Navigating a hair transplant journey requires careful preparation and aftercare to ensure the best results. Pre-Post Hair Transplant guidelines are essential in preparing your scalp for the procedure and supporting optimal healing afterward. These guidelines provide vital steps to follow before and after your transplant, helping to maximize the success of the surgery and promote healthy, natural hair growth. By adhering to these Pre-Post Hair Transplant instructions, you can confidently approach your procedure with the knowledge that you are doing everything possible to achieve the best outcome.
To ensure a smooth and successful hair transplant procedure, there are several important steps
you must take in the week leading up to your appointment:
Refrain from consuming any alcohol for at least seven days prior to the
hair transplant procedure. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of
complications.
If you are taking blood-thinning medications, such as
aspirin, it is crucial to stop these, but only after consulting with your doctor. Additionally, if you
have conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, you must obtain written approval
from your doctor before proceeding with the hair transplant.
If you are using other treatments for hair loss,
such as minoxidil or finasteride, please inform our team before your visit.
Since the hair transplantation is performed under local
anesthesia, it is essential to have a nutritious breakfast on the day of the procedure. However,
avoid drinking coffee or tea; instead, opt for natural juices like orange juice, which are more
beneficial.
Upon arrival at the hospital on the day of your procedure, several important steps will be taken:
We will conduct a series of blood tests. The first is a rapid test to check for
any infectious diseases that might necessitate postponing the procedure; results are available
within 15 minutes. The second test takes two and a half to three hours and helps us understand
the cause of your hair loss. While the rapid test is sufficient to start the procedure, the results of
the second test will inform post-operative treatment.
The doctor will outline the transplant areas, including the
hairline and donor area. Local anesthesia will then be administered to the donor area, and
follicular units will be extracted using the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique. The
channels are then opened in the bald area, and the harvested follicles are carefully
transplanted.
Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you will be
able to move during the operation, such as going to the bathroom or taking a break for lunch.
This helps to keep you comfortable throughout the process.
The day following your hair transplant, we will take you to
the hospital to remove the bandage and perform the first hair wash. After this, you can either
return home or choose to stay in Istanbul.
Proper hair washing is crucial to ensure the success of your hair transplant. Please follow these
instructions carefully:
Begin washing your hair on the third day after the procedure,
not counting the initial wash we perform for you the day after the surgery. For example, if your
operation was on a Monday, you should start your first wash on Wednesday. Wash your hair
once daily before bedtime.
Foam Spray: Apply the foam spray only to the area where the hair grafts were
transplanted. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes. When washing it off, gently tap the transplanted
area with your hand to help remove the foam.
. Shampoo:
Donor Area: Apply the shampoo to the donor area and wash it with a normal hand
massage.
Transplanted Area: Foam the shampoo with your hands and apply the foam gently to
the transplanted area. For the first 10 days, only tap lightly without massaging.
Shampooing should be done daily to remove scabs. By 10 days post-procedure, there should
be no traces of dried blood or scabs on your scalp.
After 11 days, you can start washing your hair normally. If needed, you can wash your hair more
than once a day. Continue using the special shampoo provided until the bottle is empty.
Afterward, switch to a herbal shampoo that is free of chemicals and continue using it for about
six months post-operation.
After washing, dry your hair with a paper towel. Do not rub; instead, pat it very gently.
Moisturizer should be used until the scabs fall off or if your scalp feels dry. Apply it by dabbing
only, without massaging. You can also use the moisturizer between washes if dryness persists.
You can start gently massaging the transplanted area, gradually
increasing the intensity each day.
It is essential to stay away from alcohol for at least five days after your procedure. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process, increase the risk of post-operative bleeding, and negatively interact with prescribed antibiotics.
During the first month after the transplant, avoid any activities that may cause heavy sweating, as this can disrupt the healing of newly implanted grafts. If you reside in a warm climate, staying indoors in a cool environment is recommended for the first 2 to 3 weeks.
