What You Need to Avoid after Hair Transplant Surgery

Whether hair transplant or any other type of surgery, all the surgeries are sensitive and you need to take extra special care of yourself just after going through a surgical process. Though hair transplant surgery is not so complicated one as others, still you need to remain cautious after it. By taking care of yourself and avoiding some activities, you can retain to normal condition in a very short time period. Below you can find a brief information about what things you must avoid after your hair transplant. Read them and live a healthy life with you healthy hair.

Sun Exposure:

You must avoid sun exposure as it can badly affect the redness swelling on your scalp. After the surgery, swelling and redness remain on you scalp for at least one month. During this time, you should refrain yourself from going with open scalp under the Sun. Anyhow, in urgent or compulsory cases, you can go outside in the Sunlight but don’t forget to wear a hat on your scalp.

Spicy and In-Organic Food

You must eat balanced and organic food after you hair transplant. Organic diet is also beneficial for hair. After you surgery, you should eat that foods which contains proteins, vitamins, and essential amino acids. Also, you must avoid spicy and in-organic food since it can badly affect the health of your hair.

Physical Activities

After your surgery, you must avoid any physical activity like exercise, sports, and other outdoor activities. Any activity that requires continuous action can leave a wrong effect to your sensitive scalp. You should also avoid leaning your head downwards for some days after the surgery. Also, use more than one pillow and give comfort to you head while you are sleeping.

Tobacco and Alcohol

You should also avoid tobacco and alcohol for some days after your surgery. Smoking prevents your blood to flow towards your scalp and if your blood doesn’t go to your scalp properly, the health and growth of your hair can be affected badly. You better leave smoking and alcohol forever as both are injurious to health.

Self-Medication

You must not take any medicine unless your doctor asks you to take. A medicine directly and indirectly affects the whole body of a person so you should not take it without concerning your doctor. Self-medication is avoided all the time.

Chemical Sprays

You should avoid using chemical sprays, gels, and styling after your hair transplant. They can become cause of itching on your scalp and you can’t afford to itch on a sensitive scalp after the surgery. You cannot rub your scalp unless your scalp returns to a normal one. You should also avoid touching your grafted hairs.

Consequently, by avoid these things for at least a month after your surgery, you can see excellent results and your surgery will be considered as a success one. You need to take care of yourself as much as you can after your surgery since you can’t afford to undergo with another one. 

New FUE technique for Afro-patients by Dr. U

As mentioned at www.dru.com, leading and board certified dermatologist and surgeon Dr. Sanusi Umar has invented new tools to undertake the hair restoration surgery for his patients with African textured hair. He is nationally recognized doctor for his innovative work in the field of body hair transplantation (BHT) and follicle unit extraction (FUE). American Board of Dermatology certified him for his pioneering services in hair transplant surgery. He is widely recognized and published in this field, and also completed fellowship training in cosmetic surgery under American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Currently, he is a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and an associate faculty at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). 

Now he has come up with a solution for African heritage patients who are often turned away by hair restoration surgeons due to conventional methods that are unable to treat fragile hair follicles and tightly curled hair of African people. Those with twisted hair are usually pre-tested of the hair follicles and turned away by many clinics and surgeons because failure rate of hair restoration is too high among African-mixed or African-American patients. 

It is said that African-textured hair are weak for Follicle Unit Extraction (FUE) due to two reasons; one is hair curliness and second is the skin texture. Dr. Umar, who is himself native of Nigeria, firmed to improve the hair restoration surgery for African patients who suffer from hair loss but can’t go for FUE to restore hair. The new tools invented by him include UGraft tools, UGraft Curl, UGraft Punch and UGraft Rotor. An amazing thing is that surgery with these tools don’t require hair pre-testing.

According to the fresh study released by the Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Journal Global, 18 patients participated who experienced 100 % results and had successful Follicle Unit Extraction and transplantation.  

Dr. Umar said “Patients with tightly curled hair are not a homogenous group. This breakthrough points the way to a universal approach in FUE for people with tightly curled hair regardless of their Geo-ethnic background.” 

