Hair Transplant: What to Expect Before, During, and After

For many, hair loss can be emotionally distressing and have a significant impact on self-esteem. Luckily, modern advancements in cosmetic medicine have made hair transplants in Delhi a highly effective and permanent solution for restoring lost hair.

Whether you are just starting to explore the idea of hair restoration or have already decided to move forward, this blog is your ultimate guide. This blog walks you through what to expect before, during, and after the hair transplant. Stay tuned!

What to Expect Before a Hair Transplant?

Here’ s what you can expect before a hair transplant: 

• Initial Consultation: Before your surgery, you will have to go through an initial consultation with an experienced hair transplant surgeon. During the consultation, you can expect: 

  
  

1. Assessment of hair loss pattern

2. Examination of the donor area

3. Discussion of medical history and medications

4. Setting realistic expectations

5. Discussing hair density, design, and aesthetic goals
   

• Pre-Surgical Instructions: Once the initial consultation is completed, you are scheduled for surgery.  Before the surgery you are required to follow preoperative instructions such as: 

1. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least a week before surgery

2. Stop taking blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications (as directed)

3. Wash your scalp thoroughly the night before and morning of the surgery

4. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
   

• Mental and Emotional Preparation: Hair transplant surgery is generally safe and successful, but it’s important to understand:

1. It’s a surgical procedure and will have a healing phase

2. Results appear gradually over 6 to 12 months

3. Patience is key during the recovery and growth phase
   
   

What to Expect During the Hair Transplant

Here’s what you can expect during the hair transplant surgery: 

• Preparation

1. Your scalp will be cleaned and shaved in the donor area.

2. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure a pain-free and comfortable experience.
   

• Harvesting the Grafts: Depending on whether you’re undergoing FUT or FUE:

1. FUT: A strip of skin is removed and dissected into grafts.

2. FUE: Individual follicles are extracted using a micro-punch tool.
   

• Graft Preparation and Storage: The extracted follicles are kept in a special solution to ensure viability and survival before transplantation.

• Creating Recipient Sites: Tiny incisions are made in the balding area using a fine needle or blade. This is where the grafts will be placed, and it's critical for creating a natural-looking hairline.

• Implantation of Grafts: The hair follicles are meticulously placed into the recipient area, matching the natural angle, density, and direction of hair growth.

• Post-Surgical Wrap-Up

1. The scalp may be bandaged or left open to heal naturally.

2. You’ll be given postoperative care instructions.

3. The entire procedure typically takes 4–8 hours.
   

What to Expect After a Hair Transplant

Here’s what you can expect after a hair transplant: 

• Immediate Post-Op Period

1. Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness in the donor and recipient areas is normal.

2. Tiny scabs will form around each graft.

3. You may be prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pain relievers.

4. Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.

5. Avoid touching or rubbing the transplanted area.
   

• Early Recovery 

1. Most swelling subsides within 5 days.

2. Scabs begin to fall off naturally.

3. You’ll return to the clinic for a follow-up to assess healing.

4. Avoid strenuous activities and direct sun exposure.

5. Resume light hair washing as per your surgeon’s instructions.
   

• Shedding Phase 

1. Transplanted hairs may fall out. 

2. This is normal and part of the healing process. This process is also known as “shock loss.”

3. “Shock loss” does not mean grafts failed. 

4. Hair follicles remain under the skin and will enter a resting phase.
   

• Regrowth Phase

1. New hair begins to emerge. New hairs are thinner and softer at first. 

2. By month 6, you will notice a visible improvement in hair density.

3. Hair texture and thickness will continue to improve.
   

• Final Results 

1. Full hair growth becomes evident.

2. You can cut, style, and treat your new hair like natural hair.

3. Any minor residual redness or textural differences usually fade away.

Maintaining Results Long-Term

Here are some professional tips to maintain long-term results: 

1. Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions strictly.

2. Use prescribed medications like minoxidil or finasteride if advised.

3. Maintain a healthy diet and reduce stress.

4. Get regular check-ups to monitor overall hair health.

5. Consider PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy to support regrowth.

Who is a Good Candidate for Hair Transplant?

Not everyone with hair loss is an ideal candidate. The best candidates typically:

• Are in good overall health

• Have stabilized hair loss (not actively progressing)

• Possess sufficient donor hair on the back/sides of the scalp

• Have realistic expectations

Benefits of a Hair Transplant

Here are some common benefits of hair transplant mentioned below: 

• Natural-looking, permanent results

• Improved confidence and self-image

• Low maintenance once healed

• Cost-effective over time compared to temporary solutions
  

Risks and Complications

Here are some risks and complications associated with hair transplant surgery mentioned below: 

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Scarring

• Poor graft survival

• Unnatural appearance (if done by unprofessionally)

Visit SB Aesthetics and Regain your Hair and Confidence! 

If you’ve been struggling with thinning hair or baldness, a hair transplant can offer a life-changing solution. With natural-looking, long-lasting results and a high satisfaction rate, it’s one of the most effective options in hair restoration. If you are considering this treatment then visit the Best Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in Delhi, SB Aesthetics and book an appointment with Dr. Shilpi Bhadani today!