Hair Transplantation Expectations after FUT

POST-OP

TRANSPLANTED AREA

DONOR AREA

Day 1 After Surgery Patients are instructed to rest indoors and continue wearing their head bandage. Possible soreness, tightness or numbness possible but most patients report no pain at this point.
Days 2 Head bandage is removed. Short transplanted hairs, dried blood and redness are visible. Patients may rinse hair according to instructions. Soreness in the donor area begins to disappear. Some numbness may continue. Start applying anti-biotic ointment to the suture line.
Days 3-6 Scabbing/crusting becomes visible. Possible swelling may move across the nose and around the eyes. Continue applying anti-biotic ointment to the suture line.
Day 7 Swelling usually has subsided. Redness has mostly resolved. Most numbness will normally resolve. Continue applying anti-biotic ointment to the suture line.
Day 10 The grafts are permanently adhered in place within the scalp. Remaining scabs can be gently washed off. Patients may return to normal shampooing, brushing and combing. Patient may stop applying Antibiotic ointment to the suture area.
Days 11-14 The transplanted hairs will begin to temporarily fall out. Sutures will be removed.
Week 3 The transplanted hairs will continue to fall out. Patient may get a haircut. Scar will continue to heal and strengthen.
End of Month 1 Most Transplanted hair shafts have fallen out and the patient will look similar to their before photos. Patients may dye their hair if they wish. Patient may start strenuous activity/weight lifting.
3 months About 30% of the transplanted hairs are growing. Any residual numbness in the donor area has generally resolved.
6 months About 60% of transplanted hairs are growing. The donor area regains most of its strength.
12-15 months The final result of the hair transplant can be seen and patients are scheduled for a follow-up. If necessary, a second FUT session can be considered at this point.  

The donor area regains most of its laxity.