Whether you’ve had a hair transplant or not, there are a few things you should know. The most important is what to do after the procedure. If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to get the most out of your hair transplant and have a healthy head of hair. Dr. Celen is a dermatologist with +10 years of hair transplant expertise. In hair transplantation operations, 90% or higher graft survival is successful.
FUE
Unlike FUT, FUE hair transplant is a less invasive procedure that offers permanent results. The grafts are placed individually in the bald areas of the scalp. These grafts are not affected by the hormones in the body. A FUE procedure may last up to two hours, depending on the size of the area being covered. It is usually performed under local anesthesia. A special antibiotic wash is used in the hair to help decrease the risk of infection.
The procedure is relatively painless, and most patients report little to no discomfort after it. There is also minimal scarring. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days. Recovery from FUE hair transplant is relatively quick. During the first few days, the patient may experience mild pain or itching. However, pain is easily managed with topical pain medication. It is also important to avoid strenuous activities for at least a few weeks. A semipermeable dressing is applied to the area where the grafts were placed. This dressing must be changed daily to avoid any chance of infection. It is also important to shampoo the area to remove any scabs.
Sagittal incisions
Choosing between a coronal or sagittal incision for hair transplant is a complicated issue. The choice is often based on how the incision is made, as well as the size of the recipient site. The latter is a crucial aspect to ensure the recipient site has the right density and a natural look. Coronal incisions are made perpendicular to hair growth. They are created in the donor area. They can be made with a single knife or a series of knives. The resulting incisions are less deep, which helps avoid vascular damage. However, they are also complex to make.
The angle of the incision is also important. An acute angle allows for a more shallow incision. It also allows for the release of collagenous fibrous tissue. The resulting incisions are typically flat, but can be modified according to the width of the follicular unit. This allows for optimal placement and implantation of the graft. The angle of the incision should mimic the angle of the natural hair. This helps prevent the graft from becoming “see through”.
Recovering from the procedure
Taking proper care of your newly transplanted hair will help your grafts grow into healthy and natural looking hair. In the days following the procedure, you will need to follow a number of tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of your hair transplant. During your hair transplant recovery, you may experience some soreness and swelling on the scalp. Avoid strenuous activities for the first few days, as these can result in a painful scalp.
During your hair transplant recovery, it is a good idea to wash your hair as little as possible. This is to give your scalp time to heal. However, it is important to be careful not to use too much shampoo, as this may cause itching. If you are prone to itching, you might want to try using an over-the-counter anti-histamine, which can help relieve the itching. You should also use a thick moisturizing conditioner on your grafted areas to help prevent scab formation.
Protecting your hair grafts
Taking care of your hair grafts after a hair transplant is essential to its long-term viability. After the operation, you need to follow specific aftercare guidelines to ensure that you get the results you want. In the early days after a hair transplant, you should avoid direct sunlight, hot weather, and contact sports. These factors are known to cause damage to newly transplanted grafts. The hair grafts are fragile and need time to adapt to the new location. Wearing a loose-fitting hat for at least the first two weeks can protect the area.
It’s also important to follow your doctor’s instructions when it comes to exercising. It can be helpful to exercise at a slower pace. It’s also recommended to avoid high-impact exercise for at least 14 days. This helps to avoid reopening of the healed follicles. When you start to feel a little swollen, avoid bending over and exercising too much. This can cause bleeding.