Recovering from hair transplant surgery: what to expect

Taking the plunge to undergo hair transplant surgery can be a big step, but it’s one that an increasing number of individuals are opting for. In fact, since 2016, hair transplant surgeries have increased by more 16% worldwide [1].

Although it may feel like a major decision, the procedure itself is normally painless and without complications, being classified as only minimally invasive and low risk.

However, unless you know what to expect, the hair transplant recovery process can be somewhat surprising. Here’s a closer look at what happens following FUE hair transplant surgery.

The process

For the most cosmetically pleasing results, we use the Follicular Hair Extraction technique – often abbreviated to FUE. FUE surgery is amongst the most modern of techniques and delivers great results with the shortest recovery period. Unlike methods such as FUT transplantation, there is only minimal hair transplant scarring. There’s no need to worry about your scar showing following a visit to the barbers.

With FUE, the surgeon removes each follicle individually or in natural clumps of 2 or 3. This leaves a number of tiny incisions no more than a millimetre wide. In comparison, a traditional FUT hair transplant surgery involves removing a donor strip from the back of the head. The surgeon then divides it into individual follicles ready for transplantation. This leaves a linear scar and sutures using the trichophytic closure technique. You can learn more about the differences between FUE & FUT here.

During FUE short-lived local anaesthetics are used to minimise discomfort. A punch device removes the follicle; this is the most efficient process and also guarantees the least chance of visible scarring. The removed follicle is then placed in the bald area to create a natural effect. The surgery lasts between four and eight hours depending on the size of the thinning area and how many follicles need to be extracted. You can go home on the same day as the procedure – there’s no need to stay overnight.

Although the technique reduces scarring and discomfort it is important to bear in mind that your follicles are being removed from one portion of your head and transplanted elsewhere. That means there may be some temporary side effects which will diminish with time as the graft heals and establishes itself.

Immediately afterwards

You will be able to see the shape of your new hairline immediately after the FUE transplant has taken place with the follicles implanted in their new position. However, visually it may not be as pleasing as you expected as there will be scabbing around each follicle. As none of the incisions are more than a millimetre long the scabs will be small and quick to heal.

Although the trauma to the donor site is minimal, there will be some side effects such as swelling. This is only temporary and will resolve within a matter of days. With certain other hair transplant techniques, such as FUT, there is a chance of developing numbness in the donor site. This is also temporary but can last several months before resolving.

You may have some minor tenderness or soreness at the graft implantation site. Any swelling across the forehead will diminish within a few days. You will then be able to resume your normal routine quickly.

Hair transplant recovery aftercare

The surgeon will tell you how to care for your transplant to maximise the chances of a successful result. This might include elevating your head when sleeping after a hair transplant, and restrictions on washing your hair or showering. Our consultants will let you know about any specific post hair-transplant medications you need before the surgery so that you can stock up beforehand. They may advise you to wash your hair with saline solution, for example, so you can get that in advance.

As long as you follow the surgeon’s recommendations the transplant will quickly settle down within 5-7 days and you will limit the chances of an hair transplant infection.

There’s no reason why you can’t go back to work within 1-2 days. But most people choose to take at least a week of downtime after a hair transplant to recover.

Short to medium term hair transplant recovery

Around two weeks after your FUE surgery you may discover your newly transplanted hairs are all falling out. Don’t worry! This is a normal part of the procedure and doesn’t mean that the grafts haven’t taken root.

Hair grows from a follicle. When we talk about hair transplant what we really mean is follicle transplant. After transplantation, the follicle temporarily ceases hair growth whilst it settles into its new location. The old hairs falling out are a natural and essential part of the life cycle. This makes way for new hairs to grow at the graft site.

Hair only grows around 1cm per month. That means it could take some time for your new hair to become visible and your hairline to start to resemble the result you were hoping for. After 4-5 months you should start to get a good idea of the final appearance, but it can take as long as 18 months for the full hair transplant to be visible.

Depending on the time of year your transplant takes place (or your holiday plans), your consultant may advise you to wear a hat or high factor sunscreen for the first few weeks. Learn more about hats and hair loss.

Long term hair transplant recovery

Once your new hairs have established themselves and are growing normally, you can treat your transplant area exactly the same as you would the rest of your follicles. You can have your hair cut within a month and after that, should you wish, you can dye it.

A hair transplant is a permanent procedure and the results are lifelong – see our hair transplant before and after patient gallery to get a better idea of the results you can expect. A year or two after the procedure is completed no one will know you have undergone an FUE procedure. You won’t need to restrict your hairstyle choices in any way whatsoever.

Other treatments

We can also provide specialist follicle revitalising shampoos to reactivate the grafted follicles. Other treatments for thinning hair and hair loss such as laser therapy or vitamin therapy may also be offered to help your transplant establish itself and encourage the moved follicles to begin growing again. Ask your surgeon for further advice on which will be most appropriate in your particular case.

Conclusion

An FUE hair transplant produces excellent, natural looking results and the recovery time is minimal and usually uncomplicated. Understanding what to expect can ensure there’s no panic when hairs fall out, or when it takes several months to get the glossy and thick head of hair you were hoping to achieve.

If you’re interested in getting a hair transplant we would love to talk to you about the process. We know that it can be scary to go through a procedure like a hair transplant, which is why we offer a free, no-obligation introductory call to all our customers.

We have performed over 10,000 procedures since 1975 and having garnered so many 5 star hair transplant reviews, were awarded the best hair transplant clinic in the UK in 2022 for a second year in a row.

Sources:

1. ISHRS 2020 Practice Census