Post Surgery Recovery

After surgery, the transplanted hair grafts undergo several phases before reaching the desired results. Growth typically occurs over approximately one year or slightly longer before achieving the final results. The following timeline will help you understand what to expect during your recovery period.

1 – 7 Days After Surgery

In the first few days following the surgery, patients may experience mild swelling in the forehead area, typically starting around day three and completely dissipating by day six. Small blood clots may develop at the incision sites, which usually flake off within five to seven days. Any lingering redness usually disappears by day seven, although the recipient area may remain slightly pinkish for the next few weeks. For pictures of David’s hair transplant recovery timeline, you can check out the provided link.

10 – 14 days After Surgery

Around 10 to 14 days after the procedure, the surgical staples are ready to be removed. This can be done by Hair Follicle, your local doctor, or even at home. Roughly three weeks after the procedure, you may begin to experience some shedding of the transplanted hairs. This shedding is completely normal and to be expected, as it occurs due to the temporary dormant phase that all hair grafts go through after any hair restoration procedure. You can see a full list of potential hair transplant side effects for more information.

1 -2 Months After Surgery

Over the next several weeks to a few months, the average patient can expect to see a few new hair sprouts emerging through the surface of the scalp. This new growth period varies from patient to patient, but on average, it occurs around three months post-surgery. The new hair may not grow in evenly initially, but it will eventually grow in uniformly. Initially, the new hair will be thin and fine but will thicken over time. During this period, the patient may also notice the formation of an acne-like condition in the recipient area. This is normal and occurs as the new hairs attempt to grow through the scalp. Sometimes, these hairs can become temporarily trapped under the skin, similar to an ingrown hair, but this condition is temporary. It’s a positive sign of new growth!

5 – 6 Months After Surgery

By the fifth to sixth month after the procedure, patients can anticipate significant new growth. The new hair will be approximately two to three inches in length, and the hair shaft will begin to thicken.

8 – 10 Months After Surgery

Between months eight and ten, patients will witness the most impressive difference since the initial procedure. The hair will be longer and much thicker, and the overall appearance will show greater density than even a few short months before.

1 Year After Surgery

By the time a full year has passed since the procedure, the patient will observe the final result, although improvements may still be seen well over a year after the surgery. The hair that is now growing will continue to grow for the rest of the patient’s life and can be cut and styled in any manner the patient wishes. There is no special regimen required to care for the new hair. Standard shampoos and other hair products are perfectly safe to use. The patient can treat the new hair as they always have because it is their own hair that has simply been relocated.