What to Expect after Hair Restoration

In the first few days after after hair restoration surgery you may experience some mild swelling in the forehead area. This usually begins on day three and is completely dissipated by day six.

You will develop very small scabs at the incision sites and these usually flake off in anywhere from five to seven days.

Any redness that has lingered after the surgery is usually gone by day seven and the recipient area is slightly pinkish for the next few days or weeks, depending on the individual's complexion.

Between ten to fourteen days after the surgery the suture is ready to be removed. Suture removal can be done at Dr Porcaro's office or by your local physician. Dr Porcaro will use absorbable suture material for those patients living outside the area and who will not be returning for suture removal.

Roughly three weeks after your procedure you may begin to experience some shedding of the transplanted hairs but not the follicles, which remain embedded under the skin. This is completely normal and is to be expected. This occurs due to the temporary dormant phase that all grafts go through after any hair restoration procedure.

The use of low level laser, such as the AlphaLase and the LaserComb, may minimize shedding and initiate hair growth when used after hair transplants

Dr Porcaro also recommends Propecia and Rogaine use after hair restoration.

Over the next several weeks to a few months after hair restoration, you can expect to see a few new hair sprouts coming through the surface of the scalp.

The onset of new growth varies from patient to patient but the average is about three months. The new hair may not necessarily grow in evenly but it will all grow in eventually. The new hair will be thin and fine and will thicken over time.

By the fifth to sixth month after hair restoration you can expect to see considerable new growth. Some of the new hair will be approximately two to three inches in length and the hair shaft will begin to thicken.

Between months eight and ten you will see the most impressive difference. The hair will be longer and thicker and the overall appearance will be one of greater density than just a few months before.

Even after a full year has passed you may still not see the final result. Improvements may still be seen well over a year after the surgery, as the hair thickens and assumes the same character of the donor hair from where it originated.

The hair that is now growing will continue to grow for the rest of your life and can be cut and styled in any manner you wish. There is no special regimen required to care for your new hair.

Standard shampoos and other hair products are safe, although John Porcaro, MD uses and recommends The Anagen Therapy product line. See Products we sell. You can treat your new hair as you always have and wear your hair long or any way you choose because it is your own hair that has simply been relocated!