With the conventional hair restoration technique, there is almost 80% risk of FUE transection in patients of African-background. However, the new invention has claimed to overcome these issues for African-textured hair with minimal transection rates. It is pertinent to mention here that this new invention may require additional training for hair surgeons in order to get successful results and all these tools are only available at Dr. U’s clinic.

Why you should oil your hair regularly?

Hair oiling has been an important technique for woman of any century. Still it is considered an important routine because it prevent premature greying and strengthen hair roots. Usually women doesn’t know that their scalp also generates its natural oil that helps in hair nourishment. Oil massage is necessary because too much oil can block the pores.

Oil massage not only relaxes muscles and body but also keeps nervous system healthy. Hair oiling keeps calm the mind and also serves as the headache healer. Warm oil leaves special results and relieves, stress, eases muscles strain and increases blood circulation in and around head. More active blood circulation ensures strong hair follicles, hence better hair growth.

Dove celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend says that “Every woman would benefit from using oils even just once a week. You’ll see a major difference in your hair.” Oil nourishes hair, and when hair get enough nourishment, its growth rate improves. Regular hair massage helps regain hair lost due to use of hair styling machines or chemical treatments.

Mark says that oils are great protectant and great health booster. He says “The benefit in most of the oils is all the fatty acids, which replace the lipids in your hair when it starts to get really fine. Right before it splits, that means there’s nothing holding it together, and all those lipids are gone so you need to replace them.”

Hair oiling provides hair limitless benefits. There are some organisms that can attack scalp and damage it. Oil components acts as a barrier against such organisms. Hair absorbs essential oil nutrients that helps hair to acquire health, shine and attractiveness. Over-shampooing washes off oil too that may lead to dullness and dryness.

Oiling keeps hair full of moisture and coconut oil is best to use. As Mark suggested to use coconut oil for dry and damaged hair. He said that “I’ve never found anything more moisturizing for the hair than just straight coconut oil. I even add straight coconut oil to conditioner. Jojoba oil is an amazing lubricant for the hair. Argan oil has the great benefits of leaving the hair soft, silky and smooth – that oil will reflect the light, making your hair look super shiny.”

Dry scalp often leads to dandruff that may cause itching on the scalp and further result in hair breakage. Hair oiling on the scalp helps glands to produce enough oil to prevent damage. Massaging hair once a week is must. Warm oil is preferred by experts to apply on the scalp; it restores the hair shine and soothes the scalp too. 

Hair Loss Infographics

Source LINK: Hair Loss Infographics

After hair transplant surgery, why it is necessary to highly keep the scalp from sun exposure

Hair transplant surgery or hair restoration surgery is a very difficult procedure. The surgeon gives numerous advice and precaution tips to get the best effective results. One of the precautions is to avoid going in the sun exposure after hair transplant for 6 weeks. It is because hair graft endurance is totally dependent on the implanted new hair follicles, which are slowly connected to a new resource of blood supply. 

Therefore, without that occurring accurately, whether from affected from UVA or other sources, they will be damaged.

So the possibility of harsh UVA rays is the cause of sunburn and/or exposure below the outer layer of transplanted scalp tissue will damage both the hair graft tissue plus the underlying new hair follicles. It is why because the healing procedure in the deep skin layers of the scalp or lower dermis is very slower than the upper epidermis skin layer. It is absolutely a tragic situation for those patients, who underwent from the painful hair restoration surgery. 

For the prevention of this condition, always wear a good-quality cap or hat that properly covers the newly hair transplant area when it is exposed to the harsh UVA rays. Patients always ask that is hair transplant permanent, so yes it is, but you should properly care your transplanted area because the high UVA rating directly burn the follicles yet a complete cover with a good-quality hat stops this possible damage from occurring. 

The majority of the hair transplant surgeon Most hair restoration physicians want their hair transplant patients to avoid the straight exposure to harsh UVA waves for at least 12 weeks post-op, some surgeon advice 5 months or some advice more than 7 months depend upon the patient’s scalp condition.

Some myths and clarifications about the laser hair transplant surgery

When we entered the 21st century, everything has been changed now either it is a technological field or medical field. Every old method is replaced with a new and less harmful technique.  Nowadays people prefer laser treatment for hair transplant surgery, so the lasers are now replacing the utilization of the traditional scalpels tools and other surgical apparatus when it comes to surgeries. Due to its effectiveness, the laser has long been used in the cosmetic surgery procedure as a more precise and noninvasive cutting surgical procedure. But, when it comes to hair transplant surgeries, is using a laser method a better option in hair restoration surgery?

