Are you thinking about having a hair transplant? If that is the case, you are most likely wanting to know when those results can be seen. Healing and regrowth following hair transplant can be different in each case; however, knowing the general procedure could set standard expectations. In this extensive guide, let’s walk you through each stage of the hair transplant timeline – starting from your initial consultation up to final results.
The Hair Transplant Consultation
The first step of the hair transplant timeline is consultation. This is a crucial stage where the hair transplant team evaluates your loss of hairs and advises how to regain your lost hairs. You’ll also discuss the various forms of hair transplants that are there today like follicular unit extraction FUE or follicular unit transplantation FUT.
In FUE hair follicles are harvested and implanted individually whereas in the case of FUT a strip of scalp is removed followed by dissection into grafts.
Preparing for Your Hair Transplant
A successful hair transplant and optimal recovery require proper preparation. There are various things that you can do to make sure a smooth process. First, if you smoke it’s worthwhile to stop smoking for at least 24 hours before the process since use of cigarettes interfere with healing. Also, refrain from drinking alcohol for at least a week before the operation and ask your doctor about any drugs you are using.
On the day of this operation, it is recommended that you sleep well and massage your scalp for at least 10 minutes every single day.
Hair Transplant Timeline
The Day of Surgery
Hair transplant operations usually take place in one day. It takes 4-8 hours, on average, to complete the procedure depending upon how many hair grafts are needed. On the day of surgery, your surgical team will do their best to make you comfortable.
One of the first things you’ll do is talk and make a hairline design. The team will mark a hairline with chalk on your head so that you can visualize how the new hair line would look. When the design has been completed, surgery will be commenced. A local anesthesia will be given to numb your scalp, after which the surgical team will commence with the transplantation process.
What to Expect the Day After Surgery
Scabbing on the transplanted area is alerted a day after your hair transplant. This is all typical of the healing process. In the FUE case, donor wounds heal relatively quickly while in the FUT option patients will have stitches on the donor area that take time to dissolve.
At this stage, follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions attentively. Avoid vigorous exercise, wash the transplanted hair with saline solution and do not pick on the scabs. This will promote proper healing and reduce the risks of complications.
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What to Expect the First Week After Surgery
It is crucial to spend some time during the first week after surgery and let your body recover. Steer clear of strenuous activities and rest as much, whenever possible. Stick to the hair-washing regimen recommended by your surgical team, swear off alcohol and smoking. Shearing is normal, but you should not itch or pick the area that has been transplanted.
Shock Hair Loss After 2-4 Weeks of Hair Transplant
2-4 weeks after the hair transplant may cause shock hair loss. This is a temporary hair loss of the transplanted hairs since it involves going through trauma during operation. This shedding is completely natural and should not be worrying. Soon, the transplanted hair follicles will begin to generate new hairs.
At this point, you can begin to return to work and take up gentle exercise again but it is crucial that your surgeon agrees with natural supplements reviews before doing so. It should be remembered that everyone’s healing process differs, and results vary.
1-3 Months After the Hair Transplant Surgery
In the period between 1-3 months after hair transplant surgery, you may not see major results. It is also necessary to be patient, as everyone’s hair changes. Your hair that is transplanted will grow and thicken gradually with time.
What to Expect 4-6 Months After a Hair Transplant
4-6 months after the hair surgery, you should notice more substantial growth. The hairs that have been transplanted will continue to grow, and your hair also becomes thicker and more visible. Your new hair at this stage may still feel frizzy or slightly soft, but it will eventually blend with the rest of your hairs for a natural look.
7-12 Months After Hair Transplant
7-12 months after your hair transplant, most of the hairs that were grafted to you will have grown, hence making your head appear thicker. Be it long or short hair, the new hairs will seamlessly fit with your existing one. If your hair is long, then it will probably require time for new hairs to catch up lengthwise.
12 Months Post Your Hair Transplant Surgery
After one year, most patients will be at their end results. On the opposite side, it should be mentioned that continuous hair loss in places not applicable to current transplant operations occurs due to hereditary patterns of baldness. You may need to check out remedies like Finasteride or Minoxidil in order to maintain the effects of your hair transplant. These drugs can help manage the hair loss and thereby prevent further transplants from being performed in future.
Read also : 5000 Grafts Hair Transplant Cost, Procedure & More
Aftercare for a Hair Transplant Patient in the Long Term
Long-term aftercare is also very important to maintain your resultant hair transplant. Your surgeon will assist you in what to do with regard to your transplanted hair and scalp for months or years after this procedure. It can be from using special hair care products that ensure you do not put your hair through too much heat or chemical treatments, protection for the scalp as well.
Your surgeon should be visited regularly during the follow up period. These appointments will allow your surgeon to monitor the progress, identify any problems or concerns with you and provide additional advice where necessary. If you communicate openly and follow the suggested aftercare guidelines, your hair transplant will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
A hair transplant is a transforming process that can be helpful in enhancing your self-confidence and appearance. By identifying the schedule of planning, healing and rehabilitation programmes you can synchronize your expectations concerning this process. Remember, everyone’s process can vary but with good care and patience, your hair transplant should have full results within 12-18 months.
Contact our team at Esthete Clinic to book a professional consultation today!