Things to know before planning your hair transplant in winter

October, 22 2019 | By Dr. Sangay Bhutia (Hair Transplant Specialist in Delhi)

People planning a hair transplant fuss over the smallest of details, and rightly so. After all it matters to their appearance, and hair is an important part of it. One of the common questions surgeons often get asked is about which is the better weather for a hair transplant surgery. However, before we talk about that, let’s make one thing clear in the beginning itself, that a good hair transplant depends on the experience and expertise of the surgeon, more than the weather it is conducted in.

However, a lot of people prefer to undergo the surgery during winter because it is easier for them to stay indoors, or wear a hat during recovery. Which are both very valid points, especially for those who don’t want to talk about their surgery with others, or are too self-conscious or shy to do so. In winter, patients can easily wear a loose, warm hat to hide the scalp without being questioned about it. This way they don’t have to talk about the surgery if they are not inclined to do so. A lot of patients find it a lot more convenient compared to explaining to everyone they meet, be it family or colleagues, about why, how, or where did they get a Hair transplant.



The other reason people site for winter transplants is that they would not want to do it around the time for their summer vacation. It not only interferes with their summer plans, but surgeons ask patients to avoid direct sunlight for about two weeks after the transplant. This means, beach vacations where you want to swim or get a tan, are not an option, at least during recovery.

Another important reason to choose winter is that people tend to sweat more during the summer months, which is one of the things that might just cause an infection post surgery. In winter, the threat of an infection caused by excessive perspiration is much lower. During the post-surgery period, the patients are asked to stop participating in high energy activities or contact sports or anything that might cause sweating. The patient is also supposed to keep the scalp clean, wash it twice a day with a mild shampoo and keep it dry. All of this is more convenient for some patients during the winter months.

There are also patients who might experience high blood pressure in the simmering heat of the summer. Especially in a tropical country like India, with the mercury rising to as much as 48 degrees, it is not an ideal time for patients who have high blood pressure issues. Surgeries cannot be conducted in such a state. There is also high humidity during the summer months, that coupled with heat causes high blood flow, making the heart pump faster. Therefore for such patients, winter is an ideal time for the surgery.

The right time also varies for patients, while some people like to socialise, and get out more in summer, while others are more comfortable with going out in winter. Patients should choose a time where they are okay to spend a week or two indoors or on a quiet holiday during recovery. For younger patients, winter could be a good idea as well, as they are less likely to sweat from strenuous physical activity, and not go to swim during the winter. Both of these are not allowed for some time after the surgery.

All of these factors make winter a good time for a transplant, but as we said earlier, the important thing is to find the right surgeon, with the right knowledge, experience, and expertise.