For two weeks, it is important not to touch the transplanted region. Physical contact may dislodge the grafts and affect their growth. The only exception is during the gentle daily washing process provided by your aftercare instructions.
Stay away from saunas, steam rooms, and solariums for one month. High temperatures can lead to excessive sweating, which may harm the grafts, while UV light from solariums can cause skin discoloration or permanent marks.
Avoid smoking for at least one week after the operation. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen supply to the scalp and delaying both healing and new hair growth.
Refrain from high-impact sports or strenuous exercises—such as running, weightlifting, or team sports—for one month. These activities may cause sweating, trauma, or pressure on the scalp. Light walking is usually safe after day four.
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for at least two months. UV rays can damage both the surface of the scalp and the underlying tissues, potentially leading to sunspots or other complications.
Swimming should be avoided for one month post-surgery to reduce the risk of infection and allow proper healing of the donor and recipient areas.
Most patients can return to office-based work after five days. However, if your job involves heavy physical labor, it is recommended to wait 7 to 14 days to ensure graft protection and optimal healing.
Sexual activity should be avoided for 5 to 7 days, as it may cause sweating, increased blood pressure, or accidental head contact that could disrupt the healing process.
Do not wear any hats, caps, or helmets for the first month following your transplant. Pressure or friction from headwear can damage or dislodge the newly implanted grafts.
Try not to bend your head downwards for three days post-op. This helps prevent excess pressure, bleeding, or dislodging of grafts during this critical early healing phase.
Although rare, forceful coughing or sneezing can potentially shift grafts. It’s best to keep your head upright and minimize sudden or jerky movements during the early recovery stage.
Scratching can remove grafts or scabs prematurely and delay recovery. Avoid scratching for at least one month. If irritation occurs, wait until after the first week and gently pat or rub the area instead of using your nails.
To minimize the risk of infection after a hair transplant, it’s important to sleep on clean pillowcases and bed sheets for the first 10 days. Use a detergent that is free from perfume and allergens to avoid irritating the healing scalp.
Patients should sleep on their back with the head elevated at a 45-degree angle for at least 10 days. Using a neck pillow is recommended to keep the head stable and protect the newly implanted grafts from being disturbed during sleep.
For the first 10 days, avoid any movements that could accidentally harm the grafts—such as turning the head quickly, hitting the head on the headboard, or bumping it while getting in or out of a car.
Proper sleeping posture is essential for recovery. A neck pillow helps keep the head steady and ensures that the grafts stay undisturbed as they begin to settle into the scalp.
For the first two months, it’s crucial to protect your head from any accidental bumps. Even a minor impact can dislodge the newly implanted grafts, so be mindful of low door frames, car ceilings, and bed headboards.
Wait at least 4 to 6 months, or until your scalp has fully healed, before using hair dye. The newly implanted follicles are highly sensitive, and chemical dyes can interfere with the growth and recovery process.
To reduce swelling, you can gently apply a cold compress to your forehead — not directly on the grafts. Keep the ice pack at least 2–3 cm away from the hairline. Start immediately after surgery and continue for the first five days. This can significantly relieve discomfort and minimize facial swelling.
Using an electric razor should be avoided for at least four months after the procedure to protect the implanted area.
A trim with scissors is safe after one month, but make sure to inform your barber to handle the scalp carefully and avoid applying any pressure to the treated areas.
Swelling typically appears between day 2 and day 7 following the surgery. To manage this, apply an ice pack over your eyebrows — not on the grafts — for 15 minutes every hour during the swelling phase.
Some patients may experience a loss of sensation in the scalp. This is normal and usually resolves within three weeks, though in some cases it may last up to six weeks as nerve endings regenerate.
A mild burning feeling may occur in both the donor and recipient areas during the first 2 to 5 days. This is part of the healing process and is generally well-tolerated.
Mild itching is common and can last for several days to two weeks after the operation. This is a normal sign of healing. Avoid scratching or picking at the area, as it may disrupt grafts or lead to infection.
