What to Expect Post-Surgery

Our standard post-procedure timeline is as follows:

  • Day 1: Return to the clinic for a bandage change and graft assessment.
  • Day 2-7: Our team will monitor your recovery. We supply you with a 24/7 emergency care phone line.
  • 1 Month: First follow-up assessment call with our team.
  • 6 Months: Second follow-up hair growth appointment at the clinic.
  • 1 Year: Third follow-up at the clinic with Dr. Sharma.

Transplant Recovery Timeline

1 Day Post Procedure

Directly after surgery, the grafts will be extremely sensitive. It takes roughly five days for the follicles to attach to a blood vessel under the skin, which supplies them with food, oxygen, and energy. Until this critical phase is complete, you will be required to spray the grafts with a custom HypoThermosol® solution. All other medical supplies are provided to you at no extra cost. The post-care protocol will fragment your sleep, leaving you fatigued throughout the first few days of recovery. Being diligent with our post-surgery instructions will help you achieve the best possible result.

7 Days Post Procedure

With the transplanted hair follicles placed in position, you can now see the new hairline. At this point, the scalp needs time to heal. You will see scabbing in two locations on the scalp: on the donor site (where the hair follicles were harvested), and on the placement site. These scabs are small, so they heal quickly. You might experience local swelling, which usually goes away in a few days. The scalp may have some minor soreness or tenderness. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used if desired. During the first week of recovery, it is important to follow Dr. Sharma’s instructions. For example, the grafts shouldn’t be touched, and you will need to follow a specific showering and hair-washing protocol during the healing process.

1 Month Post Procedure

A few weeks after the transplant surgery, you will see that the transplanted hairs are starting to fall out. Don’t worry! This process is normal. When hair follicles are moved, hair growth pauses briefly while the follicles adjust to their new location. It is a natural part of the growth cycle for old hair to fall out. Over time, you will see new hair regrow at the graft site. It takes time for the new hairline to look full and normal.

6 Months Post Procedure

At the 6-month point, the hairs will be growing well, and you will see the density filling in. The hair quality will improve, and you will see steady hair growth. Even though you can see significant progress, know that these aren’t the final results of your hair transplant procedure. The hair will continue to grow over time.

1 Year Post Procedure

Near full hair density is achieved about a year after the hair transplant procedure. Now, hair growth is more prominent, and you are experiencing an increased growth rate. You will continue to see increasing density with the current hairline, as well as added density in the appearance of the hair.

18 Months Post Procedure

It can take up to 18 months after a hair transplant procedure for you to enjoy the full benefits of this treatment. You have the freedom to wear your hairstyle of choice, and no one will be able to see that you have had a hair transplant. At this point, the transplanted hairs are well-established and growing normally. The results of a hair transplant are permanent.

Common Concerns During Recovery

Redness After Surgery

Your scalp is expected to be quite red or pink following your hair transplant procedure. The healing process requires inflammation and swelling at both the recipient site and the donor area. Here we answer all your questions regarding scalp redness after a hair transplant.

Hair Transplant Scars

The techniques used today are effective in minimizing hair transplant scars. With any surgery, scarring is unavoidable; the techniques used today are effective in limiting the depth and visibility of these areas. Here, we answer all your questions about scarring and how to minimise or conceal it.

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After Your Hair Transplant

Here at the Canadian Hair Transplant Centre, we encourage each patient to conduct thorough, detailed research on the procedure before starting their hair restoration journey. We enjoy sharing our experiences, photos, and videos to give our patients the answers they seek.

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Sami’s Hair – 1 Year Later

Sami is a well-dressed, fit young man who wanted his hairline to match his stylish appearance. We made sure to place all 2,000+ grafts naturally along his hairline, increasing the appearance of density while also bringing it forward. Instead of creating a straight and uniform line across the front of his head, we followed his existing hairstyle, which complements his masculine facial features. Sami is currently only one year post-hair transplant and has another 6 months of growth to look forward to.

Hear Sami's Story

before and after

Post-Procedure Aftercare

At the Canadian Hair Transplant Centre, we suggest a fairly strict post-care routine that not only helps to reduce downtime, but potentially improves your final result.

Showering

After your procedure, we will provide a tutorial on how to shower and wash your hair properly. Essentially, you will be very gently rinsing your hair with specialized shampoo. Regular hair washing may continue at roughly the 7-day mark.

Wearing Hats

Roughly 10 days after your hair transplant, you will again be able to wear a hat. It is best practice to wear a loose-fitting hat that does not put too much pressure on the newly relocated hair.

Exercise

Greatly elevating your heart rate often causes excess sweating. This can negatively affect the growth of your transplanted grafts. For this reason, we recommend 2 weeks (14 days) away from the gym and intense exercise.

Swimming

Pools, public saunas, and jacuzzis host a high amount of bacteria. Until the donor site and transplanted hairs have completely healed, it is best to avoid these areas. This takes approximately 30 days.

Hair Products

Thick gels and fiber can block the pores, affecting your follicles’ access to oxygen and moisture. Avoid hair products for 12 days after your transplant.

Smoking

We highly recommend patients refrain from smoking for 48 hours post-procedure. Cigarettes affect the body's ability to recover; it is best to reduce or completely cease smoking for 10 days post-procedure.

Sun Exposure

Avoid direct, prolonged exposure to the sun for the next 4-6 months.

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Schedule Your Surgical Consultation

Hair transplant surgery requires careful evaluation and planning. Schedule a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for FUE or FUT procedures. The assessment includes donor evaluation, recipient area analysis, and discussion of realistic outcomes based on your individual characteristics. For medical therapy options, consult with your primary physician or dermatologist.

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