How long does recovery from a hair restoration procedure take?
As we explain to all of our NeoGraft patients, hair restoration procedures do not give you a quick fix. Although innovative FUE methods can ensure that the hair and scalp looks as natural as possible after the surgery, the full effects of the hair transplant will not become noticeable for many months. We’ve outlined the recovery timeline below so that you know exactly what to expect.
Immediately after surgery
Once your procedure is finished you will be able to see the shape of your brand new hairline, but at this stage it won’t be a thick head of hair. There will be some redness and scabbing on both the donor and recipient areas, and the donor hair will be very short.
Two days after surgery
Patients can usually go back to work the day after their hair restoration procedure, which just goes to show that it does not cause significant discomfort. However, a couple of days after the surgery, there may be some swelling of the scalp in the recipient area.
Seven days after surgery
By this point, redness and swelling of the scalp should have completely dissipated, leaving the scalp looking relatively normal. At the seven to eight day mark, it is usually possible to rub away the tiny scabs which will have formed all over the donor area, but hair in this region will still look a little thin until it grows long enough to camouflage the donor sites.
Two to three weeks after surgery
This is perhaps the most daunting aspect of the hair restoration procedure, as the transplanted hairs will begin to shed. This is absolutely nothing to worry about as it is simply a part of the healing process for the donated follicular units. As part of the normal hair cycle, the existing hair shafts fall out and the follicular units prepare to grow new, healthy hairs.
One to two months after surgery
By this point, your hair and scalp will look very much like it did before the hair transplant, as the donated hair follicles are in their resting phase. It’s important to be patient at this point; rest assured that new hair will grow and you’ll soon see your new hairline appear again!
Two to four months after surgery
This is the exciting stage in which new hairs begin to grow, although they will be quite thin at this point. The growth process is slow but steady, with the new hairline looking more and more impressive each day.
Six to nine months after surgery
The transplanted hair may now be much more noticeable and much longer, making it possible to style the hair properly rather than keeping it clipped short or hidden beneath long native hair. Eventually the hair will change in texture and become thicker, which makes the whole head of hair look healthier and more natural. By this point, the donor areas will also be totally recovered and looking as thick and luscious as ever.
One year after surgery
For many hair restoration patients, the year mark is when they see the full results of their transplant. Some others need to wait until 14 to 16 months to see the full benefits. Hair looks thick and full of volume, and patients enjoy new found confidence with their fabulous new head of hair.
For More Information or to see if a hair restoration treatment is for you contact Michigan Hair Restoration