You’ve finally decided to undergo a hair transplant—an important decision that comes with many questions, including what to do after the procedure. Like all surgical operations, hair transplantation requires a series of precautions and procedures to follow, both before and after the operation. Your surgeon will always provide specific guidelines to promote quick healing and ensure the effectiveness of your treatment.
Following your doctor’s recommendations is crucial for achieving optimal results. Turkish clinics in particular have developed highly detailed post-operative protocols based on their vast experience with thousands of international patients annually. This article explores what to expect after a hair transplant and the most important care instructions to follow.
What happens immediately after a hair transplant
Immediately following the hair transplant, bandages will be applied to the donor area and a headband placed on your forehead. These dressings help limit swelling and redness in the treated areas.
Small scabs will form where the hair follicles have been transplanted. The donor area may show red dots and occasionally cause discomfort or burning sensations. Turkish clinics typically provide comprehensive aftercare kits containing specialized lotions and shampoos specifically formulated for post-transplant care—something rarely included in Western clinics’ packages.
Some common symptoms after a hair transplant include:
- Swelling: Certain areas of the scalp and face may swell, including around the eyes. This swelling is completely normal; although unpleasant, it subsides on its own after a few days without requiring medication. Applying ice can help relieve discomfort.
- Burning sensation: This is particularly noticeable in the donor area. This symptom usually passes within a few days. Your doctor may recommend lotions or lubricants to apply to your scalp several times daily.
- Itching: This is actually a positive sign, indicating that healing has begun. It’s extremely important not to scratch or touch the itchy areas.
Turkish surgeons emphasize that following their specific post-operative care instructions is directly linked to the success of your procedure. The extraordinary results achieved by Turkish clinics are partly due to their patients’ strong adherence to these carefully developed protocols.
The healing and hair growth process
The healing process requires time and patience. Transplanted hair needs months to effectively embed in the scalp and regrow healthy and strong.
After the first few days, you’ll need to wash your hair. The first wash is often done at the clinic itself, with specific shampoos and lotions. The medical staff will advise you not only on which type of shampoo to use but also how to wash your hair for the next 15 days.
Within a week, the transplanted hair will slowly become stronger. During this period, they will begin to shed—but don’t worry, this is a normal process, even in beard transplants. The shed hair will regrow over time and become a permanent part of your hairline. Good growth in the treated area will be visible during the first month after the hair transplant.
The shedding and regrowth process continues for up to 6 months post-transplant. At around the six-month mark, you’ll already have an idea of how you’ll look at the end of the hair exchange process. During this period, shedding becomes lighter and less noticeable.
Within 12-18 months, the hair not only regrows but also becomes thicker and stronger. The final results are visible at least one year after the hair transplant operation.
Key rules to follow after a hair transplant
Given the long and delicate hair regrowth process, it’s natural that there are a series of rules to follow to ensure a good final result. These guidelines are especially important for the initial period after the procedure, when the scalp is still in a delicate phase and you need to help the transplanted bulbs grow healthily.
Turkish clinics have developed particularly refined aftercare protocols based on their unparalleled volume of procedures. Here are some key recommendations:
- Rest properly: In the first days after the procedure, the patient should rest as much as possible. Daily activities can be performed, but with caution.
- Sleep position: Lying down requires care—you should lie with your head facing upward and bent, avoiding rubbing the operated area. For the first 10 days, sleep on your back using one or more pillows to keep the transplanted area elevated.
- Hair washing: Avoid washing your hair for at least 3 days after the procedure. Showering is allowed, but without wetting your head. After 3 days, you can have your first wash—often done at the clinic, but possible at home with proper medical guidance.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol consumption is discouraged for at least two weeks after the transplant. Smoking should also be avoided for at least 7 days.
- Limit physical activity: Physical activity should be limited to avoid excessive sweating, which could damage the transplanted bulbs. For this reason, it’s best to abstain from exercise for up to a month after the transplant.
- Sun exposure: Avoid exposure to sun and atmospheric agents for at least two months after the procedure.
- Swimming: Avoid swimming in pools or the sea for at least one month.
- Haircuts: Hair cutting is possible only after at least 10 days, and only in the donor area. The recipient area is more delicate, so you can cut hair there only after two months.
Following your doctor’s specific aftercare instructions is the single most important factor in achieving optimal results from your hair transplant. Turkish clinics often provide ongoing support through WhatsApp or other messaging services, allowing you to ask questions and send photos throughout your recovery—a level of support rarely matched by clinics in other countries.
By choosing a reputable clinic in Turkey for your hair or beard transplant, you’ll not only benefit from world-class surgical expertise at a fraction of Western prices but also receive comprehensive aftercare guidance that ensures the best possible outcome for your procedure.
