The first night after the procedure is of utmost importance. It is important to avoid touching the grafts as this can make them fall out of the recently made incisions. It is advised to the patients to sleep in a semi-upright position. You can utilize 2 to 3 pillows for elevating your head. You will be recommended to sleep in this position for up to three nights after the surgery.
Instructions About Shampooing
For shampooing your hair, you need to wait at least 48 hours after the surgery. You will need to shampoo daily for at least two weeks to maintain good hygiene of the site. You can follow the instructions as below: - Replace your old shampoo with baby Johnson & Johnson shampoo in view of its mild effect and effective cleansing.
- You can dilute the shampoo by mixing it with water in a plastic container. Massage your hair and the grafted site with the help of your fingers.
- In order to rinse out, you need to pour water gently on the hair using a container. You can use to shower your head fifteen days after the surgery.
You may see some white spots appearing at the roots of the grafts after washing your hair, which is due to the swelling at the grafts. Don’t worry, this will disappear after a span of 30-40 minutes.
Physical Activities
You need to avoid all types of physical activities after the procedure. This will include avoidance of leaning forward, blowing of the nose, lifting heavy objects, and indulging in vigorous sports. Sexual activity should also be avoided for seven days. Outdoor activities like swimming or jogging should be avoided as well.
Potential complications
Swelling
You may encounter some swelling. You need not worry as this is normal. You may experience swelling of the forehead on the first, second, or third day after the surgery. This eventually resolves by the intake of prescribed medications. Applying ice packs near your forehead area can help provide relief. However, it is imperative that ice should not touch the grafted area. The patients are advised to take the medications for prescribed amount of time, even if there is no swelling.
Bleeding
You may see some bleeding occasionally. In order to deal with it, you can apply compression to the area of bleeding. You can use clean linen for the same. Using ice packs at the back of the scalp can also help. Bleeding stops within minutes of using these methods.
Pain/Discomfort
Some pain may be felt after the surgery, which is absolutely normal. The medications that have been prescribed help to provide relief from the pain. Pain is usually mild in nature and not intense.
Infection
In order to eliminate the chances of infected grafts or infected scar, you will be prescribed antibiotics. You should, however, stick to regular dosage. If you begin to notice any spots with local pain, heat, or redness, you should contact Dr. G.S. Thind immediately
Low sensitivity
You may feel decrease in the sensitivity in the recipient area. You need not worry about it. Sensitivity will be resorted over the next 4 to 12 weeks after the procedure.
Crusting
Crusting indicates healing phase. You will notice small crusts clinging to the hair grafts. You can use wet compresses for them. This will help them disappear. Majority of the crusts fall off in a span of 10 to 14 days. It is very important NOT TO PICK AT THE CRUSTS. With regular washing of the hair, these crusts will go away. After some period of time, you can gently massage the scalp before head bath to speed up the removal. At times, you will notice grafted hair falling off with these crusts. It is common. You need not worry about the hair growth as stem cells remain in the site to ensure growth.
