This article is about recovery timeline after a hair transplant. We know that we all want quick recovery. Most clinics claim to focus on a fast recovery. However, Maxwell is one of the only clinic that works on special treatments for each patient that has undergone hair transplantation. After getting a hair transplant at Maxwell, patients can quickly go back to their daily lives. Maxwell Hair Clinic puts recovery as one of our top priorities. You can go back to your daily routine right after hair transplant and typically can go back to work after 2-3 days. A lot of clinics claim they are an expert in the industry but Maxwell is one of few clinics that invest heavily on recovery treatment research. So that patients can recover as soon as possible with minimum pain to the scalp. With proven results, you can rely on this in Maxwell. 

    Here is general recovery process after hair transplant.

    Right after the surgery

    Keep in mind that directly after surgery, the grafts will be extremely sensitive. It takes roughly five days for the follicles to attach to a blood vessel under the skin which supplies them with food, oxygen, and energy. Maxwell can accelerate the recovery process with Maxwell’s recovery treatment. Maxwell has been doing extensive research on treatmentsright after the recovery process so patients can go back to their daily routine as soon as possible.

    2 days – 1 week after hair transplant

    With the transplanted hair follicles placed in position, you can now see the new hairline. At this point, the scalp needs time to heal. You will see scabbing in two locations on the scalpwhich are on the donor site (where the hair follicles were harvested), and on the placement site. These scabs are small, so they heal quickly. You might experience local swelling which usually goes away in a few days. 

    You may feel pain for the first week. The day after surgery, we will provide post-operative care, including removing the bandage from donor area, disinfection dressing, shampoo service and laser treatment for the maximum viability. We recommend using anti-biotic spray for 3 days.

    FUT procedure: If you decide to proceed with FUT hair transplant, there will be stitches on the back of your head in the donor area on day 10. Most of our patients still fly back to their home country the following day after the shampoo service. In which case, our surgeons will use dissolvable stitches, or providing medical document so that you can remove the remaining stitches in your home country. In that case, you can fly the following day of the surgery.

    How to Wash Your Hair: You can wash your hair by yourself at home starting on the third day. Please tilt your head back when using shampoo, in order to avoid pulling on the sutured area. Please do not rub the recipient area for 2 weeks. After applying the recommended bubble shampoo, rinse your hair after 2-3 minutes with body-temperature water, with very low water pressure. You can wash your hair normally after 2 weeks.

    1 month ~ 3 months after hair transplant

    About a month after the transplant surgery, you will see that the transplanted hairs are starting to fall out. This process is normal. When hair follicles are moved, hair growth pauses for a short time while the follicle adjusts to the new location. It is a natural part of the growth cycle to have old hair falling out. With time, you will see that new hairs will regrow at the graft site. It takes time for the new hairline to look full and normal.

    70-80% of the transplanted hair will fall out during this period together with some original hairs, but please do not worry as this is normal during the recovery process. After 3 to 5 months, hairs will start to grow normally.

    You can experience folliculitis in the surgical area during this period before hairs start to grow. In most cases, applying the antibiotic ointment (Fucidin, Madecassol cream, etc) will resolve the issue.

    If you are living in Korea, you can also regularly visit our clinic for a regular check-up in this period.

    3 months ~ 6 months after hair transplant

    This is the period patients worry the most because hairs will be going through shock loss, but also the period new hairs start to grow slowly, mostly growing like 1cm per month, so please do not worry, it takes a bit more time before it begins to resemble the result we are hoping for.

    From about the 4th month, hairs will start to grow slowly. It is normal to look like you are losing the hairs up to 3-6 months, or even look worse than before, however, please do not worry, we just need to be patient a little bit longer.

    At the 6-month point, the hairs will be growing steady and you will see the density filling in, hairs start to become comb-able.The hair quality will be improved and you will see that hair growth is steady. You’ll notice steady hair growth at this point looking natural.

    9 months ~ 12 months after hair transplant

    Full hair density is achieved about 9 ~ 12 months after the hair transplant procedure. Now, the hair growth is more prominent and should look very natural.

    Hairs will actively grow on the recipient area, with hair loss treatment, number of hairs and thickness can even be better in this period.

    The hair will gain in thickness & length, and may also change in character. It generally takes one year to see the full results of a hair transplant. We recommend to have a 1-year follow up with your surgeon, as 1-year is usually the time that you can expect a full result.

    What makes Maxwell Hair Transplant different from other clinics?

    Maxwell offers special follow-up treatment that helps alleviate swelling and stabilize pain as soon as possible. With clean, comfortable atmosphere, Maxwell is also one of the few clinics where the guardian can come in during the surgery and watch the whole process. Surgeons and the staff have been working for over 10 years so they not only are experienced but also have greatest teamwork. We look forward to providing you with an unforgettable experience along with a fast recovery time. Patients who received our special treatment were able to see drastic changes in recovery time and the maintenance of hair follicles.

    “Proper hair transplantation” – Maxwell wants to be remembered as a reliable and trustworthy clinic for a long time. Therefore, Maxwell allows guardians or caretakers to be present during the surgery under strict rules. We want our patients and caretakers to trust our medical staff completely for optimal results.