HAIR WASH:
Hair wash is one of the most important things that can influence the final result of the hair transplant, therefore, every client is taught how to wash the hair correctly at the clinic. The hair wash procedure involves 3 main steps: Transplanted area is covered with lotion/oil/any other suitable moisturiser and left in this state for 15-30 minutes. This causes a softening effect on scabs around the transplanted grafts and donor area. This softening phase helps to remove traces of dried blood and heal faster. After 15-30 minutes, the scalp should be washed with warm water. Donor and transplanted area is washed with special medical shampoo. To do this, lather a little quantity of shampoo between your hands and very carefully apply to the entire scalp. Do not rub. All washing stages should be performed softly using palms, with no pressure. After washing, dry your hair with a paper towel. Do not rub – just pat it very gently. The moisturiser should be used until the scabs fall off or until the scalp feels dry. It is also possible to use the moisturiser in between the hair washes if the sensation of dryness is persistent.
Shampooing should be done daily to remove the scabs. After about 7-10 days there should be no more traces of dried blood or scabs on your scalp. You may start washing your hair the normal way no sooner than 14 days after the transplant. If needed one can also wash the hair more than once a day after the procedure. Continue using a baby shampoo as it doesn’t contain any sulphates, parabens, sdium chloride, added fragrance etc. If for some reason a client is purchasing his or hers own hair products, please make sure that they do not contain silicone, perfume and dyes.
PAIN AFTER A HAIR TRANSPLANT:
Mild pain or heaviness of the scalp can be present for a couple of days after the hair transplant procedure. Some people report difficulty sleeping the first days post-op. It is common to have more pain in the donor area than the recipient area after the operation. Post-op hair transplant plan can be relieved with over the counter pain killers. You will get a pack of those at the clinic.
SWELLING:
When it comes to hair transplantation that is performed using Sapphire stone pins, swelling is quite rare. It occurs more often for larger hair transplant operations and transplants where a lot of work was done to the hairline. Swelling can affect the forehead and the area around the eyes and may last two to five days, being maximal on the fourth day.
ITCHING FOLLOWING HAIR RESTORATION:
Itching is a very common feeling after the hair transplant. It may occur all over the scalp 7-14 days after the operation. The itchiness in most cases indicate that the tissue is recovering. In cases when it becomes very strong, a moisturizer or aloevera gel can be applied to subside the itching.
CORRECT SLEEPING POSITION:
It is important to touch the recipient areas as little as possible during the first week after the operation. We ask that clients sleep on their back, with the head elevated on a few pillows. By raising your head during the night, the pillows decrease any swelling that can occur after the hair transplant. Clients are also advised to use the special pillow that is like a neck pillow to sleep.
HEALING AND RECOVERY TIMES:
After any hair transplantation that is performed using Sapphire stone pins the healing is rapid. Most clients feel fine within a day or two following surgery, although some numbness and mild soreness in the scalp can be expected for several days following surgery. There will be punctate red scabs at the bottom of the transplanted hair shafts on the recipient site and donor sites, which will be visible for about 7-10 days. Usually the client gains his/her normal appearance within 10-15 days post-op. Only slight redness might be visible after this period. Clients who have very light complexion might experience redness for prolonged periods after the treatment, whereas those who have darker hair and skin, tend to recover faster. All in all, recovery after a hair transplant is a very individual process that also depends on the client's age, lifestyle, diet and even climate.
SHOCK LOSS AND REGROWTH OF TRANSPLANTED HAIR:
Usually, shock loss starts within the first 3-4 weeks after the transplant. After 3rd to 5th month the lost grafts slowly start to re-grow. At the end of 5th month, re-growth rate should be around 40% and within 7th month re-growth rate should be around 60%. The end results of the operation should be evaluated 12 months post-op.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
Immediately after hair transplantation, you can start to go for a short walk or do physical exercises that do not make you sweat too much. You can already start actively exercising 10 days post-op. It is recommended to take a shower shortly after the workouts in order to minimise any risk of infections.
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:
Consuming alcohol will increase the healing time of wounds after the hair transplant. It will be better to wait for 2 weeks post-op.
Continue the antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anti-acidity medications for 5 days, avoid, swimming, Gym, sports activities for 10 days, Direct sun exposure for next 3-4 days and start using minoxidil, oxygen laser therapy, Mesotherapy , PRP, GFC any of therapies along with minoxidil from the 21st day onwards.
