History

• Hair transplantation is a procedure that requires surgery to move hair from one portion of the head to the bald or balding portion of the head. Skin is taken from the scalp with hair follicles attached and is planted in the balding areas to produce new growth. Hair transplants are used to treat male pattern baldness, female hair loss and facial hair, and can also be used to fill eyelashes and eyebrows or to fill in scars that prevent hair from growing.
  
  

Side Effects

• There are a few side effects to be cautious of after the completion of a hair transplant. The major side effect is hair thinning, more commonly known as shock loss. Shock loss is a very common side effect and usually does not last long term. Other side effects following a hair transplant include itching of the scalp, which is usually mild; swelling of the scalp, forehead and hairline; and redness of the scalp. Medications may be prescribed for itching. Be cautious not to scratch as this can cause more irritation and scabs and increase healing time.
  
  

Significance

• You might wonder how soon after hair transplant surgery can you sport a hat. Luckily, loose-fitting hats can be worn immediately following a hair transplant procedure. Your surgeon may even provide a loose-fitting cap for you, but be sure to check with him about this during your consultation. When putting on and taking off your hat, be careful not to rub or move the newly transplanted hair.
  
  

Post Surgery Care

• Keep any bandages on and only take them off as directed by the doctor. Two days post-surgery you may begin shampooing the newly transplanted hair. Shampooing the hair is important because it will aid in the prevention of scabs around the hair shafts. Within the first seven to ten days, any scabs that have formed around the hair shafts may increase the risk of losing the newly transplanted hair. Roughly 95% of the transplanted hairs will be in shock by their new location, otherwise known as shock loss, and will fall out. It takes generally two to three months for the hair to grow regularly from the moved follicles.
  
  

Considerations

• Upon completion of a hair transplant, you will not have lustrous locks. In fact, post-surgery you will be bandaged up, and once the bandages are removed, hair may look spaced out and the scalp will be red with dots. Often this causes individuals to become self-conscious, but redness soon fades and hair will begin to grow in. Also, during shock loss, you may get the feeling that hair is extremely thinned out or be concerned that too much is being lost. These are all things to consider when preparing for a hair transplant.