The American Academy of Dermatology reports that over 80 million Americans are affected by hair loss, including men and women. 

The most common cause of hair loss is due to genes. However, age, hormones, and alopecia can also play a part. 

Many people opt for hair transplants to increase their confidence and provide a more natural appearance. Are you considering a hair transplant? 

Learn everything about the hair transplant recovery timeline in this hair transplant guide. 

What Is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a standard surgical procedure used to treat hair loss. Hair transplants are added to an area of your head to fill an area that may be thinning or completely bald.

A hair transplant aims to restore hair growth to areas of the scalp and bring back confidence and self-esteem in the patient. 

A good candidate for a hair transplant must be in good health, have realistic expectations about results, and still have thick hair growth on the scalp.  

How Do Hair Transplants Work?

There are two main types of hair transplant: 

• Follicular unit transplant (FUT) 

• Follicular unit extraction (FUE) 

In a FUT hair transplant, a surgeon extracts a strip of the scalp from the donor area. This strip is dissected into individual follicular grafts. These follicles are inserted into tiny incisions on the bald spots. 

An FUE hair transplant is done by extracting individual follicular units through circular incisions. These follicles are then transplanted to cover bald spots. 

In both cases, once the transplanted skin heals, it should continue to grow hair. Both procedures will take between four to eight hours, depending on the size of the transplant you're getting.

A surgeon will discuss which hair transplant technique is most appropriate for you. 

Hair Transplant Recovery Time

Many people feel nervous about the recovery process after hair transplant surgery. One of the major concerns is pain.

After the surgery, your scalp will be tender. You may need to take over-the-counter pain medication or be prescribed an antibiotic. 

The following timeline will help you understand what to expect after a hair transplant. 

One Day After Surgery

The first day after surgery is uncomfortable. You may experience mild swelling in the forehead area. Place a cold press on the swollen area and keep your head elevated to minimize discomfit. 

You may return to work as long as your job does not require physical activity. Some clinics will ask you to come back for a check-up. You should also avoid heavy sun exposure and hair care products. 

Two Days After Surgery

You may continue to experience mild swelling for up to six days. Don't worry; this is common.

Blood clots at the incision sites are not uncommon either. You don't need to take any action; they will eventually flake off. Any red inflammation will also subside over the coming days. 

Two Weeks After Surgery

You may notice that the transplanted follicles are starting to shed at this stage. This is entirely normal, but it can come as a shock to some. Don't worry; this is a normal part of the growth cycle. 

Your surgical staples are also ready to be removed. This process is generally performed in the clinic, but some do it at home. 

One Month After Surgery

Over the past two weeks, the distinction between your original and transplanted hair will almost be unnoticeable. You won't know where your original hair begins, and the transplanted ends as time passes. 

You may be able to resume physical activity, including a few laps in the pool. Your new hair may not grow evenly during this period, but it eventually even out. Think of it like newly seeded grass, it takes some time to grow, but the result is excellent. 

Your new hair will start thin but will thicken over time. Any hair that has not fallen during the shedding period will feel weaker. 

Three Months After Surgery

You're getting there now! Significant hair growth is experienced in the third month. With crazy hair growth, you may also notice some light blistering or acne in the recipient area. 

Again, this is entirely normal. Blisters are easy to get rid of but may require medication for quicker results.

If you notice it worsening, this may signify an infection. Consult your doctor. 

Five to Six Months After Surgery

You're already looking like a new person in the five to six-month period. Your hair is starting to get thicker and stronger. You should have 100 percent coverage too.  

Your new hair should be around two to three inches in length, and you can now use a comb to get rid of any loose hair strands. Be wary that while your hair looks fantastic, it's important not to expose it to extreme hot or cold conditions just yet. 

Some people choose to have a six-month post-op consult to monitor progress. 

Eight to Ten Months After Surgery

Between months eight and ten, you will notice the most significant improvements since surgery. Your confidence will return, and your overall appearance will look dramatically different. At this point, your hair will also be the thickest it has been in a long while.

One Year After Surgery

Your hair transplant recovery is over. You can expect to achieve your desired results one year after the procedure. The one-year mark is also an excellent time to schedule a follow-up appointment at your hair transplant clinic. 

They will ensure the procedure has worked to its fullest potential. You may continue to notice results well over a year after the surgery. You can now enjoy a healthy head of hair and use any hair care products without concern. 

What to Do Next?

Understanding the hair transplant recovery timeline will help you decide whether a surgical hair transplant is a suitable option for you. 

The good news is there are alternate options. Scalp micro pigmentation is a budget-friendly process that uses a small amount of pigment on the blade spots to cover them up. This creates a more natural-looking result that does not involve incisions or stitches. 

At Scalp Co., we're all about giving back confidence to our clients through our scalp micro-pigmentation procedures. We offer flexible payment plans and top-quality results. 

Book your free consultation with us today.