Post-Op Instructions
Immediately Following The Procedure
You will receive an aftercare package that will contain a scalp cream, calming spray, and spray-on shampoo as well as these instructions and a prescription with all of your necessary medications.
You will also have a bandage on the donor area, which you must keep on overnight.
The First 48 Hours
The bandage that is on your donor area can be removed and the dry blood, etc., can be cleaned from the donor area. (Just take caution not to disturb the area that was transplanted.)
The scalp cream that is in your aftercare package should be applied to your donor area after you have removed the bandage. Apply daily for 3 to 4 days or until all the donor sites are closed up and starting to heal.
In occasional instances, minor bleeding may occur from the donor site or transplant site. To control this, you can apply gentle but FIRM pressure on the area with a dampened cloth or sponge. PRESS ONLY. DO NOT RUB!
Dr. Torgerson has provided you with a prescription that you will need to get filled as soon as possible. This prescription will include pain medication. (Please do not take or use ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or Aspirin for 48 hours after surgery.) Alcoholic beverages and smoking are also to be avoided.
Follow all of the instructions for the medication that have been prescribed to you. It is important that you take all of the medications, as they will help with healing and any discomfort.
DO NOT WASH YOUR HAIR OR TOUCH THE TRANSPLANT SITE FOR THE FIRST 48 HOURS!
NO HATS FOR THE FIRST 48 HOURS!
The First Week
You may start to see swelling around Day 3. The swelling will last only a few days and can be reduced with the medication that you have been given. Icing the area will also help as long as you do not place the ice pack directly on the transplant site. If you received a frontal hairline restoration, it is recommended that you sleep slightly elevated to minimize swelling in the forehead and around the eyes.
You have calming spray in your aftercare package. You will use this as needed for any itching or discomfort that you may have around these scabs.
You also received a spray-on shampoo. After 48 hours, you can start to wash your hair again using this product only. It is to be used for the first 10 days after the procedure.
1. Angle your shower head at your neck down so you don’t have any chance of direct pressure from your shower head on the transplant site.
2. Use a large plastic cup or bowl filled with lukewarm to wet your hair. (Rinse from the back of your head forward to be sure that no unnecessary pressure is put on the transplant site.)
3. Spray on the shampoo as desired and let it sit for 20 to 30 seconds.
4. Use the same plastic cup or bowl filled with lukewarm water to rinse your hair. (Again, rinse from the back of your head forward to be sure that no unnecessary pressure is put on the transplant site.)
Be very careful when combing or styling your hair for the first 7 to 10 days. Avoid blow drying and hair products. Do not make direct contact with the transplant site.
You may start to wear a hat at around Day 3. Do not wear a hat that collapses or touches your scalp where the grafts were placed (beanie, wool cap, toque, etc.). We recommend a trucker hat style that is loose fitting and adjustable (not fitted). A loose fitting hood also works great. If you do plan on being out in the sun, it is important to protect the area using a spray-on sunscreen or hat.
Avoid working out or intense activities for the first week. Regular work activities can be resumed within the first 24 to 48 hours.
Wait 1 month before using Rogaine, as it will dry out the transplant site.Within 48 hours of your procedure, we will contact you to schedule a follow-up for 7 to 10 days. At your first follow-up, you will receive a shampoo, conditioner, and scalp therapy package that you can start using 14 days post-op. We will give you further instructions at this follow-up, let you know how your progress is going, and answer any further questions that you may have.
