OK – You have made the decision. You have done your homework and due diligence. He researched his options, talked to friends who had similar hair transplant procedures, consulted with several local doctors, and chose one.
She went in for a consultation, discussed her current health status, her expectations for hair restoration surgery, her financial options, and took a few days off from work.
You are committed to improving your appearance and well-being and are ready for the hair restoration procedure known as Follicular Unit Transplantation or FUT.
Find a surgeon who will dedicate his time to you. If a doctor is handling more than a few surgeries at the same time, this is a red flag. Not only may you be neglected, but your hair follicle tissues (which are time sensitive) may also be neglected.
Before the day of surgery, get a good night’s sleep and refrain from alcohol, aspirin, and vitamin E. Wear an old button-down shirt that you can take off without pulling it over your head.
Days 1 – 10
The day has come. The procedure, which typically takes 4 to 5 hours, is usually performed in the doctor’s office with the surgeon and a team of assistants.
Arrive early for your appointment to relax, check in, and feel confident that the realistic decision and goals you’ve set with your doctor will mitigate any disappointment and frustration that may arise from unrealistic expectations.
Please discuss and understand your options and results with your surgeon to gain an appreciation of what to expect in the next 12 months.
The doctor and his team will do everything possible to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Once the effects of the local anesthetic have worn off, you may have minor pain and discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe pain relievers to relieve this pain.
Go home and rest for 10 days. You may experience short-term numbness in the affected areas of the scalp that will subside soon.
Sleep with your head elevated or sit in a reclining chair to minimize swelling.
On the third day, there may be a slight swelling in the forehead area that will dissipate over the next three days. You may also develop small blood clots at the incision sites. These are normal and will usually fall off in 5 to 7 days.
You can start washing your hair gently on the third day and regularly after the first week.
Ten – 14 days after the operation
Ten to 14 days after surgery, return to the doctor’s office to have your staples or sutures removed.
At 3 weeks, the transplanted hair may fall out. This is part of the life cycle of the grafted hairs.
At this point, your scalp should be healing nicely, although it may still look unsightly. People heal at different rates, depending on a variety of factors, including health. Smokers, diabetics, and the elderly may heal more slowly than other patients.
One – 3 months after the operation
One: 3 months after hair transplant surgery, most patients will have approximately 25% new hair growth in the affected areas. New hair may not grow evenly, but it will grow and thicken over time.
Don’t panic if your head appears to have developed acne: these are new hairs poking through your scalp and should be a cause for joy.
Five – 6 months after the operation
By the fifth or sixth month after the procedure, up to 50% of new hair growth will be seen. The new hair will be about 2-3 inches long and the hair shaft will start to thicken.
As a precaution to protect new hair, minimize sun exposure and avoid harsh chemicals, such as hair dyes or perms.
Eight – 10 months after the operation
At the 8 and 10 month milestones, you will see the most impressive difference since the initial surgery. Hair growth should be 80%. The hair will be longer, thicker and denser.
These are approximate rates and each individual’s hair growth rate is unique to that individual. Smoking, age, and health status can affect growth rate.
One year after the operation
On your first anniversary, you should have the head of hair you paid for, or 90-100% of your expected hair growth.
New growth can continue well past the one-year mark.
Some patients may request additional density to achieve desired results. Check with your doctor if additional surgeries are recommended.
Your new hair is yours for the rest of your life and can be cut, styled and washed to your liking. No special regimen is required.
Book an appointment with a high-concept stylist and enjoy your new hair.