Congratulations! You’ve made your appointment for your hair transplant! You’re excited and full of questions, right? Many people wonder about the side effects of the best hair transplant in Columbia, Maryland, and that’s to be expected.
All medical and cosmetic treatments are going to have side effects. To put your mind at ease, it’s important you know what to expect. Here’s the scoop on what you need to know!
I’ve Heard Swelling Is a Common Hair Transplant Side Effect – Is This True?
Swelling after a hair transplant is quite normal and typically occurs between the second and seventh days after your procedure. The most commonly affected areas to experience swelling are the forehead, eyelids, and face.
Why Does Swelling Occur After a Hair Transplant?
During your hair transplant, isotonic fluid or saline is injected under the skin to make the process of hair implants smoother by making it soft and swollen. So, swelling is purposefully done in a safe manner to improve the process but quickly subsides on its own.
How Long Will Swelling After a Hair Transplant Last?
It doesn’t last too long. Usually, swelling is gone after about a week as your body naturally eliminates the excess fluid.
What Other Side Effects Does a Hair Transplant Have, and When Should I Contact My Hair Transplant Doctor About Concerns Over Post-Surgery Symptoms?
There are several additional side effects that may occur with a hair transplant:
- Bleeding
- Inflammation of hair follicles (folliculitis)
- Itching
- Scabbing
If you experience severe side effects that don’t seem to go away on their own, then you should contact your hair transplant doctor immediately. Abscess / infection, fever, redness / discoloration, and excessive bleeding are all reasons to call.
What Should I Do After My Hair Transplant to Reduce Swelling?
Your hair transplant doctor will provide you with full aftercare instructions. It’s imperative you follow them carefully for the best hair transplant results. The following are a few things to keep in mind.
Sleep on your back, but not totally flat. If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, you’ll need to adjust the way you sleep after your hair transplant. Use extra pillows for support and to keep your head elevated.
Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can reduce the amount of time you experience swelling.
Massage the treatment area. Your hair transplant doctor can give you instructions on the right way to do this.
If you receive medicine, take it but avoid blood-thinning drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. You might receive low-dose steroids to minimize swelling.
Use ice packs if needed. Ice can help relieve any type of swelling, and this holds true for a hair transplant as well. Use them above your eyebrows in 20- to 30-minute intervals, but do not place ice directly on your scalp. Ice packs work as a preventative measure too, so even if you don’t see swelling you should use them anyway.
What Should I Not Do After My Hair Transplant?
While recovery after the best hair transplant in Columbia, Maryland is not difficult, there are additional steps you should take if you want the best hair transplant results.
- Do not wash your hair for 48 hours after your transplant. Instead, wait until the third day after your procedure then wash gently and continue this for at least a week. Use a cup to rinse your hair instead of letting hot water hit your scalp directly. If itching is a problem, using a conditioner will help.
- Dyeing your hair is off limits temporarily. Exposing your follicles to the chemicals found in hair dye interferes with results. If you must color your hair, do it right before your treatment. Otherwise, wait at least a month before using hair dye.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure. The time between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm is when you need to be most careful, and if possible, stay indoors. If you must go outside during that time, then be especially careful to protect your skin.
- Don’t wear hats. It’s a bad idea to wear a hat for 72 hours after your hair transplant. You’ll have some scabbing, which is normal, and you don’t want anything rubbing on your scalp that can impact your results.
- Put all strenuous activity on hold. This includes workouts and even sexual activity. You’ll want to make sure to keep your blood pressure normal for at least a week after your hair transplant procedure. Fluctuating blood pressure can impact the health of your transplanted follicles, so plan on getting plenty of rest for seven days afterward.
- Don’t drink or smoke. Drinking can dehydrate you, and smoking decreases your blood flow. Avoid alcohol for the first week after your hair transplant, and don’t smoke for at least a month post-treatment.
- Be careful with what you eat and drink. To stay healthy, your body needs a nutritious diet and so does your scalp. Fast food, sugary sweets, and processed foods should be exchanged for foods good for hair growth.
Kindred Hair & Skin Is the Only Place to Go for the Best Hair Transplant in Columbia, Maryland!
Dr. Chesahna Kindred, world-renowned dermatologist, is proud to offer NeoGraft to hair transplant patients. Reclaiming your self-confidence is possible if you give us a call, so contact us at 443-424-7754 today to schedule your hair transplant consultation.
It’s time to take the first step on your journey to full, healthy, beautiful hair! You’ll see amazing natural looking, long-lasting results that you can easily cut and style any way you like!
