Everyone wants to stay beautiful always. Face and hair of an individual play a very vital role in defining ones beauty. But now a days, due to rigorous work culture, competition, pollution and spread of deadly diseases; stress, illness and anxiety have become all prevalent.
Problems like acne, blemishes and wrinkles on face and rapid hair loss are the common problems face by everyone. Not just teenagers, but even the people above their 30’s and 40’s and facing such problems.
Hence, they are becoming very conscious about their hair; particularly when it comes to baldness. Here, a hair transplant surgery comes to the rescue of such people.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant is basically a technique/surgical procedure which involves removing hair follicles from one part of the body (called donor site) to a balding part of the body (called recipient site). After this transplant, the implanted hairs start growing like normal hair.
Mostly hair follicles are taken from eyelashes, eyebrows, beard hair, chest hair and pubic hair and area implanted on the bald areas.
Baldness may be found in men and women both the groups but it is a more sensitive issue in males. Some prominent reasons for baldness are-
a. Prolonged illness and medications
b. Stress
c. Lifestyle habits
d. Genetic Reasons
Being exposed to the problem of baldness, one may opt for a hair transplant procedure.
This type of surgery is slightly painful and sensitive ,which requires a lot of care and precautions after it is done. So, one must understand what should be done and what should not be done after this procedure.
Do’s after a Hair Transplant
1. Careful Hair Wash
After the transplant, wash your hair with the shampoo recommended by your doctor with warm water. After that, dry your hair with paper towel very gently. Shampooing must be done daily to remove the dried blood or scabs on the scalp gradually. Use this special shampoo for quiet few months to avoid any sort of itching or dryness of scalp.
2. Proper Medication
All the lotions and shampoos prescribed by your doctor must be used. Antibiotics and other medicines given by the doctor must be taken timely without any carelessness. Also you should take the necessary food supplements as suggested by the doctor. Your doctor will also give you creams to be applied to the donor area and sometimes for the recipient area too. Creams must be applied to avoid scars, pimples or bumps.
3. Use a Cold Compress
If there is swelling in the donor area (eyebrows or beard area), then one must opt for cold compress (apply ice) in some cover over the affected area. This must be done in consultation with the doctor.
4. Relax and do not Scratch
After hair transplant, itching is a very common feeling. One may experience it all over the scalp for 7-14 days after the transplant. But itchiness is a good sign of recovery. It indicates that the tissue is recovering. In case itchiness is unbearable, your doctor may suggest you a medicine.
5. Adopt a correct Sleeping Position
Post-transplant, it is suggested that one must sleep on his back and keep his/her head slightly raised so as to avoid swelling in the recipient area (the head or forehead region). Sometimes, doctors also prescribe special pillows to let the person sleep comfortably all night. A raised posture is essential for the initial 7-10 days. A sound sleep also plays a vital role in quick recovery.
6. Be Patient
Itching, swelling, pain and slight discomfort are associated with a hair transplant. So, be patient and relax. Your medicines and care will work slowly and will yield you good results.
7. Be Positive about Hair fall
After the transplant, you may experience hair fall. This hair fall is the result of the transplant and you may observe it in the 3rd -4th week after surgery. So, do not worry about it. This hair fall is called “Shock Loss” and it is a common symptom after a transplant.
8. Care for the Donor Site
The donor site must be properly taken care of. Apply the lotions and creams prescribed by the doctor and protect it from any sort of infection.
9. Wear a Headgear
This the most important post-operation care tip. One must cover the implanted place with a cover (e.g a comfortable hat) to avoid dust, sun and other environmental factors. It is compulsory to wear hat after 5 days operation. But if you wear it up to two weeks after the surgery, it is much better because till that time your scabs are almost removed.
Do Not’s after a Hair Transplant
1. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is diuretic, which means it will dehydrate you. Dehydration will increase your recovery time. Also, it will increase your blood pressure level which will hinder the supply of vital nutrients to your head. So, avoid the consumption of alcohol post surgery.
2. Driving
Strong sedatives are given in the hair restoration treatment. So, one should not drive atleast till 24 hours after the surgery.
3. Sleep Flat or on Tummy
One should avoid sleeping on flat surfaces and sleeping on tummy. The best sleeping position after surgery is to sleep on the back with some raised pillows. This will help in reducing swelling in the transplanted area and reduce pressure on hair. Avoid sleeping on the side also as to minimize rubbing of hair.
4. Avoid medications
Do not be ignorant about your medicines. Take them on the right time and also do not ignore what is written on your prescription. Antibiotics must be taken promptly to avoid any type of infection.
5. Forget Ice
In case you experience swelling on your donor site, do not forget to apply ice. A cold compress will help you a lot.
6. Scrub your Hair or Shower
Do not wash your hair aggressively till a week after the procedure. A rough hair wash may worsen your scabs. So, be gentle.
Also, don’t pour too much quantity of water in one go. Gently wash off.
7. Colour your Hair
Hair colour or dyes contain harsh chemicals which can adversely affect the transplanted follicles. So, avoid coloring or dyeing your hair till a month after the surgery.
8. Forget to Drink Water
Water will keep you hydrated and will speedup you recovery. So drink atleast 10 % more water after surgery than you were drinking before it.
9. Apply Ice Directly
Do not apply ice directly to the implanted area. Take the opinion of your doctor before using ice to combat swelling.
10. Touch the Transplantation Site
One can touch the transplanted site only after 72 hour of the procedure. And that too should be done very gently. Do not touch the scabs to avoid any sort of infection. Be very cautious while applying lotions, shampoos and conditioners to the scalp.
11. Smoke, drink and consume Fast Food
Smoking , drinking alcohol and eating fast food may increase the time of your recovery. Hair needs lot of nutrients to grow strong ,healthy and shiny. So eat the supplements prescribed by the doctor instead of fast foods.
12. Don’t think hairfall has gone
Approximately 10-15% of our hair is always in the shedding phase and it is very natural. So, don’t think that there will be absolutely no hair fall after the transplant.
13. Strenuous Activities and Sun Exposure
Do not engage into activities or exercises that cause much sweating. Always wear a hat till 6 months of surgery to avoid heat and dust.
14. Shave too early.
Do not be too quick in shaving either the donor area or the recipient area. You can shave the donor area after 1 week and the recipient area after 1 month of the transplant.
Hair transplant surgery is a sensitive one. But by understanding the above list of Do’s and Do not’s , one can get a successful hair implant done.
