A hair transplant can be a very successful treatment for hereditary hair loss. But there are things that you should do and some you should avoid to get the best out of your hair transplant procedure.
Following a hair transplant, you will have to make some minor lifestyle adjustments, especially during the first 3 months to ensure a successful treatment. In the following article, we will take you through all the things you should avoid after a hair transplant for the best hair growth.
1- Scratching Your Scalp
A hair transplant procedure makes multiple punctures on several areas of your scalp. Naturally, you may experience some itchiness or discomfort on your scalp. However, you should not scratch your scalp using your fingernails or pick on the scabs on your scalp. This action could easily displace the hair follicles implanted into the balding areas of your head.
Additionally, repeatedly touching the areas could increase your chance of an infection. It is important to use topical creams that your doctor will prescribe for you to ease any discomfort or irritation instead.
2- Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol consumption can slow down your healing by slowing down your immune system. Smoking reduces oxygen levels in your blood which the grafts in your scalp need to heal. Not only will this make your recovery longer, but the longer it takes for your wounds to heal the more likely it is for complications to occur.
Consult your doctor about your situation, but it is generally advisable to quit smoking and drinking for at least 10 days after a hair transplant.
3- Sleeping Flat on Your Back
Although a hair transplant is minimally invasive, swelling will still occur around the areas of treatment. To minimize the swelling, you can sleep at an angle of 45 degrees. Keeping your head at an incline will reduce the build-up of water around your scalp and forehead.
4- Styling and Haircuts
For at least the first month, avoid using a hair dryer, using gels and other styling products, and shaving your scalp. The chemicals in styling products and hair dyes as well as the heat from the hair dryer can all damage and irritate your grafts. Make sure you are as gentle as possible with your hair after a hair transplant to avoid unnecessary stress on the new grafts. Likewise, consult your doctor before getting a haircut to make sure you do not disrupt the follicles before they completely heal.
5- Excercise and Strenuous Activity
Physical exercise can increase blood flow throughout the body. However, with a hair transplant, increased blood flow can translate to more swelling, sometimes bleeding, or even damage to the grafts.
Avoid activities such as running, weight-lifting, and intense forms of cardio and strength training for at least 3 – 4 weeks after a hair transplant. Giving your body rest allows your body to focus its energy and resources on your scalp.
6- Neglect Your Aftercare Instructions
Your doctor will provide you with a list of instructions to follow after your hair transplant. Likewise, at Esthete Clinic in Turkey, our specialized surgeons will provide you with an aftercare kit inclusive of all the medications you will need throughout your recovery from a hair transplant. The kit will include a special shampoo to moisturize and induce healing in your scalp.
Do not skip on your scalp care regime to avoid infection and complications.
The Takeaway
Knowing all the things that you should avoid after a hair transplant is key to getting the best results from your treatment. It is important to always be gentle with your scalp, and avoid scratching and picking on your scalp during recovery. Seek over-the-counter medications to alleviate discomfort and irritation.
Never apply products to your hair that could potentially cause irritating chemicals, this includes styling products and hair dyes. Keep your scalp clean and moisturize during recovery.
Finally, avoid sleeping flat on your back and strenuous exercise as this can increase blood flow and in turn increase swelling.
