5 Things You Should Know Before Having a Hair Transplant

Are you a man noticing signs of hair loss? One of the best ways of improving thinning or bald areas on the scalp is with amale hair transplant. The Philadelphia area-based Griffin Hair Restoration Center recommends this procedure for patients who want to restore a more youthful appearance without wigs or hairpieces and are willing to wait for however long it takes for their natural hair to grow after the treatment.

We all lose about 50 to 150 hairs per day, but these usually grow back. Sometimes, however, the hair doesn’t “return” because the hair follicle has weakened or shrunk. The resulting hair loss can take a significant emotional toll, often leading to feelings of low self-esteem and loss of confidence. Fortunately, hair transplants—especially using the most advanced technology for an especially natural look—can turn those feelings around.

As with any procedure, there are some things to consider first, as well as prepare for. See below for five things that patients should be aware of before undergoing a hair restoration procedure. 

1. If You Dye Your Hair, Do It Before Your Appointment

If you regularly dye your hair, you should remember that you won’t be able to do so again for at least four weeks after hair restoration surgery. If you can’t go without your hair color of choice, it’s best to have dye before your surgery. It’s recommended that you color gray hair three days prior to your surgery to help the provider see the hairs more clearly. There will generally be no problem with dyeing your hair before the hair transplant, but harsh chemicals in hair dye can counteract the survival of the hair follicles while also making irritation and other complications more likely to occur if it’s done after surgery. Wait a few weeks before dyeing again to give yourself time to heal. 

2. Put Together a Long-Term Plan

If you want to restore fuller, healthier hair, talk to your surgeon about developing a plan for long-term success in addition to your initial hair transplant surgery. Many patients may only need one surgery, but they may also continue to need to take steps to preserve their hair such as applying topical Minoxidil solutions. Some patients may decide to have “follow-up” treatments after they have healed so that their results look more subtle and natural. Your surgeon can discuss this with you and may be able to tell you how extensive the follow-up treatments will be. 

3. Avoid Strenuous Exercise 

If exercise is part of your daily routine, then chances are good that you will be looking forward to getting back to it. It’s recommended that you refrain from activities that could cause stress to the scalp and lead to the grafts falling out because they will be fragile. You need to avoid intense exercise—such as running, lifting weights, and contact sports—for a minimum of three weeks after hair transplant surgery, because it increases blood flow to the scalp. This can lead to bleeding from the transplants or incisions. Lifting heavy weights could cause strain to the neck and head. Limit your activity for around one week. In addition to exercise, you should also avoid activities that produce sweat, such as saunas and steam rooms. 

4. It Doesn’t Have to Be Painful 

One of the most common misconceptions about hair transplant surgery is that it’s very uncomfortable for patients. The truth is that because local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are provided, any discomfort during the procedure will be reduced while your scalp is being affected by the anesthesia. It won’t be completely sensation-free, but any discomfort will usually be temporary. Patients may experience some soreness on the scalp while they’re recovering, and your surgeon may recommend pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. 

5. Be Gentle on Your Scalp 

While you’re recovering, you will need to wait several days before washing your hair, and only use mild shampoos for several weeks. You also shouldn’t brush your hair grafts, wear pullover shirts, or wear hats until your surgeon says it’s safe to do so. 

Want more advice on what you should do before and after male hair transplant surgery? The Griffin Hair Restoration Center of Philadelphia team can advise you on various surgical and non-surgical methods to restore fuller hair. Call directly at (215) 561-9100 or submit a contact form online.