Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) are the most popular hair transplant procedures these days (FUT). Hair follicles are extracted from the donor area, which is usually in the back of the head, and transplanted into tiny incisions made across the balding area in each of these procedures. While FUT recovery takes slightly longer because an entire strip of scalp with healthy hair follicles is extracted from the donor area, FUE recovery is faster because individual hair follicles are extracted. As a result, scarring is minimal in a patient.
While the recovery is straightforward, maintaining a proper aftercare routine facilitates a smooth recovery. During post-surgery care, most patients have the same concern: how to sleep after a hair transplant to avoid damaging or dislodging their new hair follicles.
Here are some pointers on how to sleep after hair transplant procedure:
1. Sleep in the right position
Sleep with your head and back slightly elevated, preferably on a recliner, for at least a week after surgery. The risk of swelling is greatest during the first three to four nights. Sleeping in an elevated position will help to control the swelling in your scalp and forehead and speed up your recovery. If you are lying on your back, place your head on a soft pillow and avoid tossing and turning, as this may cause your grafts to dislodge. To avoid post-surgery swelling, avoid sleeping on your stomach if you are accustomed to doing so.
2. The importance of cleanliness
To avoid infection, you will need to be extra careful in ensuring thorough cleanliness of your bed, pillowcases, and sheets for a few days after surgery. Wash them in a detergent that is free of allergens that could irritate your scalp.
3. Wrap your pillow in a soft towel.
Some leakage from the scalp is to be expected during the healing process. Covering your pillow with a soft towel or cloth will keep your pillows and pillowcases clean.
Is it possible to sleep on your side after a hair transplant?
No, not at all. You'll be fine as long as you don't roll onto your stomach or side. Because your head is delicate and your hair transplants are vulnerable, the posture in which you lie after hair transplantation is critical. If you do not carefully accept responsibility, you may not achieve the desired results. You could end up damaging the hair follicles, necessitating a second treatment. You may also experience increased inflammation on your head and forehead, which will slow your recovery even more. Resting in a recliner may be beneficial because it keeps you from twisting and rolling.
How should I sleep after a hair transplant?
Your first night in the hospital is critical. It is advised that you lie on your back with your back to the ceiling and in a slightly elevated position. You may use two pillows. Do not turn your head as much to the right and left as possible, and do not lie on your side. If the procedure is followed correctly, sleeping after a hair transplant is very comfortable. You should sleep on your back and in an upright position. Raise your head and back, preferably at a 45-degree angle. Sleeping face down can damage your planted hair and cause more swelling. Make sure to place a pillow beneath your pillow to keep your head properly elevated and to avoid damaging the hair follicles in the headpiece. You can also use a travel pillow for your neck to support your head and protect your hair grafts if you move around at night. Sleeping on a reclining couch is another excellent way to protect your newly planted hair. Although this process can take anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks, it is always best to work with your doctor as soon as possible.
How long should I sleep after a hair transplant?
It is critical to sleep properly after hair transplantation. Because planted hair is delicate and can be damaged during intervention. In this case, an average of 10 days should be allowed, but 14 days should be allowed to obtain a guarantee. It should never be prone or lying on its side. When a person is hospitalised on the back, the donor area is not harmed in any way. It may hurt slightly in the first few days due to friction, but it does not cause any problems. Because hair planted after 14 days develops, it poses no problems regardless of how you sleep. During this 10-day period, it is suggested that you lie in a slightly upright position with a pillow behind you. It is critical to sleep or rest in this position so that neither the hair follicles nor the edoema in your face and head are damaged.
How long can I sleep on my side after a hair transplant?
It is critical to protect the hair transplant area for the first 15 days, and the hair transplant area should not come into contact with a pillow while sleeping. You should lay down on your back. For the first 15 days, the hair transplant area should be protected from accidents such as bumps, blows, and friction.
When will I be able to sleep normally again after my hair transplant?
The area where the hair transplanted should not come into contact with a pillow or other item, including the person's own hand, while sleeping after hair transplantation. The average time for hair follicles to cling to the channels in which they are planted is 10 days. During this time, the person should lie in a slightly upright position to avoid bumps and to become acquainted with the nests of the newly planted hair follicles.
