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Post Operative Instructions After A Hair Transplant

Recovery and Healing After Surgery

This area will be discussed at your consultation, on the day of hair transplant surgery and also provided on comprehensive information sheets.  We also provide you with a helpline phone number if you have any queries.

Medication:

You will tart taking your medication as prescribed on the evening of your surgery.

  1. Antibiotic – Your Doctor may prescribe antibiotics.  If so, take one tablet twice daily with food for five days.       Complete the full antibiotic course as directed.
  2. Prednisolone - This is an anti-swelling medication. NEVER take Prednisolone on an empty stomach, it can cause extreme nausea and upset stomach.
  3. Pain medication - Should you experience any discomfort, you may take the pain medication that has been provided for you as directed: Co-codamol 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Do not take the pain medication if you will be working, driving, or operating any machinery due to possible drowsiness. DO NOT take any medication that contains ASPIRIN for ONE WEEK following your procedure. No alcohol consumption for one week. You may also take an aspirin-free medication such as regular or extra strength paracetamol.  You may also apply ice to stitches/sutures for 10 minutes every hour
  4. Hair Medication - Propecia, Dutasteride and Viviscal may be taken as usual.

Bleeding:

Slight bleeding or oozing may occur from the donor area where the sutures are placed. We recommend placing a towel on your pillow while sleeping for the first several nights in case of oozing so that your pillow case will not be stained. If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to the area for 10 -15 minutes. If bleeding persists after 15 minutes of pressure, contact us for further advice.

Swelling:

This is a surgical procedure and swelling does occur. It is part of the healing process. The degree of swelling varies with each patient from mild to pronounced. To minimize the swelling you should do the following:

  1. Sleep with your head elevated at a 45 degree angle for 3 nights following surgery. This can be done by sleeping in a recliner or using at least 3 pillows supporting your back and neck in bed.
  2. Apply crushed ice packs wrapped in a clean cloth as frequently as possible to your forehead and temples (20 mins every 2 hours while awake). Never apply ice directly to the grafted area.
  3. Perform forehead massage with firm pressure moving the fluid out toward the ears. Begin this activity the night of surgery. Perform after each ice pack for 3-4 minutes. Expect swelling to peak on or around the third day.
  4. If significant swelling persists after three days, discontinue the ice and change to warm compresses on forehead and temples, and repeat massage as described above.

Exercise:

For ten days after your procedure, refrain from any strenuous activities that would increase your blood pressure, e.g. jogging, weightlifting, sexual activity. When picking up items from the floor, bend at the knees while keeping your back straight to avoid your head going below the level of your heart.