Specializing in hair transplantation, hair restoration and hair transplants with hair loss clinics in New Jersey (NJ) & New York (NY)

Medications

Motrin is given to reduce minor discomfort after the procedure. Take 1 tablet every 4 hours as needed. If you have minor gastric burning take with 1 tablespoon of Maalox. You will also be provided a prescription for Tylenol with codeine, to be taken before going to sleep, if needed. If you do not wish to take Tylenol with codeine, take a Motrin before going to sleep. Note: you should not double up on both the tylenol with codeine and motrin, choose one.

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Things To Be Avoided

Do not take any aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin for 2 days following the transplant procedure. Do not consume any alcoholic beverages for at least 2 days following the transplant procedure.

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Immediate Care

In order to minimize swelling around the eyes, lie back as much as possible during the first day and keep a cold compress to your forehead as constantly as can be tolerated. While you will not feel any pain, it is important to ice your forehead as consistently as possible for the first 24 hours following the hair transplant procedure. This will ensure the least possible swelling later. Please note that most patients will experience some degree of swelling 3 to 4 days following the transplant procedure, using ice will help to minimize such effects, although it may not prevent them entirely.

Once you develop swelling, use a warm compress and cover entire face. Using a moist towel, place in microwave or run under hot water and apply again, as constantly as can be tolerated

Swelling may occur in the area from the forehead to around the eyes. It is normal and harmless. If swelling does occur, it usually begins 3-4 days after the date of surgery. In some unusual cases it may last up to a week.

In case of any bleeding, do not panic. Moisten gauze with saline spray and apply pressure to the bleeding area for approximately 15 minutes. If bleeding is profuse or does not lessen contact the office or dial 911.

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Sleeping

Try to keep direct pressure off the sutured area on the back of your scalp for the first few nights. As you may experience slight spotting, the following is suggested when sleeping:

Put an old, clean pillowcase on your pillow as it may become stained.

Roll an old towel and place it under your neck to keep your head elevated and to help relieve pressure off the sutured area.

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Bathing / Showering / Shampooing

Day 1

After the procedure for the first day (within 24 hours of the procedure) you should keep your scalp dry and untouched, do not wear any hats for the first day.

Day 2

While you may bathe your body, do not wash your hair. Use the provided saline solution to moisten the area every hour until the entire bottle is gone.

Day 3

You may begin shampooing your hair using a washcloth. Lather up a washcloth with shampoo and place the washcloth on top of your grafts and let the shower rinse the washcloth. The idea being that you do not want the shower directly hitting your grafts. Do this once in the morning and once in the evening.

Day 4

You should take a long, warm shower, allowing the water to run through your scalp. Using your finger tips gently scrub the graft site and remove any scabs. The longer you are in the shower, the more water logged your scabs will become and the easier they will come off. Pay special attention to the suture line. Ideally, after day 4 you will have little to no scabs in both areas, especially along the suture line. The better you scrub the suture line, the better you heal, and the less scarring you will develop later.

Day 5

You are back to your normal showering/bathing habits and return around day 10 to have your sutures removed.

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Activity Restrictions

To reduce the chance of swelling or bleeding, lie back as much as possible for the first day. Refrain from any strenuous physical exercise for at least 5 days. In case of bleeding, use the gauze and saline provided and hold pressure to the bleeding area for 15 minutes.Avoid prolonged exposure of the scalp to the sun for 6 weeks. Wearing a cap in sun exposed areas is highly recommended.

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Emergency

In case of an emergency contact our 24 hour support line at 908.380.5080. If, for some reason you are unable to call this number, call 911.

See Pre-Operative Instructions.