How to sleep after a hair transplant ?

Hair transplant surgery necessitates a meticulous postoperative routine to ensure success. The method by which you clean your hair and adjust your sleeping position – specifically, maintaining an elevated head – is crucial to the outcome of the surgery.

The delicacy of the hair transplant procedure cannot be overstated. During the operation, your surgeon meticulously extracts individual follicular units from a designated donor area and then implanted them into the recipient area. Preserving these newly transplanted follicles depends entirely on your adherence to the post-surgical care instructions, especially during the initial days following the surgery.

In light of this, here are the guidelines for optimizing your sleep position and effectively caring for your newly transplanted hair post-surgery.

Why Is Your Sleeping Position Important After Hair Transplant?

The position in which you sleep following your hair transplant surgery is paramount due to the heightened sensitivity of your scalp and the fragility of the newly transplanted hair grafts. Inadequate care or improper sleeping can jeopardize the procedure’s success, possibly leading to undesired outcomes.

Any potential damage to the hair follicles could necessitate further surgical intervention. Moreover, improper care could result in increased swelling of your scalp and forehead, thereby extending your recovery period. Hence, adhering strictly to postoperative care instructions is essential to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

How Should You Sleep After A Hair Transplant?

After a hair transplant surgery, whether it is an FUE hair transplant or a DHI hair transplant, the optimal sleeping position involves lying on your back, with both your head and back elevated, ideally at a 45° angle. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, damaging the transplanted hair and exacerbating swelling.

To maintain this elevation, consider placing a cushion beneath your pillow, thus preventing any potential damage to the hair follicles from contact with the headboard. Utilizing a travel pillow around your neck can also be beneficial, as it offers additional support for your head and safeguards the hair grafts, particularly if you tend to toss and turn during sleep.

As an alternative, sleeping in a recliner can be highly beneficial for protecting your transplanted hair, as it greatly minimizes the likelihood of turning or shifting during sleep.

When Can You Sleep In A Normal Position Again?

It’s imperative to adhere to these postoperative sleeping guidelines for 7-10 days following a hair transplant. This duration is generally required for your transplanted hair to take root securely and for the surgical incisions to heal adequately.

After this period, typically ten days post-surgery, you should be able to resume your normal sleeping patterns and physical activities without the risk of impairing the procedure’s success. However, it’s always recommended to consult Dr Cinik’s team before resuming your usual routines, ensuring your recovery is progressing as expected.

What To Expect From The Healing Process?

For the first 4-5 days, you’ll experience swelling and pain, which is normal. Your scalp may also feel itchy, but that’s because it’s healing.

Your doctor will give you a special shampoo for washing your hair after the first 2-3 days following the procedure and show you how to do it right.

Don’t be concerned when your hair starts falling out between 2-3 weeks after the surgery. That’s only your new hair growing and pushing out the grafts, so there’s no reason to be alarmed. It will grow generally within 6-9 months and up to a year after the procedure.

Restore Your Looks With A Hair Transplant At Dr Cinik Clinic

At Dr Cinik Hair Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, you can get a top-notch FUE hair transplant and restore your youthful appearance before you know it.

Dr Emrah Cinik and his medical team will take perfect care of you after the surgery – washing your hair for the first time, providing the necessary aftercare supplies, and giving you crucial advice for the best post-op care and recovery.

If you have any further questions about the procedure, how to sleep after a hair transplant, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us.