- - Hair Transplant Recovery Week by Week
- - How Can Turkey Luxury Clinics Help You?
For many, the decision to undergo hair transplant surgery represents a significant step. However, it is a choice that an increasing number of individuals are making. Indeed, since 2016, there has been a 16% increase in the number of hair transplant surgeries performed worldwide.
While the procedure may initially seem like a significant decision, it is typically regarded as a relatively painless and low-risk process. It is classified as minimally invasive, which further minimizes the potential for complications.
However, unless you are fully informed about what to expect, the hair transplant recovery process can be somewhat unexpected. This article provides a detailed overview of the post-FUE hair transplant surgical process. In order to assist you in navigating the recovery timeline, we have prepared this guide, which provides insights into the expected recovery process week by week.
Hair Transplant Recovery Week by Week
At Turkey Luxury Clinics, we use the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique because it offers a faster recovery period and superior results with tiny, virtually undetectable scars.
In FUE procedures, the surgeon removes each follicular unit either individually or as a natural cluster of two or three hair follicles. This leaves a number of small incisions, measuring no more than one millimeter in width.
To ensure your comfort and well-being, our team utilizes short-acting local anesthetics during the FUE hair transplant procedure, minimizing discomfort.
Week 1 after the procedure
The initial 7-day period following a hair transplant is of paramount importance and may be the most uncomfortable period you will experience. The bandage will typically be changed on the first day following the procedure and your first hair wash will be carried out at our clinic. You may begin gently washing your hair with a special shampoo on the third day after being trained by our staff. During the initial post-procedure period, some patients may experience mild itching or minor bleeding.
After 5 days, the transplanted hair grafts will begin to demonstrate enhanced strength. However, it is important to note that continued care is required to ensure gentle handling of the transplanted area.
Week 2 after a hair transplant
During the second week post-procedure, the transplanted hairs will begin to heal, scabs should start to fall off, and any redness should subside. The medical team at Turkey Lucuxy Clinics recommends that you continue to wash your hair gently to remove any residue or dead skin cells. Your first post-operative check-up during the second week can be conducted virtually or in person, at your convenience.
About 7 to 10 days after your hair transplant, the hair grafts will start to settle in. This is a resting period, during which you may experience a little bit of hair loss. This is totally normal and is often called "shock loss."
It's totally normal for the follicle to go through this phase, so there's no need to worry about shock loss. The length of this natural period can vary from person to person. However, it usually lasts up to two months, and you'll usually see regular hair growth after 3 to 4 months.
After 3 Weeks
3 to 4 weeks following a hair transplant, you may still experience shock loss. By the three-week mark, swelling and scabs should have largely subsided, and redness around your hairline should have significantly diminished. At this stage, you may resume light exercise, but it is important to proceed gradually and to monitor your body, particularly the surgical area.
The second post-operative check-up is typically scheduled for the third week. This allows for observation of progress and the provision of additional aftercare instructions. Unlike the initial observation, this occurs mostly remotely, as most patients would have left Istanbul at this point.
After 4 Weeks
Please be aware that the recovery process from a hair transplant is a long journey. You can expect to observe a range of changes, both minor and significant, over the course of the months following your procedure. As the months go by, you will observe a steady progression of improvement, ultimately leading to the realization of your desired goal of a fully restored head of hair.
One month after a hair transplant, you might be feeling the effects of shock loss. It's normal for patients to feel a bit moody during this period.
After 8 Weeks
By the end of the second month, the hair loss should have slowed down a lot and you should start to see new hair growth. Hair growth may be a bit uneven and unpredictable. Hair that didn't fall out during the shock loss period usually seems weaker.
12 Weeks after a hair transplant
You might see a lot more hair growth in the third month after your operation. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for blisters and infections to occur due to the raised and sensitive nature of the skin. While blisters can be effectively addressed, infection may require the use of medication.
After 6 months
After 6 months, hair growth is at its fastest. Each day, the hair strands begin to grow thicker and stronger. The hair coverage will reach up to 80%. You can use a wide hairbrush to comb your hair and trim any uneven strands, or you can use a shaver to cut it. Even though everything seems to be back to normal, it's still important to be careful not to expose your hair to extreme hot or cold conditions. You can also have a post-operation check-up at the end of the sixth month to monitor progress.
How Can Turkey Luxury Clinics Help You?
Turkey Luxury Clinics is specialized in plastic surgery and other medical specialties. Our mission is to help people improve their appearance and health. Here is why you should choose Turkey Luxury Clinics instead of many others in Turkey:
- Professional medical consultation is provided by a qualified team of surgeons.
- Your transportation in Istanbul is our responsibility.
- Medical examination and complete preparation for surgery.
- Medical health consultants for assistance and interpretation.
- Regular follow-ups and remote recovery support
Contact us today to learn more about our safe, natural-looking hair transplant procedure, designed to restore your hair.