After your FUT hair transplant, it is essential to understand how to care for your newly implanted hair grafts properly. These grafts are delicate and require careful nurturing to ensure they thrive. Common mistakes during this time can cause infection or impact your outcome.
While we don’t perform the FUT technique at Balance Hair Restoration, Dr. Pramit Malhotra is exceptionally knowledgeable about all hair restoration techniques. If he determines the FUT method is more appropriate for your needs, he will refer you to a trusted colleague.
Here are some common mistakes our experts want patients to know before their FUT hair transplant.
What Is a FUT Hair Transplant?
Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), or the “strip” method, is a hair restoration technique that removes a strip of hair-bearing skin from the donor area. The donor area is typically a discreet section of the lower back of the scalp. The strip is usually less than 1.5 centimeters wide but can be several centimeters long, stretching along the back of the scalp. Once sutured, the donor area is typically concealed by the surrounding hair. However, the strip will form a scar as it heals.
After the strip is removed, it is divided into grafts of individual follicular units, each containing 1 to 4 hairs. Once the grafts are prepared, the scalp is numbed with anesthetic, then each graft is placed through a small incision.
Why Proper Aftercare Is Essential for FUT Success
Following a FUT hair transplant, the new grafts are vulnerable. Proper aftercare is important to protect the grafts so that they heal correctly. Harsh hair products or treatments, hair dryers or other heat tools, and even powerful shower streams can cause grafts to shift before they heal.
Aftercare is essential to avoid infection and ensure the survival and growth of the grafts to achieve optimal hair growth and natural-looking results.
Mistake #1: Touching or Scratching the Transplanted Area
Avoid touching your scalp after a FUT hair transplant for at least 2 to 5 days. This protects the transplanted grafts, as touching, rubbing, or scratching your scalp can damage the grafts or introduce bacteria that may cause infection. For several months, exercise caution when scratching or rubbing the scalp.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Post-Op Instructions from Your Surgeon
Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions after your FUT hair transplant to facilitate a smooth, healthy recovery and optimize your results. Ignoring post-op instructions could lead to complications like infection, poor healing, or compromised results.
Mistake #3: Washing Your Hair Too Soon
Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 to 72 hours after your FUT hair transplant. Washing your hair too soon can disrupt the hair grafts and increase infection risks. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding washing your hair.
Mistake #4: Engaging in Strenuous Activities Too Early
Strenuous activities, including heavy exercise, can negatively impact the healing process. Increased blood pressure and blood flow to the scalp can cause potential bleeding and swelling, delaying recovery. It can also dislodge the hair grafts, affecting your outcome. Sweat can cause irritation and possible infection.
Mistake #5: Sleeping Incorrectly and Causing Irritation
Sleeping in the wrong position after a FUT hair transplant puts pressure on the new hair grafts or permanently dislodges them, causing uneven hair growth. It’s best to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated by multiple pillows to reduce swelling. Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach as these positions may damage the hair grafts. A silk or satin pillowcase can also minimize friction on the scalp.
Mistake #6: Smoking and Drinking Alcohol During Recovery
Smoking and drinking alcohol can impact the healing process by reducing blood supply to the scalp, increasing the risk of infection and potential graft loss. Both smoking and drinking alcohol can impair wound healing and the body’s ability to fight infections. Alcohol can also interact with post-operative medications.
Mistake #7: Not Protecting Your Scalp from the Sun
After a FUT hair transplant, UV rays can disrupt hair follicle development and impact the healing process. Sun exposure may also cause scalp irritation and inflammation. Exposure can also cause increased scarring risks and uneven pigmentation. Use sunblock with SPF 30+, and wear protective clothing.
Mistake #8: Using Harsh Hair Products Too Soon
Harsh hair products can damage newly transplanted hair follicles and irritate the scalp, hindering healing and impacting the final results. Avoid strong chemicals, styling products, or heat styling tools for a few weeks.
Mistake #9: Expecting Instant Results and Panicking Over Shedding
Hair restoration is not a quick process, so it’s important to exercise patience. In 2 to 3 weeks after a hair transplant, most patients experience hair shedding, meaning the new grafts may fall out—this is a normal part of the healing process and nothing to panic over.
While the hair sheds, the follicular unit remains intact. This means that new hair will begin to grow soon. Typically, patients experience hair regrowth 4 to 5 months after a transplant.
Mistake #10: Skipping Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments are essential so your surgeon can evaluate your recovery and address your concerns. By skipping your appointments, you could experience unwanted complications.
How Long Does It Take for FUT Hair Transplants to Heal?
Initial recovery from FUT hair transplants takes 10 to 14 days. However, depending on the extent of the procedure, healing time will vary by patient. Here’s a general timeline to help you understand what to expect.
- 2 to 5 days: Patients can typically remove bandages, but it’s important to avoid touching the grafts
- 6 days: Patients may be able to wash their hair using gentle products
- 10 to 14 days: Non-dissolvable stitches will be removed
- 4 months: Patients will experience new hair growth in the treated areas
- 10 to 15 months: Patients will experience continued hair growth and thickening
What to Do If You Experience Complications
If you experience complications after a FUT hair transplant, contact your surgeon immediately. Watch for signs of infection like excessive redness, swelling, pus, fever, unusual pain, significant bleeding, or any other concerning symptoms. Your surgeon may adjust your aftercare routine, prescribe medication, or schedule a follow-up appointment.
Your Hair Restoration Options at Balance Hair Restoration
While the hair experts at Balance Hair Restoration do not perform the FUT technique, they offer other proven hair restoration treatments. Treatments can include medications, lasers, FUE hair transplants, or combinations of therapies that slow hair loss. Less-invasive hair restoration techniques are most effective when you start them early.
Our experts perform Follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplants. FUE is an effective technique for hair rejuvenation. The difference between FUE and FUT hair transplants is the harvest method. In FUE, hair follicles are individually harvested from a donor area (the back and sides of the scalp). Then, similar to the FUT process, the hair grafts are implanted in areas where fullness is desired.
Schedule Your Hair Restoration Today
Our expert team at Balance Hair Restoration, led by Dr. Pramit Malhotra, wants to help you feel educated and empowered along your hair restoration journey. They are here to guide you through your hair transplant options to ensure you receive natural-looking results that you’ll love. Are you ready to start your hair restoration journey? Contact Ann Arbor’s best hair restoration provider, Balance Hair Restoration, at (734) 913-5100 to learn more!
