Helmet Use Post Hair Transplant: When is it Safe?
A hair transplant procedure extracts hair follicles from the donor site, and transplants the grafts to the recipient area; hence, the scalp with the freshly transplanted grafts is very delicate and requires to be dealt with very cautiously; keeping contact with the grafts to a minimum during the first 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure.
Furthermore, the new transplants require adequate time to take firm root, and tampering with them before they have lodged themselves firmly will have destructive consequences.
Wearing a helmet too soon after the surgery, i.e. before 4 weeks, will exert too much pressure on the grafts, consequently damaging the transplants, negatively impacting the surgical outcome and causing the surgery to be unsuccessful.
FAQs:
Your doctor will allow you to wear a helmet 4 weeks after your procedure. Nonetheless, even if your doctor has permitted you to wear the helmet, in case you feel any pain or discomfort, immediately stop wearing the helmet and get in touch with your doctor.
The first week, post-surgery is the recovery stage, where the scalp is highly fragile and sensitive. The next 3 weeks are exceedingly crucial because that’s the time when the newly transplanted grafts are taking root in the recipient site, and if pressure is exerted over them, the grafts will get damaged and dislodged and there’s a powerful possibility that the grafts will fall off.
- Select a helmet that fits you well.
- Take good care of your helmet.
- Keep a soft cloth inside the helmet.
Keeping a soft cotton cloth inside your helmet protects the scalp and the hair and prevents hair damage. It also helps maintain hygiene and absorbs the sweat.
Even if your doctor has given you the go-ahead to wear a helmet, keep the helmet on for a short period. Wearing it for an extended interval of time causes moisture and sweat to build up on the scalp and within the helmet, and it will trigger infection. Wear the helmet for 20 to 30 minutes at a stretch, not more.