Up: Attend all post-operative appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
Aftercare From a Hair Transplant
Proper aftercare is critical to ensuring the success of your hair transplant. Here’s a checklist to guide you:
- Washing Your Hair: Follow the clinic’s instructions carefully. Usually, you can begin gentle washing 48 hours after surgery. Avoid using harsh shampoos or high water pressure on the grafted area.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both can impair blood circulation and slow down the healing process. It’s best to avoid them for at least two weeks post-surgery.
- Stay Patient: Hair growth is a gradual process. It’s important to trust the timeline and avoid comparing your progress to others.
- Protect Your Scalp: Wear a loose-fitting hat if you need to go outdoors in the first few days, and avoid exposing the scalp to direct sunlight for a few weeks.
- Moisturize the Donor Area: If your clinic provides ointments or lotions for the donor area, apply them as directed to prevent dryness and promote healing.
- Track Progress: Take photos every month to document your growth journey. This can be motivating and help track progress over time.
By following these guidelines and maintaining communication with your hair transplant specialist, you can enjoy a smooth recovery and achieve the full benefits of your procedure.
When can I wear a hat again over the transplanted hair?
Please wait a few days before wearing a hat as it can disturb and jostle the newly transplanted hairs.
How do I sleep after a hair transplant procedure?
To protect your new transplant you will want to sleep carefully, ideally using a neck pillow so you aren’t rolling around affecting the new grafts.
When will I see the results?
When you’ve come this far, the anticipation sets in—let’s face it you can’t wait to see your new hair! The first signs of growth in the transplanted area typically appear after two to three months. Since all of the transplanted follicles do not grow at once, the growth is naturally staggered over time. Approximately 20% of the transplanted hair can be seen around the third month, and about 60% is visible by the fifth month. At eight months approximately 70% of growth is visible, and most patients see the full results at ten months out. See all before and after RESTORE Results to see how transplanted follicles naturally grow in within five days.
This new hair is natural, and 100% undetectable as a transplant. Even hair care professionals will be unable to tell you had a hair transplant. You can style your new hair in any way you want, just like you did before you lost hair.
Trust RESTORE® Hair With Your Hair Transplant
We can’t wait to set you on your journey of transformation. Ask our Medical Director Dr. Harris a question or contact us for a confidential consultation about your unique circumstances. Unlike many others, our surgeons don’t do anything other than hair restoration (no breast augmentation, plastic surgery, cosmetic procedures).
We can set you on a journey to regain your confidence. View our complete before and after gallery of successful hair transplants.
Dr. James Harris is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, inventor of patented follicular unit excision technology, published author in the field of hair restoration and an advocate for patient care. He is currently at the forefront of research and development in the field of hair cloning. Learn more about Dr. Harris or read rave reviews from his patients.