The most popular hair transplant technique that improves your confidence and restores the look of your hair is FUE. However, the great part of all this remains largely in your hands since the success of your procedure all along depends on how well you will care for your scalp during the recovery period. Proper recovery tips always guarantee that newly transplanted hair will grow as expected. In this article, we will outline some of the important dos and don'ts, keeping in mind once you have undergone an FUE hair transplant.
It always helps to understand what a hair transplant FUE entails before moving on to the recovery tips. As this is what FUE stands for, Follicular Unit Extraction involves the collection of individual hair follicles from the donor area of the head and then transplanting them to areas where loss has been occurring. FUE leaves virtually no scarring since its surgical method is linearly less invasive, with the added advantage of much quicker recovery than traditional hair transplants. Yet, any hair transplant FUE, no matter how minimally invasive, would require appropriate post-procedure care for full benefit.
For the first few days, the treated area should be kept extremely clean and dry. Your surgeon may advise you of certain shampoo or saline solution for gentle washing of your scalp. However, follow the recommendations of your surgeon stringently to avoid infection or any kind of irritation.
Sleep in an upright position during the first few days after your surgery with multiple pillows or in a recliner chair. Your head will be above the level of your heart, allowing the flow of blood to the scalp to be slower, resulting in swelling and discomfort being reduced.
Your doctor will probably prescribe medications that may include antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs as a precautionary measure against infection and to ease pain; follow the prescription. You will also be prescribed topical creams to aid in healing both at the donor and the recipient sites.
It is essentially about water and a good diet supplemented with vitamins and mineral supplies. Highly enriched foods with vitamins A, C, D, and E, to say nothing of zinc and biotin, indeed facilitate hair growth and repair of tissues.
If you need to go outside, wear a loose-fitting hat that covers your scalp from the burning sun and other elements in the environment. Just make sure that the hat doesn't irritate the recipient site because this will dislodge the grafts.
Hair growth subsequent to an FUE hair transplant is very slow. You might see the fall of hairs within the initial weeks, and that is perfectly normal. New hair will start sprouting in the transplanted area after 3-4 months. You can achieve the final results in 9 to 12 months.
Avoid touching or scratching the area, even if it itches. The grafts get dislodged if touched too early, which then compromises the results. Your surgeon should be able to provide you with a spray that soothes any itching or discomfort.
Avoid washing the head for the first 48 to 72 hours following the procedure. After that time, one can now gently start washing the hair but must use only mild shampoos or solutions as prescribed by the surgeon. Avoid rubbing the scalp to cause damage to newly implanted follicles.
Avoid vigorous exercise, such as weight-lifting, running, or any activity that would cause you to perspire for at least the first several weeks following your procedure. Exercise increases blood flow, which promotes swelling and dislodges grafts. You may resume light walking, but wait until your surgeon advises you when you can resume more vigorous activity.
Your scalp will be extremely sensitive right after the FUE hair transplantation, and direct sun exposure causes damage to the skin and interferes with the healing process. For the first 2-3 weeks or so, avoid sun exposure completely, and at all times, use a hat when going outside.
Alcohol and smoking interfere with the healing process and can negatively impact your outcome. Alcohol thins the blood, creating a larger output of blood. Smoking restricts those veins to the scalp, reducing their ability to provide oxygen and nutrients, which are essential for hair to grow. Avoid these at least one week prior to and following surgery and longer when possible.
For the first couple of weeks after your FUE hair transplantation, avoid styling your hair with any products: gels, sprays, or waxes. These are made with harsh chemicals that have a chance of irritating your scalp and prolonging your recovery process. You should consult your doctor before using hair products again.
You can achieve almost-sharp recovery through an FUE hair transplant with any of the following dos and don'ts. Keep your scalp clean, avoid some physical strain, and even try to follow some advice provided by surgeons as accurately as possible. If some serious symptoms of swelling or infection are observed, you will be consulted with your doctor immediately. With proper aftercare, you will be showing off your fuller, completely natural-looking hair in no time.