Q. What hair will stay in after the surgery?

A. Once the hair is transplanted most of it will fall out 2 to 3 weeks after the transplant. While this is alarming, it is a natural process called Anagen Effluvium, and is only a temporary set back. The hair will resume growth after 3 to 8 months typically.

Q. How long will it take for the grafts to all grow in?

A. I find that 10% will remain from the day of the transplant; about 30% will begin growing by 3 months, 40% by 4 months, 50% by 5 months, 60% by 6 months, 70% by 7 months, and 80% to 90% by 8 months. Most of the transplanted hair will resume active growth by 8 months. You should experience full growth by 12 months.

Q. How long do I have to wait to get another procedure?

Accordingly you should give your transplant 8 to 12 months to grow out before you decide on the need for a subsequent procedure for added density and fullness. If you want to graft into an area that Dr. Cole did not graft into yet than you can do that right away. Dr. Cole will need to either see you for a consult or you may send photos to your patient coordinator for evaluation.

Q. How long will it take for me to look normal again?

A. Your scabs will fall off the donor area within 3-5 days and the recipient area in 7-10 days. We have products that can speed this up. You can purchase a post-op kit from us with products containing antioxidants that absorb the free radicals, thus speeding the healing process.
You can also find the Haircycle KIT online or visit the Haircycle website for more information on post hair restoration treatments
If you chose not to purchase the kit, you will need to mix a special salt water mixture to “mist” the recipient area and keep them moist. We can give you the correct ratios to mix. You will also need to shampoo with only baby shampoo for 2 weeks and do not use any styling products since they contain alcohol, fragrance and chemicals that can dry out and damage the grafts. You may have a pink tinge in the recipient area for up to 3 months if you are light skinned. A dab of make-up can easily hide this and it is not really all that noticeable anyway. Your hair will grow back at what ever speed your hair usually grows.

Q. When can I return to work?

A. After CIT, you can physically return to work the next day. After Strip, you will probably want to wait 1-2 weeks since this is an evasive surgery and you will be dealing with sutures as well as pain. You may wear a very loose fitting hat being very careful not to dislodge any of the grafts.