In a laser hair restoration surgery, the laser rays are used only for making the slits in the patient’s scalp so that the donor hair will be easily transplanted into these open slits. The strong rays of laser are not used to divide the hair follicles into small units, which are used in the transplantation. Therefore, the term laser hair restoration is a bit deceptive as the laser treatment plays a very diminutive role in the hair transplant method.

There are so many myths about a laser hair restoration that should be fully cleared up before a patient goes through a hair transplant with this method. One of the common myths is that using a laser ray makes a hair restoration surgery a painless and easy procedure. As with a normal scalpel, the scalp’s area, which will cut by the laser, always feel the pain. A good local anesthetic is still essential for the hair loss patient to feel relaxed during the procedure.

This information is presented by ILHT Dubai

What is scalp reduction procedure and why it is not considered a safe treatment as compared to hair transplant surgery?

The scalp reduction procedure is hardly ever performed any more due to major superior advancements in the art of hair transplantation surgery. The scalp reduction is a surgical procedure to eliminate particular areas of the scalp that are badly affected by alopecia disease, and the healthier remain parts of the scalp are then extended and re-positioned for making the balding part smaller and more controllable. This method can be done in separate session, but, it is also done with a hair transplant surgery. With the excellent outcomes from follicular unit grafting method, scalp reduction has now become a method of the past.

 Although, the surgeons are educated and highly experienced and they have the quality of education and knowledge power. But, when they are going to do a scalp reduction surgical treatment, it is essential for the patient to discuss thoroughly earlier to undergoing this method. The surgeons also suggest to take a second concurring opinion to any different hair transplant doctor earlier to undergoing a scalp reduction operation because it loss your permanent hair for future hair transplant surgery. In this treatment, the stitches can cause severe pain and swelling because they are under the deepest skin of the scalp and the patient’s body can reject the stitches, which will cause tiny holes in the patient’s scalp.

If you have had a scalp reduction surgery and you are disappointed with the results, please consult with any good hair transplant surgeon.

What are the major pre-operations instructions that a patient should know before having a hair transplant surgery?

Hair transplantation surgery is a good way out of hair loss problem. It is a very costly procedure and you should follow so many instructions before and after hair transplant surgery. Always consult with an expert surgeon who has excellent experience in this field. He will give some pre operation instructions in order to prepare your hair transplant surgery in the best possible manner. There are some useful pre operation tips so, please observe the following given instructions.

On a day of your capillary or hair transplant surgery, please take a bath or shower with a clean normal water and wash your hair with a medicated shampoo. Please try to keep away from using any kind of hair spray or other hair gel and lotions. It is very essential to have a good and healthy breakfast the morning of your surgery to get maximum energy. If you are a chain smoker, it is highly suggested to avoid smoking 24 hours previous to hair transplant surgery. It is most important that don’t drink any kind of alcohol or energy drinks during the 3 days prior to surgery. If you take any type of antidepressant, beta blocker and multi-vitamins pills then, stop taking one week prior to your surgery because these vitamin tablets could enhance the bleeding. Don’t take any kind of pain killer or anti inflammatory pills and no herbal medicines, one week prior to hair transplant surgery.

Is it necessary to do regular scalp exercises before going to have first hair transplant surgery or second hair transplant surgery?

Yes, it is good for scalp, especially when the scalp is tight, it can be helpful for either the first or the second hair transplant. Remember, however, that the scalp will naturally stretch between hair transplant surgeries, so that if the exercises were not required for the first procedure, they will usually not be desired for the second. 

In most of the cases, surgeons generally wait one year between hair restoration sessions so that they can observe the full cosmetic impact of the first hair transplant surgery and leave the scalp on its own so, that the hair will return to its normal condition.

In addition, there is a possibility that active scalp massage after the first hair transplant surgery may extend the donor scar. Therefore, considering to have a scalp massage before the second hair transplant procedure, you have to make sure that enough time has passed between procedures so, that scalp stretching of the scars will not be a problem for the patient.

