DHI or Direct Hair Implantation has become a go-to-method for getting hair transplant surgery. Istanbul has now become a favored destination for medical tourism, having qualified medical facilities and personnel and hence, DHI hair transplants. It is therefore important for any person entertaining the possibility of this procedure to be fully aware of the time that is taken to heal. Below is a stepwise description of the process that a patient goes through after they have received a DHI hair transplant in one of the prominent hair surgery clinics in Istanbul. In this article you will know more about the DHI Hair Transplant Recovery Timeline.
Day 0: The Day of the Surgery
The actual DHI procedure can be considered as rather gentle and it is carried out under local anesthesia. This operation may take several hours, if many grafts have to be implanted or if complications arise. Precautions to take include, after the procedure, patients should avoid touching the scalp, and they should take adequate rest. Slight itching or tension in the scalp region, ear or forehead, slight low-grade fever and enlarged lymph nodes are usual.
Day 1-3: Initial Recovery Phase
Immediately after the surgery, the transplanted hair follicles are sensitive, which is why patients must take proper care of themselves in the initial 48 to 72 hours after the surgery. It is common for patients to have mild oedema for about 48 to 72 hours especially around the eyes and forehead. The clinic provides specific instructions on how to care for the scalp, including:The clinic provides specific instructions on how to care for the scalp, including:
- Avoiding Touch: One outstanding feature with a hair transplant is that the patient should avoid touching or Scratching the area.
- Sleeping Position: One should best advice sleeping with the head raised or elevated especially when there is stasis in the affected limb.
- Medication: If given antibiotics, these should be swallowed as instructed to eliminate bacteria and achievers, if painkillers are administered, these should also be consumed as directed.
DAYS 4-7: SCAB FORMATION AND SHEDDING
By the end of the fourth day the skin forms minute crusts around the implanted follicles. It is quite natural and should be expected in the healing process. The patients are encouraged to wash their head with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo to help in the scrubbing of the scabs. Great care should be taken to adhere to this washing technique used in the clinic since pulling the grafts can be disastrous.
Week 2-3: The Shedding Phase
At this time, patients may begin to see the transplanted hair begin to shed. This is known as “shock loss” and is perfectly acceptable. Hair shafts are lost, although the follicles are preserved, and their activity temporarily decreases in preparation for the new hair growth cycle.
Month 1-3: Dormant Phase
Sometimes after the surgical procedure is done, the scalp may regain its pre-surgery look after slightly shedding. This is much possibly a difficult period for the patients, as there is absolutely no possibility that may be perceived of the results of the therapy. However, on the next level of the skin, the transplanted follicles are preparing for the next stage of growth.
Month 3-6: Initial Growth Phase
The regeneration of hair begins half a year and the patient can begin to see the results from the operation already at this stage. These new hairs which characteristically are thin and small in diameter tend to increase in diameter as they grow. In this stage, follow-ups on the progress of the patients are carried out at the clinic frequently.
Month 6-12: Significant Growth Phase
After three to ten months after the surgery, noticeable hair regeneration is also visible. The action of transplanted hair is to gradually thicken and to make an acceptable appearance in combination with the previous hair. Usually, by the time the treatment of this phase completes, the patient receives the benefits such as hair density and coverage.
Month 12-18: Final Results
Thus, the final outcome of DHI hair transplantation becomes noticeable after a year and a half at the earliest. The new hair has come to its terminal velocity, the width and nature of the hair is complete. The last point for consideration is that if at this stage the patient still has some questions, which may be crucial, it is better to have a final conversation with the surgeon about final satisfaction with the result achieved.
Post-Transplant Care Tips
- Healthy Diet: All the nutritional supplements and vitamins are helpful in hair growth; even the mineral is significant for the growth of the hair.
- Avoiding Harsh Treatments: They should not wash it chemically through re-profiling, bleaching or perming among others within the first six months.
- Sun Protection: Hair on the scalp also has a layer of skin and so using a hat or sunscreen prevents sun exposure to the scalp directly.
- Regular Follow-Ups: Painting a picture of the possibility of a patient’s post surgery complications, a constant communication with the clinic enables the client to get the best of recovery.
Choosing the Right Clinic in Istanbul
To ensure a good result of the DHI hair transplant, it is vital to choose a good hair surgery clinic in Istanbul. Ensure that the clinics have experienced surgeons and positive testimonials from the patients and adequate follow-up care plans. Istanbul as a city is projected to have clinics that provide expertise, modern technology and relatively cheap hair restoration treatments.
Thus, through familiarizing themselves with the DHI hair transplant procedure and by following the care plan provided, patients are able to attain the best possible outcomes from their treatment. Preparation and good care will go a long way in getting men to the desired full and healthy hair.