After hair transplant, the scalp may look a little different than before. Immediately after the procedure, the scalp will be red and swollen, and the patient may experience some tenderness, itching, and tightness.
This swelling usually lasts up to 48 hours, and the redness and tenderness usually subsides within a few days, though it can take as long as a few weeks before any significant improvement is seen.
Patients may also experience some scabbing, which will gradually fall off. Depending on the patient and the procedure, some very small scarring may be present, which is normal given the nature of the procedure.
Generally speaking, about 4 to 6 months after the procedure, patients should start to see some regrowth. Hair transplant results typically take up to a year to show full effects. Once the new hairs have grown in, the scalp should look natural and healthy.
Though there may be some minor scarring, it should not be overly noticeable or affect the appearance of the scalp.
How long after hair transplant does head look normal?
The amount of time it takes for a head to look normal after a hair transplant depends on several factors including the type of hair transplant that was done, the healing rate of the individual, and the care taken with the scalp post-surgery.
Generally, the swelling on the head should go down within a few days after the procedure. Most patients see an initial shedding of the newly transplanted hairs in the weeks after the procedure, following by new hair growth which grow at the normal rate of approximately an inch per month.
Overall, it generally takes 4-6 months post-surgery to see the final results of a hair transplant. Although a majority of the transplanted hairs tend to stay in place, there may be some minor changes to the hair line as the healing and hair growth continue.
For example, some hairs can often continue to grow at different angles or directions, or some minor changes in the hairline may be noticed. After 6 months, most patients will have a natural looking head of hair and the scalp should look normal.
What should hair transplant look like after 3 months?
After three months post-hair transplant, the patient can expect to see growth and changes in their overall hair health and appearance. At the three-month mark, the new hair follicles should be firmly established in the scalp and beginning to grow in.
The patient’s hair should start looking fuller, albeit short, with new hair sprouting from the scalp. It is important to note that, while the hair may look thicker, this is only temporary as the new hairs will be delicate and continue to grow with time.
The patient can expect some other changes over the course of three months as well, including some shedding of the newly transplanted hair. Again, this is perfectly normal and part of the healing process.
The patient may also experience some dryness, itching, and redness around the scalp, which should subside with proper care and time.
It is crucial to remember that the full results of the hair transplant will not be noticed immediately. However, after 3 months the patient should expect to see some growth and improved hair health. With proper hair care and patience, the patient can look forward to full results from the hair transplant after 12 to 18 months.
What does your head look like after hair transplant?
After a hair transplant, it typically takes up to a year to see the final results. The transplanted hair follicles will need to settle in place before you can expect to see any growth. During this period, your head may look very different.
Typically, there will be redness and scabbing around the transplanted area in the first few days and weeks that can take up to 2 months to disappear. Your head may also have tiny white dots—the transplanted hair follicles—visible through the surface of the skin.
During the first few months, your hair will start to grow, but it may look patchy and uneven as it adjusts to its new position. After 8-12 months, you should start to see a more consistent and fuller-looking head of hair.
Are grafts secure after 7 days?
Generally, yes – grafts are secure after 7 days. During the graft healing process, the graft anchors the hair follicles in place and the natural growth cycle of the hair ensures that the grafts will remain secure.
However, some individuals may experience some slippage of the grafts after 7 days. In some cases, individuals may also experience some loss of the transplanted transplanted hairs due to the shock of being transplanted.
To minimize the risks of hair loss, individuals should follow their doctor’s post-operative care instructions including avoiding any strenuous activity, not playing contact sports, taking medications as recommended, regularly using ice and cold packs, and abstaining from smoking.
By doing so, the grafts will remain secure after 7 days.
Can grafts fall out after 3 months?
The answer to this question is, it depends. Grafts can fall out after 3 months, but it really depends on a number of factors, such as the type of graft, who performed the surgery, the age and health of the patient, as well as how well the grafts were integrated into the skin.
Generally speaking, in the ideal healing process, grafts should not fall out after 3 months, as they should have had enough time to heal and secure themselves to the skin. If they do fall out after 3 months, it could be a sign that something has gone wrong in the healing process, such as an infection or other underlying condition.
It is best to contact your surgeon and discuss any concerns you may have and determine why the grafts may have fallen out.
What to expect after 4 months of hair transplant?
Four months after a hair transplant, you may start to notice the beginnings of new hair growth or slight changes in the area that was grafted. It’s important to note that the full results of a hair transplant won’t be visible until after 9 months or even a year post-surgery.
However, some changes in your hairline in the four-month timeframe are normal and expected.
The transplanted hairs will start to fall out around two weeks post-surgery. This is known as the shock loss phase, and new hairs will start to grow again in about two to four months. This new hair will be able to be styled, trimmed, and sometimes even dyed carefully by a professional.
Some patients may also notice a thicker strand on their head four months post-surgery, although this usually will not look like what the full results will look until after months of continued growth.
At the four-month mark, most patients are likely to have a clearer idea of what their post-surgery results may look like and perhaps even some images of before and after surgery to reflect on. However, significant improvements can still be seen over the next few months if patients are patient and understand that results happen gradually.
