However much of a bargain you receive with a hair transplant procedure in Singapore, it still remains a substantial investment. Hence, it is important that you are given very specific instructions after the procedure to avoid risking the success rate of your procedure. The first 24-72 hours is the most crucial period. Following that, it is best to be extra cautious with the grafts, up till your review at week 1.
Below is our guide on everything you SHOULD and SHOULD NOT do after a hair transplant.
Immediately after the hair transplant procedure, You SHOULD…
- Have someone to accompany you home as you might still be recovering from the earlier light sedation
- Have a meal and take your prescribed medications to reduce the risk of swelling, infection and pain
- Hydrate well as it is easy to get dehydrated with the humidity in Singapore
- Spray the implanted grafts every 15 minutes generously, to ensure they are kept moist at all times. This is an important step as the follicles are solely dependent on the surrounding tissues at this point before the blood supply reconnects.
- Apply the stem cell serum every 3 hours. This serum encourages faster repair of the tissues in turn, encouraging faster return of vascularity.
- Keep your head elevated, at a 45-degree angle when sleeping at night, to avoid swelling.
You SHOULD NOT…
- Drive
- Consume Caffeine or Alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol increase the risk of bleeding.
- Smoke cigarettes as it delays healing.
- Participate in strenuous activities as this will risk dislodging the precious grafts.
- Scratch/rub the implanted area
- Wash your hair until after your review.
From Day 1 to 7, you SHOULD…
- Continue to hydrate well
- Continue to elevate your head
- Take your medications
- You can start washing your hair/scalp daily using the technique taught to you by us. A mild shampoo with scalp defence essence will be provided to you. * (Refer to the Step by Step guide in this article for guidance.)
- ICE your forehead if any swelling is seen
- Massage your forehead in an upwards and outwards during a warm shower to reduce swelling
You SHOULD NOT…
- Scratch the recipient area. It might start itching as healing continues to take place and blood supply starts to return to the follicles. We will provide you with antihistamine tablets where necessary.
- Put on any head gears i.e: NO caps, helmets, hats.
- Use minoxidil
At the end of 1 week, we will see you back at the clinic. The grafts would have taken root, the donor would be fully healed, and life will go back to normal. There will be another session of Low-Level Laser Light therapy which acts as a booster.
From here on, the You SHOULD….
- Shower normally
- Use conditioner to soften any remaining scabs and rub them off in the shower
- Resume all activities e.g.: work, gym
- Consume alcohol and caffeine
- Start using minoxidil
- Maintain a well-balanced diet
* You can get a haircut to even out the donor area if so wish to at this point or any time thereafter.
You SHOULD NOT…
- Dye your hair until 3 months later
- Swim in a chlorinated pool for 2 months
- Go to a sauna or steam bath for 2 months
You will have 7 different follow-up appointments with us scheduled across the next year to monitor your progress. This is because it takes the next whole years’ worth of wait, to see the final results of your investment.
Step by Step Hair washing guide:
Dispense a small amount of mild shampoo provided into the centre of your palm
Add some water and apply directly to the back and sides of your scalp (donor area)
Apply gentle pressure onto the area and rub until lather forms. DO NOT apply shampoo directly to the recipient area.
Use some of the lather obtained and dab it across the recipient area gently
Allow it to sit in for 2 minutes
Bend forward and using the showerhead with lower than usual pressure, gently wash off the shampoo from back to front until the water turns clear.
A regular towel can be used to wipe the sides and the back. Note that a kitchen paper towel is required to wipe the recipient area to avoid dislodging the grafts. Alternatively, you can air dry your scalp.
A hairdryer with cold air or mild heat can be used to dry hair/scalp.
What to expect after a hair transplant procedure
Days 1-14
On day 1, you can see many new hairs sticking up from the scalp. You will find that these little shafts of hair will grow to a slightly longer length by day 7. Eventually, the scabs surrounding them will flake off.
Weeks 4-6
The hairs will start to detach from their roots at this point. They become detached from the follicle after it has taken root, in order to make way for eventual new growth.
Weeks 4-12
At this point, many people panic, thinking their hair transplantation has failed because more and more of the implanted hairs fall out. However, this is a normal process. Occasionally, the scalp may start to break out in pimples. This is also normal, caused either by hair caught under the skin, or by the new hairs trying to grow and push their way through the scalp. This breakout might last for a while, since the new hairs will grow in a sporadic manner. A warm washcloth should help treat these pimples. If the scalp acne is severe, it may be folliculitis, which happens very rarely. Folliculitis requires the attention of the doctor & may need antibiotics.
Months 4-6
The new hairs will start to grow at different rates over these 2 months. The nature of the new hairs may differ to the other surrounding hairs, if any. You may notice your new growth is coarser than the surrounding hair. However, as the hair goes through the phases of growth/ hair cycle, it will eventually grow in fuller, softer and begin to look more like the surrounding hairs. About 45%-60% of the expected growth will show at the end of Month 6.
Months 6-9
Most of the new hairs would have surfaced by this time. The growth will carry on and thickening in density typically happens during this period. You will find the in-between spaces within the recipient area being gradually achieving coverage. You can expect to see 85% growth at the end of Month 9.
Months 9-12
There will be further thickening during this period. At month 12, you can safely conclude the success of your surgery. It may take up to 18 months to see the maximum maturity and density of the new hair.
A common question is: Am I going to experience a lot of pain after hair transplant?
Mild pain is expected as the local anaesthesia gradually wears off after the first 24 hours. A slight sting around the donor and a heavy feeling over the recipient area is normal. These sensations usually disappear with the painkillers provided to you by us. Most patients make do without them after the first day or two.
During your Day 1 review, the bandage will be removed in-clinic and you will have your first refreshing wash. There will be a 12-minute low-level laser light therapy to encourage the faster return of blood supply to the follicles. At this point, you will notice that the healing process on the tiny puncture sites around the back has started. This will be evident by the appearance of the dry surface of the donor area. Around the recipient area, there will be scabs surrounding each graft. These scabs are dry blood debris that will eventually fall out as the grafts take root over the next few days, leaving tiny stubs of hair across the recipient area.
Each of our team members takes pride in our role within the hair transplant procedure. Whether you are suffering from male hair loss or female hair loss, we have the treatment solutions. With cumulative experience of more than 20 years in hair restoration, we strive to give you the best possible outcome by combining the best of techniques and instruments alongside our dedication and skill sets. A team with personal touch like no other, call us at 9187 0470 or email us at ask@terramedical.sg for a consultation with our team leader, Dr. Joshua Chong.
