Hair transplant surgery is a delicate and intricate process. Therefore, it is important that patients follow their post-op instructions carefully. Dr. Jindal can use multiple techniques for hair transplant surgery, but all of them will require minimal touching of the head and hair after surgery. This can be difficult because people naturally run their hands through their hair or touch their heads more than they consciously think about in daily life.
Why To Avoid Touching Your Head
The transplanted hairs are not immediately permanent fixtures in the transplanted area. They need to reach or establish a blood supply and take root in the area. Touching the head after surgery can disrupt this process or further traumatize the transplanted hair. Within a few weeks, it is normal for the hair to fall out due to shock. However, at this point, the follicles have generally begun to take root in the near area of the scalp. Still, it is important to refrain from disrupting this process with excessive rubbing or touching.
Additionally, right after surgery, the scalp can be sore, and sensitive, and it may even scab. Therefore, it is generally not comfortable to touch the scalp too much. And, it can worsen side effects such as swelling, bleeding, and promote scarring or poor healing.
Tips To Avoid Touching Your Head After Hair Transplant Surgery
Luckily, there are ways to discourage yourself from touching your head as it heals. Though it should be noted that some touching is necessary, Dr. Jindal will provide specific instructions on how to perform this gently and correctly to avoid damaging the hair follicles.
#1: Wear A Hat
While wearing a hat may seem like a bad idea, as long as it is fairly loose-fitting and comfortable to wear, it should not cause major issues. Not only does this help prevent you from touching your healing scalp, but it also protects the area from the sun which is another potentially harmful factor during a hair transplant recovery.
#2: Wash Carefully
Usually, within a week or two of surgery, Dr. Jindal will okay you to wash your hair. Do this gently and with minimal touching. Sometimes, it may be easier to wash your hair in the sink or the bathtub because it can be gentler than the shower and involves very little use of your hands during the process. Follow Dr. Jindal’s instructions during this period of time.
#3: Do Not Apply Anything Not Specifically Prescribed
Many patients choose to continue treatments such as Minoxidil after hair transplant surgery. This is fine as long as a patient does not apply them before Dr. Jindal okays it. Patients may need to wait several weeks to continue these non-surgical hair restoration techniques again.
Conclusion
Good hair transplant results rely on more than surgeon skill. Patients must follow their surgeon’s instructions to see optimal results. Dr. Jindal at the Jindal Institute for Youthful Aging specializes in hair transplant surgery and can perform several different techniques based on the patient’s specific needs and hair loss pattern.
To learn more and schedule an appointment, call us at 919-861-4494 ext. 3. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.