You may begin using Minoxidil (Rogaine), a topical treatment that supports new hair growth, after three weeks. It helps stimulate the hair follicles and can enhance the results of your transplant.
Keep the scalp hydrated during the first week following your procedure to prevent dryness, itching, and scabbing. A well-moisturized scalp supports proper healing and comfort.
Hold off on visiting your hairdresser for at least one month. Allowing the scalp enough time to heal fully ensures better hair growth and reduces the risk of complications.
Your nutrition plays a vital role in your recovery. Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet will promote faster healing, support cell regeneration, and help strengthen newly transplanted follicles.
The implanted hairs will start to grow approximately 3-4 months after the
procedure. By 6 months, about 70% of the hair growth will be complete, and by 12 to 18 months, the
growth will reach 100%. However, it may take up to 1.5 years for hair transplanted in the apex
(crown) area to achieve maximum results:
It’s completely normal to experience hair shedding during the first one to two months following a hair transplant. This process, often referred to as “shock loss,” is a temporary and expected part of the recovery. The transplanted hairs fall out to make way for new, healthier growth.
In the second and third months, patients typically begin to notice the first signs of new hair growth. The pace and thickness of this growth can vary based on individual healing and hair characteristics.
By the fourth month, the hair will start to look noticeably fuller and more natural. This is when many patients begin to see a significant improvement in the treated area.
Hair density continues to build during this phase. The new growth becomes more robust, and the overall coverage improves, giving a fuller appearance.
The complete results of the hair transplant are typically seen between 12 and 18 months after the procedure. Hair texture, thickness, and natural flow fully develop, providing a long-lasting and natural outcome.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy helps to rejuvenate damaged scalp
cells, enabling them to absorb nutrients and vitamins more effectively. This is the primary
function of PRP.
The doctor may recommend a combination of
PRP therapy and AGF-39 (Autologous Growth Factor) to not only heal damaged cells but also
to prevent future hair loss and stimulate the newly transplanted hair follicles to produce faster
and stronger hair.
Role of Growth Factors in Hair Loss Treatment:
AGF-39 contains essential vitamins that are
crucial for increasing hair density and promoting new hair growth. Its unique formula is directly
involved in the hair growth hormone, ensuring the benefits are targeted specifically to the hair,
unlike other vitamins that may be used elsewhere in the body.
After your hair transplant, it is vital to stay in regular contact with our
Aftercare Department. Send photos every 15 days to allow our team to monitor your progress
and provide you with advice and instructions at every stage of your hair growth journey.
In most cases, yes, it is possible to wear a hat after a hair transplant. However, you should avoid wearing a hat permanently.
You can safely wear a loose and soft hat after 7 to 10 days. Avoid tight hats or helmets during the first few weeks to protect the grafts.
Yes, but only after the initial healing period. Be sure the hat doesn’t touch or compress the transplanted area.
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least one week before wearing a hat, depending on your healing progress.
Taking finasteride is good for maintaining healthy follicles and making them grow faster, but it is not recommended without consulting a doctor. However, you can take supplements such as saw palmetto, which contains the same natural ingredients found in finasteride without any side effects.
Not necessarily, but it may help stabilize hair loss, especially for patients with androgenetic alopecia. Always consult your doctor before starting.
However, you can take supplements such as saw palmetto, which contains the same natural ingredients found in finasteride without any side effects.
Sleep with your head elevated at a 45-degree angle for the first 3–5 days to reduce swelling. Avoid rubbing your head against the pillow.
Avoid rubbing or touching the transplanted area for at least 10 to 14 days. After this period, gentle washing is typically allowed.
You should avoid intense physical activity and sweating for at least 10–14 days after the procedure. Light walking is usually okay after a few days.
You can practice heavy sports such as bodybuilding and weightlifting one month after the procedure.
The donor area heals gradually over a few days. You may experience redness, small scabs, or mild discomfort, but these resolve within a week or two. Hair in the donor area typically regrows without noticeable thinning.
Copyright © 2025 ClinMedica, LTD
Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance
