📅 Recovery Timeline
Rest and recovery. Expect mild swelling and discomfort. Pain level: 3-4/10. Avoid touching the scalp. Sleep with head elevated.
Swelling may increase slightly. Pain level: 2-3/10. Continue to rest and follow post-op instructions.
First hair wash, usually at the clinic. Pain level: 1-2/10. Scabs will begin to form.
Swelling should start to subside. Pain level: 1/10. Continue gentle washing as instructed.
Scabs are more prominent. Itching may begin. Pain level: 0-1/10. Grafts are becoming more secure.
Continue with the recommended washing routine to help scabs soften. Pain level: 0/10.
Most of the initial swelling should be gone. Pain level: 0/10. You can typically return to desk work.
Scabs will start to fall off naturally. Do not pick at them. Pain level: 0/10.
More scabs will shed, revealing the transplanted hairs. Pain level: 0/10.
The recipient area will look cleaner as more scabs fall off. Pain level: 0/10.
Continue gentle washing. The redness in the recipient area will start to fade. Pain level: 0/10.
Almost all scabs should be gone. Pain level: 0/10.
The shedding phase (shock loss) may begin. This is normal. Pain level: 0/10.
You can typically resume light exercise. The scalp will look much more normal. Pain level: 0/10.
Shock loss is at its peak. Most of the transplanted hairs will have fallen out. This is a temporary phase.
Shedding slows down and some early, fine hairs may start to grow.
New hair growth becomes more noticeable. The hairs will be thin initially.
Hair continues to grow and thicken.
Significant improvement in coverage and density.
About 50-60% of the final result is visible. Hair is much thicker and longer.
Continued growth and thickening.
More density and texture improvement.
Around 80-90% of the final result can be seen. You can style your hair with more confidence.
Hair continues to mature.
Further refinement of the result.
The final result is largely visible. You can enjoy your new hair.
The hair is fully mature, and the final, permanent result is achieved.
⚡ Shock Loss & Shedding
Shock loss, or shedding, typically begins around 7-10 days after the procedure, with the most intense phase occurring around the first month. This is a natural part of the hair growth cycle and is to be expected. The shedding period can last for up to two months, during which a significant percentage of the transplanted hairs will fall out. New hair growth will typically begin to emerge around 3-4 months after the procedure.
📈 Growth Milestones
The first signs of new growth are typically visible around 2-3 months after the DHI procedure, appearing as fine, thin hairs. By the 3-month mark, more significant growth can be observed, although it may be patchy at first. At 6 months, patients can expect to see a rapid increase in hair growth, with the hair becoming thicker and stronger, achieving up to 80% of the final coverage. The most significant improvements are seen between 9 and 12 months, with the final results, including full density and texture, becoming fully apparent at the 12 to 18-month mark.
💊 Pain Levels & Medication
Pain after a DHI hair transplant is generally mild and manageable. Patients may experience some discomfort, tightness, and swelling in the first few days following the procedure. Pain levels are typically at their highest in the first 24-48 hours, after which they gradually subside. To manage this, surgeons usually prescribe pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, and anti-inflammatory medications. Antibiotics are also commonly prescribed to prevent infection. Most patients find that they no longer require prescription-strength pain medication after the first few days.
✅ Do's
- ✓Sleep with your head elevated for the first 3-5 days to minimize swelling.
- ✓Gently wash your hair as instructed by your surgeon, typically starting from day 3.
- ✓Use the special shampoo and lotion provided by your clinic.
- ✓Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- ✓Eat a healthy, nutritious diet to support healing and hair growth.
- ✓Wear a loose-fitting hat to protect your scalp from the sun and dust when you go outside.
- ✓Attend all your scheduled follow-up appointments.
- ✓Be patient with the recovery and growth process.
- ✓Report any unusual symptoms or concerns to your doctor immediately.
- ✓Follow all post-operative instructions provided by your clinic.
❌ Don'ts
- ✗Do not touch, scratch, or rub the transplanted area for the first week.
- ✗Do not pick at the scabs; let them fall off naturally.
- ✗Do not expose your scalp to direct sunlight for at least the first month.
- ✗Do not engage in strenuous exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating for the first two weeks.
- ✗Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least a week before and after the procedure.
- ✗Do not use any hair styling products for the first month.
- ✗Do not dye your hair for at least 4-6 weeks after the transplant.
- ✗Do not take any medications without consulting your doctor.
- ✗Do not wear tight hats or helmets that could put pressure on the grafts.
- ✗Do not apply ice directly to the transplanted area.
🚨 When to Contact Your Doctor
- ⚠Excessive or persistent bleeding from the donor or recipient area.
- ⚠Severe pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication.
- ⚠Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
- ⚠Grafts that appear to be dislodged or falling out in large numbers (beyond normal shedding).
- ⚠Persistent numbness or tingling in the scalp that lasts for more than a few weeks.
- ⚠Any allergic reaction to medications, such as a rash or difficulty breathing.
- ⚠If scabs persist for more than two weeks without falling off.
💡 Tips for Optimal Results
- ›Strictly follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.
- ›Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can impair healing and hair growth.
- ›Maintain a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- ›Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- ›Protect your scalp from sun exposure to prevent damage to the new grafts.
- ›Avoid stress as much as possible, as it can negatively impact hair growth.
- ›Consider adjunctive therapies like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy) if recommended by your doctor.
- ›Use medications like minoxidil or finasteride as prescribed to support hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
- ›Be gentle with your hair and scalp, especially in the first few months.
- ›Have realistic expectations and be patient, as it takes a full 12-18 months to see the final results.