As you all know that the scalp normally take one for complete relax and then, it will back to its normal state so, the patient should wait at least a year before considering the next hair transplant session. If massage is considered, it should be started one year after the previous procedure. This massage will give the scalp a chance to loosen naturally, but, you will make sure that the massage will not stretch the donor scar on the scalp.

Will medical hair loss drugs help to increase poor hair growth process after hair transplant surgery?

Many people face serious and hair loss problem that may lead to the permanent balding. While hair loss from stress, illnesses, poor diet and any surgical procedures may resolve on its own time, but other types of hair loss, such as male-pattern balding, may cause in everlasting loss of hair. Hair transplant is a surgical method that may assist to eliminate or remove bald patches of scalp by implanting donor hair grafts. 

According to the research, new hair growth line may take approximately six months to start looking normal and natural. But, if you have reached one year and you are observing that your hair transplant outcomes are not successful, the first thing you should do is to talk about your hair issues with your hair transplant surgeon. While it is a fact that some patients are slow growers and he should have seen the majority of new hair growth on scalp by this time. 

Though, hair density may boost up to a full 18 months post-op but, if you are still worried about your poor growth so, hair growth are typically enhanced to use the clinically proven and FDA approved medicines Propecia and Rogaine (minoxidil). These drugs increase your hair growth circle and you can see the result within a few weeks. Hair transplant surgeons normally advise patients to use these products earlier to and after surgical treatment in order to sustain the best hair transplant results.

Are antibiotics essential for the patient after hair transplantation surgery?

Hair transplantation is a complex and lengthy procedure that is especially designed for those patients who are bald or suffering from extensive hair loss. This surgery consist many steps and the patient have to care the newly transplanted hair. After the surgery, many doctors suggest so many antibiotics for the growth of new hairs. But it all depends upon surgeon’s way of treatment.

All hair transplant doctors are dissimilar from each other and run their practices in a unique and different manner. Because of this, all doctors give patients with an exclusive set of post-operative instructions as well. In these post-operative instructions, doctors also share their antibiotic instructions.

Some hair restoration doctors believe antibiotics are essential, and claim that not taking antibiotics after hair transplant surgery is an “unnecessary hazard.” While these doctors believe there is always some possibility of infection from the procedure itself (though this is usually very rare in condition), they declare the real risk comes from patients repeatedly touching the contributor area with unwashed hands during the premature healing phase.

But on the other hand, other doctors don’t believe that antibiotics are essential, because antibiotics do not provide any safety to patients after hair transplant surgery. These doctors state that there is no full confirm report and research, which is demonstrating lower rates of contamination and better results in hair transplant patients who take antibiotics versus those that do not. But if you take any good antibiotics then, it enhances your blood flow and the significant amount of blood flow to the scalp greatly reduces the chances of infection.

Is the hair transplantation’s outcome permanent and durable?

When any one lost his hairs, he feels truly depressed by hair loss must seek out the help of a mental health professional as soon as possible. When he goes for an expensive hair transplantation surgery, he thinks about the hair transplantation results. A patient always thinks that is hair transplantation surgery result’s permanent or not?

In male pattern hair loss called Androgenic alopecia is caused, initially, by diyhydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone. The thick hair follicles in the frontal scalp, mid-scalp, and vertex are susceptible to this hormone, and contact with DHT affects the follicles to dysfunction and stop producing hair. There are various hair follicles in the scalp, however, that are “extremely resistant” to DHT hormone and they fights with this hormone. These highly resistance hair follicles are located on the sides (sequential/parietal) and back (occipital) of the scalp. When transplanted, these follicles maintain their resistance to DHT hormone and do not shed the hairs or thin over the time – even when exposed to DHT in new areas of the scalp.

These follicles are continuously struggling with the DHT, but they are not totally immune and protected. This means, in assumption, they could still have a chance to shed if exposed to very high levels of DHT over an extended period of time. But, it is very rare condition in which transplanted hairs shed again. However, the thousands of victorious cases of hair transplantation surgery executed over the past 60 years confirmed the resistance and long lasting nature of the DHT resistant follicles.