What should I expect right after my hair restoration surgery?

Immediately after surgery, you may notice mild soreness, redness, and swelling in both donor and recipient areas. Medications for pain and swelling are usually provided, and most people rest with minimal activity for the first day or two. Follow detailed instructions from your surgical team for optimal recovery. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How should I wash or care for my hair after surgery?

Special hair wash instructions and shampoo recommendations are usually given. Most patients begin gentle washing a day or two after surgery and avoid heavy shampooing, vigorous rubbing, or heat tools during the early healing period. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Can I return to normal activities after the procedure?

It’s best to avoid strenuous activities, heavy exercise, and excessive sweating for the first few days after a hair transplant, as these could affect healing. Light activities are usually fine once comfort allows, but follow your surgeon’s exact schedule. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

When should I attend follow‑up appointments?

Follow‑up appointments are recommended to check healing progress and address any complications. Your surgical team will provide a schedule, often within the first week after surgery and at regular intervals thereafter. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Post-Op Instructions | Pure Hair Restoration Center - Hair Transplant Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Orange County, CA

Spray

Please spray the follicles every 30 minutes while you are awake and put the spray in the Fridge while you are not using it. You do not have to spray the follicles during sleep.

Sleeping

Sleep on your back or side, depending on where the new follicles are placed. Use a travel pillow to avoid contact with the pillow and dislodge the grafts. Sleep on 20-30 degree angel by propping pillows on your back.

Pain Management

Use prescribed medications. If needed, take extra-strength Tylenol for discomfort.

Bleeding

Minor bleeding may occur. Apply gentle, firm pressure with a damp gauze for 5-10 minutes—do not rub. Small holes at the donor site may bleed slightly in the first night; this is normal.

Swelling Prevention

Sleep upright, either in a recliner or with pillows propped behind your head. For frontal transplants, apply an ice pack (like frozen peas) over the eyebrows for 5-10 minutes every hour for the first 72 hours to reduce swelling. Do not place ice directly on the grafts.

Scabs & Healing

Scabs form within hours and fall off within two weeks. Do not pick or scratch to avoid scarring or infection.

Sun & Activity

Avoid direct sunlight; wear a loose hat if needed. Refrain from strenuous activities for at least 7 days, gradually resuming normal activities afterward.

Medications

Take all prescribed medications as directed.

Baseball cap

You can wear an oversized loose baseball hat if going outdoors. We recommend to keep the cap off at home. Once the cap has been placed on your head please do not move it.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking Alcohol at least three days.

Appointment

Keep follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your healing progress.

What to Avoid in the First Few Days

The next 4-5 days are crucial for the survival and growth of your transplanted follicles:

Avoid direct sun exposure and rain. You may wear a loose-fitting hat after day three, ensuring it is placed gently and not moved after fitting.
Refrain from swimming for 10 days and avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for 10 days.
Do not wear helmets or engage in intense exercise for two weeks.
Avoid chemical hair products such as gels, sprays, or Toppik for at least one month.
Minimize smoking for 3 days and avoid alcohol while on antibiotics (if prescribed).
Refrain from blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and alcohol for the first three days.
If you experience pain, take extra-strength Tylenol as directed.

Post-Operative Hair Washing Instructions

Day of Surgery: Do not wash your head. Instead, spray the follicles (the recipient site) gently with the saline solution provided every half hour, except during sleep.
Days 1-2: Do Neck down shower and apply Neosporin or Aquaphor to the donor area for faster healing.
Days 3: Stop saline sprays. When showering, mix baby shampoo with water in a cup to create lather. Pour gently over your scalp, avoiding rubbing. Gently dab the areas—do not scrub.
Days 4-10: Continue gentle washing daily, gradually increasing pressure to clean scabs. By day 10, apply normal pressure when washing the entire scalp.
After Day1O: Return to normal washing pressure. It's normal to see some shedding of transplanted hairs with crusts—this is pal of the shedding phase. Continue using baby shampoo for up to a month. If you notice unusual bleeding, swelling, or persistent pain, contact our office at .

Post-Op Instructions