Getting a hair transplant in summer
Feb, 13 2020 | By Dr. Sangay Bhutia (Hair Transplant Specialist in Delhi)
Deciding the why, what, when, and how of hair transplant is not easy, it is after all a life-changing decision which can have a significant impact on your appearance. And frankly you cannot take that decision alone, you have to do it in consultation with an expert. That said, the final decision on when and where you want to get it done has to be made by you. The expert can only recommend; you are the ultimate decision-making authority. We understand that very often people struggle to make decisions because of a lack of quality information available on hair transplant. Our endeavour is to lay down facts as they are and help you make informed decisions.
In this blog we aim to discuss a very common question that patients ask —
can I get a hair transplant in summer?
The simple answer to that question is—yes, hair transplant can be done in any season. However, there are a few points that you need to keep in mind. But before we detail that, let us understand a few hair transplant basics.
Hair transplant is a surgical procedure, wherein hair from the donor area (usually the back or sides of the head which are hair-fall resistant) are transplanted onto the bald or balding areas, which are usually the front or top of the head. With modern technology, hair transplant procedures are extremely safe, minimally invasive, and deliver pleasant, natural-looking results.
There are two popular methods of transplantation - Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). In FUT, the surgeon removes a strip of donor skin, removes the individual grafts very carefully and transplants them onto the balding area. Whereas in FUE, individual follicular units are extracted from the donor area and carefully transplanted onto the area of hair loss.
It can take a few days after the surgery for the patient to resume their day-to-day. However, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines might be prescribed on a case-to-case basis. In addition, don’t be surprised if transplanted hair falls out 2-3 weeks after the procedure. It is absolutely normal and these make way for new hair growth. It can take about 50 weeks for the patient to see the final results of the transplant.
There are some important precautions to be taken after the transplant, and it is in this respect, you have to be cautious of the weather. Right after the transplant or in the initial recovery period, it is advised not to expose the scalp to direct sunlight. UV rays are harmful to the new grafts. So it becomes important to cover the head. For people who sweat more during summers, this could be a problem. With excess sweating, wearing a cap, or a hat in summer can be uncomfortable, and the patient risks an infection or even dislodging the newly-transplanted grafts. Moreover, sweat can lead to an itchy scalp. Scratching or rubbing the scalp in the initial days after the transplant will be problematic, it can also lead to dislodging the grafts. It is for this very reason a lot of people prefer getting a transplant during winters.
Other than the weather - there is more to post transplant care. Swimming is to be avoided for atleast two weeks and should only be undertaken in consultation with the expert. Exposure to chlorine in the swimming pool can potentially harm the grafts. These risks apart, summer is not a bad time to get a transplant if post surgery instructions are followed carefully.
If you decide to get a transplant in the summer, a lot of summer fruits and vegetables can be added to your diet to help with keeping the body hydrated and help in recovery and hair growth. Take watermelon, for example. The fruit keeps you hydrated as well as the citrulline in it has amino acids which are good for blood circulation. Similarly papaya, grapefruit, and pineapples all have various vitamins, which are excellent for both hair and skin.
All seasons have their pros and cons as far as hair transplant is concerned. Some research suggests that hair grows faster in summer months, while the wounds tend to heal faster during winter. Irrespective of the weather, what is extremely important is your comfort and post-operative care.