It is also important to find a reputable doctor who can give you honest feedback throughout the entire process.
How do I know if my hair transplant is successful?
It is important to be patient and understand that hair transplants can take several months to a year to be successful. First and foremost, keep an eye out for the appearance of tiny hairs beginning to grow at the transplanted sites.
These ‘peach fuzz’ or ‘vellus’ hairs are the first sign of a successful transplant and should start appearing 4-12 weeks following surgery.
Additionally, you should visit your hair transplant surgeon periodically to evaluate the progress of your new hairs. They can assess the quality, density and coverage of the grafts and will inform you when to expect your permanent hair growth.
When to expect ‘permanent’ hair growth can vary from person to person. Generally, newly transplanted hair will last two to four months following the surgery before it begins to shed. This should be followed by permanent growth that should continue to improve for up to a year after the procedure.
It’s important to be patient, keep your surgeon informed of your progress and follow their aftercare instructions faithfully. Also, if you’re worried about a lack of progress or growth, talk to them to discuss other treatments or techniques that may be suitable for you.
Is it easy to dislodge a hair graft?
No, it is not easy to dislodge a hair graft. The process of obtaining and implanting a hair graft is a complicated procedure that requires skill and experience. Grafts are typically taken from areas of the scalp with healthy hair follicles and then surgically implanted in areas of the scalp with thinning hair.
During the implantation process, hair follicles are usually adhered to the scalp with special clips, needles or sutures. As a result, care must be taken when handling the area of the scalp with the implanted grafts to avoid dislodging them.
Additionally, it is important to practice proper aftercare to ensure that the grafts remain securely in place and take root. This typically involves avoiding vigorous activity, using protective headgear or hats, avoiding direct sunlight, and keeping the area moisturized and clean.
How do you cover up hair plugs?
Hair plugs can be difficult to cover up since the plugs may still be slightly visible just below the surface of the skin even after the procedure is completed. The best way to cover up hair plugs is to style the hair in a way that disguises the plugs.
This can be done by creating layers around the area where the hair plugs were inserted, trimming the hair (or shaving the scalp) to a shorter length than the plugs, and wearing hats. For example, a slouchy hat can help to draw attention away from the area of the scalp where the plugs were inserted and obscure the presence of the plugs.
Additionally, camouflaging products such as DermMatch or Toppik may also help to cover up the plugs and blend them in with the natural hair color and texture.
Can you cover hair transplant with hair?
Yes, hair transplants can be covered with hair. In fact, it is recommended that patients with hair transplants maintain good hair growth habits to help the transplanted hair grow in and provide natural-looking coverage.
This means reducing styling damage, such as using heated styling tools and avoiding hair colors and dyes that can weaken the hair follicles. It is also important to use gentle cleaning and styling products and to maintain a healthy scalp.
Additionally, if hair loss is still occurring, it may be beneficial to speak to a physician or dermatologist to discuss possible treatments that can help to stop or slow hair loss and provide the coverage you desire.
How many grafts does it take to cover an entire head?
The exact number of grafts needed to cover an entire head will depend on several factors, such as the extent of balding and the desired density of hair. On average, it typically takes anywhere between 1,500 to 4,000 grafts to cover an entire head.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplantation is the most common type of hair transplant procedure, involving taking individual follicular units (containing 1-4 individual hairs) from a donor area on the head and transferring them to recipient areas of the scalp.
Each graft can contain 1-4 hairs, and thus the amount of grafts a person will need will vary depending on the size and condition of their scalp. For example, someone with a larger scalp and more severe balding may need up to 4,000 grafts to cover an entire head.
Additionally, the desired density of the transplanted hairs will also affect the total number needed. Someone who desires a very dense look may need up to 4,000 grafts, while someone looking for a more natural-looking result may need fewer grafts.
Ultimately, the total number of grafts needed will depend on a number of factors, including the extent and pattern of baldness, the desired density of the hair, and the size of the scalp.
Can I touch my transplanted hair after 2 weeks?
Yes, you can touch your transplanted hair after two weeks. However, it is important to be gentle when doing so. You should use your fingertips to lightly brush your hair in order to help promote good blood circulation and prevent infection.
Avoid rubbing or scratching your scalp, as this could cause the new transplanted hair follicles to become damaged or infected. Additionally, do not use a hair dryer or hair products on your transplant as they may irritate your scalp.
If you need to use any products, use those specifically designed for transplanted hair. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your daily hair routine.
How long do hair grafts take to set?
It usually takes up to two weeks for hair grafts to set fully. This process is known as “take” and starts as soon as the hair grafts are implanted. During take, the newly transferred grafts become securely rooted in their new location.
During the first week, they become anchored and begin to build their own blood supply and nourishment, and during the second week, they start maturing and growing. Following this two-week period, it takes hair grafts at least three to four months to fully adjust to their surroundings, grow, and develop into full-grown hairs.
To promote successful take and growth, some hair transplant professionals may suggest that patients use special creams or lotions on the grafts to keep them moist and nourished. They may also recommend refraining from any activity or vigorous exercise that might affect the newly implanted grafts during the two-week take period.