How Long After a Hair Transplant Are Grafts Secure?

Graft anchoring after a hair transplant is crucial for the treatment’s success. The first 3 days after treatment are when the grafts are most sensitive, and care should be taken to avoid bruising or rubbing.

After 7-10 days, the grafts will begin to attach to the scalp and will not easily dislocate. However, a period of 2-3 weeks is usually required for them to become fully secure.

Following the care instructions recommended by your doctor during this time will ensure that the grafts remain healthy. It’s essential to avoid water contact and to keep your head upright during the first few days. Wearing a hat and engaging in heavy physical activity should also be avoided. When the hair starts to grow slowly, this is an indication that the grafts are permanently anchored in the area. As the healing process varies for each person, medical supervision is crucial at this stage. To sum up, patience and meticulous care will ensure that the grafts anchor effectively in the canals opening into the scalp.

What Are Hair Grafts?

A hair graft is a small piece of skin that contains hair follicles. Grafts are usually taken from the nape area, because the hair in this area is genetically resistant to loss. Each graft may contain multiple follicles, typically ranging from 1 to 4. In hair transplants, grafts are transplanted to areas with sparse or completely bald hair.

Tips to Care for Hair Grafts After a Hair Transplant

For hair grafts to be optimally protected after a hair transplant and for the treatment to be successful, the following tips should be considered:

• The first wash after the procedure should be performed according to the doctor’s instructions to prevent damage to the grafts.
• Hair should be washed with a shampoo that has a pH suitable for the scalp.
• Actions such as scratching, touching, rubbing, and massaging can damage the scalp and the transplanted grafts. Therefore, such actions are not recommended in the early stages of recovery.
• Sleep with your head in a slightly elevated position, especially in the first week.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for a while, as this can cause sweating and extreme fatigue.
• Protect your head and nape area from the sun’s rays.
• Limit the consumption of cigarettes, tobacco products, and alcohol. Smoking in particular can reduce blood flow to the target area and prolong the recovery process. The risk of developing complications is higher in scalp and grafts with a prolonged recovery period.
• Avoid wearing tight hats and helmets for a while.

Protecting the grafts is critical to ensuring the success of the hair transplant procedure. Therefore, patients should carefully follow their doctor’s recommendations during the recovery process.