01
Heavy exercise — 2 weeks
Walking is fine from day one. Lifting, running and anything that raises blood pressure waits.
After surgery
Recovery, week by week
What to do, what is normal, and when each milestone should arrive — from the first night through month eighteen.
Recovery timeline
Night 1
Sleep elevated
Head above the heart on a wedge or recliner. Expect tightness at the donor line and a dull ache that over-the-counter analgesia handles.
Day 2
First wash
Gentle washing begins exactly as instructed — pouring rather than pressure, no rubbing of the recipient area.
Days 3–4
Swelling peaks
Forehead and occasionally eyelid swelling. Harmless, unflattering and gone within days.
Days 7–10
Scabs clear
Crusts lift with the washing routine. Do not pick: a scab removed early can take the graft with it.
Day 10
Sutures out
For FUT 2.0 patients, at the first in-clinic review.
Weeks 2–8
Shedding phase
Transplanted hairs fall. The follicles remain and are already preparing the next cycle.
Months 3–4
Growth begins
Fine new hairs appear, often unevenly across the area.
Month 6
Visible coverage
Most patients consider the result obviously worthwhile by this point.
Months 12–18
Final result
Calibre and density finish maturing. This is when the outcome is judged against the plan.
Restrictions, and for how long
02
Swimming and hot tubs — 3 weeks
Chlorinated and standing water both carry infection risk while sites are healing.
03
Direct sun — 1 month
A hat outdoors. New skin burns quickly and burns badly.
04
Clippers on the recipient area — 3 months
Scissors are fine sooner; the donor area can be clipped once healed.
05
Colouring — 1 month
Both recipient and donor areas.
Talk to the surgeon who would perform your procedure
Consultations are free, measured and without obligation — in Newport Beach or by video.