Having your hair transplant procedure done, you will be required to follow certain steps afterwards to ensure that your scalp is healing properly and that you will get the best results. Your surgeon will provide you with the comprehensive instructions.
There is certain uneasiness about the looks straight after the surgery and many patients would like to cover their head to avoid attention, so it seems logical that patients are asking about the possibility of wearing a hat post-hair transplant.
How long does the recovery after hair transplant take?
Hair transplant is a surgical procedure, so you will definitely need some time to recover afterwards. To make sure that you have a safe hair transplant, the convalescence takes up to two weeks, but you can go back to work within a week. The first three days after the procedure should be spent on relaxation with minimal effort involved to avoid the swelling; remember that more active you are within 36 hours after the surgery, there is a higher risk that significant forehead and facial swelling will occur.
It is recommended to take a week off to recover after the procedure. In most cases, the micro wounds will be undetectable after seven days, though the redness of the recipient area may remain for up to two weeks after the procedure. The doctor will provide you with the painkillers for your convalescence and you can drive right after the procedure unless sedation had been given. It is a good idea to grow your hair a little (1/2 to 1 inch) in advance of the transplant to cover the “donor site” – a strip of scalp from where the hair will be harvested to cover the “recipient site”. The “donor area” will be shaved for the FUE procedure and you may cut your hair one week after the transplant is done.You should refrain from washing your hair for three days and you can gently use the shower for your scalp after one week.If you are into a workout, you should give yourself at least 10 to 14 days to resume exercising and you are not allowed to swim or submerge your head in water for at least 14 days.
People who work in hats or ball cap can go back to work next day after surgery and the great advantage of wearing a hat after a hair transplant is that nobody can tell if you had any procedure at all.
Can I wear a hat after a hair transplant?
The answer to the above is simple – yes, you can. However, you must be very careful and gentle when putting it on and make sure that the hat is loose or you can adjust its width. Some patients feel apprehensive about wearing anything on their head and some surgeons advise to leave your scalp uncovered for at least 3 weeks after the procedure to ensure that the grafts are anchored properly. Bobble hats, beanies and caps are all right to wear, especially during the winter or in cold weather, as you should ensure warmth of the healing skin. When taking off the hat, make sure be extra delicate and avoid putting additional pressure on the transplanted zone. You should definitely not wear any tight headwear and motorcycle helmets are out of question for at least for 2 to 3 weeks after transplantation, as they will rub the grafts.
Things you should have in mind
Self-consciousness about your look right after the surgery is absolutely normal and wearing a hat may help. Your appearance will improve quite quickly, but to have the best results you should avoid too much contact with the grafts. The grafts will be securely planted within 10 to 14 days, but the main issue may be sensitivity to certain fabrics. Your hat should not be cotton made, as cotton tends to stick to the hair follicles which may interfere with the healing process, the same will occur if the hat is too tight. The skin of your scalp will be tender in the donor and recipient areas, but as long as you feel comfortable wearing a hat, that should be fine. It is a good idea, however, to refrain from wearing anything on your head for too long over those first 3 weeks.
Wearing hats after hair transplant surgery in few steps
Most of the surgeons will say that wearing a hat on the first day after your surgery is perfectly fine and they will recommend putting a hat on when outdoors if the weather is bad or cold. You should, however, avoid wearing a hat indoors and when the weather is not too hot, wet, windy or dusty.
As your scalp will be tender and the follicles need few days to anchor, it is required to put on your hat gently and carefully and the surgeon will advise which type of hat is the most suitable for you. Below you will find few steps how to put it on correctly:
- Your hat should be loose enough to not rub the follicles and you are free to bring your hat for the consultation to ask your surgeon if it is suitable
- Ensure that the hat does not have a tight headband that will rub the grafts
- Put your hat on slowly and gently using both hands to make sure that you will not touch accidentally the healing skin – the same goes to taking it off; do not pull it off with one hand or at an angle
- The hat you are wearing should be clean and washed regularly. It is a good idea to have more than one, as the wound may get infected if there are any blood residues or dirt touching it. If in doubt, it is always a good idea to ask your surgeon for advice.
Many patients consider hair transplant abroad, as the money is an equally important factor to the surgeon’s experience. Poland seems to be a great destination for people looking to have cheap hair transplant done, as surgeons in here are experienced and there are great clinics in every bigger city. Thinking about having your procedure done, you should take into account having your hair transplant in Poland and Beauty Poland will be delighted to organise the procedure for you.
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Marek is a great fan of medical tourism. He believes that medical tourism is a huge chance for many people, who cannot afford treatment in their home country.
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