Immediately post surgery, the question most people ask is when can I sleep like a normal person again. Sleep after hair transplant temporarily changes, and you may not be allowed to sleep in your normal positions the first 7 to 10 days post op. Sleeping requires the elevation of your head to take the pressure and direct contact off of the graft area.It’s a weird sensation, but it helps your new follicles heal while protecting the sensitive, delicate new follicles you have growing!
Why Does Sleeping Position Matter So Much After a Hair Transplant?
As soon as hair transplant surgery is complete, hair grafts sit on an array of fine openings which make tiny cuts into the scalp. No anchoring of hair grafts is present at this stage. Rubbing, pressure or any friction against a surface like a soft pillow itself can dislodge the hair grafts before they get settled.sleeping in the wrong manner at least for the first week, can cause:
i) Displacement or loss of hair grafts
ii) Swelling across the forehead and eyes
iii) Infection on disturbing early scabs
iv) Uneven density at the end
Therefore doctors at all renowned clinics that perform best hair transplant in Gurgaon also give detailed sleep guidelines along with other precautions and followups.
The First 3 Nights: The Most Important Window
Days 1-3:
“The Graft Protection Phase” This is the most critical stage of the first few days and is when the grafts are most likely to be dislodged from their resting places. Be as still as possible, especially by:
i) Sleeping at an angle of 45 degrees – use several stacked, flat pillows and support your head and upper back, or use a recliner if you have access to one in your home.
ii) Keep the head elevated above the heart – blood has a better drainage and it reduces significantly the amount of swelling.
iii) Do not turn to either side – attempt to stay on your back, as much as you can, so the area where procedures were performed is not in contact with anything else.
iv) Put a towel or dressing on your pillow – a little leaking fluid can be expected for the first night or two. Many patients sleep slightly propped in a chair on the first night because it is harder to sleep still in bed with the head elevated flat.
Days 4 to 7: You Can Ease Off Slightly, But Stay Careful
By day 4, the swelling around should generally start to subside. Grafts should be anchored into the scalp. You should now be able to decrease the elevation slightly – one to two firm pillows instead of three – but continue sleeping on your back so that you don’t put any weight on the hairline or vertex area.
At this stage
(i) I am starting to experience scabs form over the recipient recipient sites- these must not be picked or rubbed
(ii) will have soreness around the donor sites on the back of the head – will avoid sleeping on the back of the head where possible
(iii) should continue to wear loose, breathable tops so that nothing snags the recipient sites when I lie down
Week 2: Getting Closer to Normal
At the close of week one, proceeding into the second week most hair transplants in Gurgaon, done at a sophisticated facility find their grafts quite settled. Scabs will start shedding on their own and skin will recover at a faster pace. Most surgeons clear you for sleeping on one pillow at this stage, but still, sleep flat on your back.
Side sleeping is also allowed if you can ensure your pillow doesn’t come anywhere near the hair-transplanted area.
In either situation please keep off:
i) sleeping flat on your face.
ii)Sleeping with the cap/ beanie on.
iii)Sleeping with damp hair (weeks one-two, especially).
When Can You Sleep in Your Normal Position Again?
When to go back to sleep:Most patients will be able to return to their normal sleeping position (including on their side) between day 10 and day 14, after the scabs have fallen off and if the surgeon deems the grafts to have settled in properly. Most patients will be able to sleep as normal by the end of week two. Your surgeon will give you tailored guidance to follow for you. Everyone heals differently so try not to compare yourself to anyone.
Other Sleep Tips That Help Recovery
The body needs to rest for tissue to repair: Some good things for this rest period:
(i) Refrain from drinking alcohol before you sleep; it increases blood flow to the area and will increase swelling
(ii) Do not use over-the-counter sleeping pills unless directed by your physician
(iii) Sleep in a cool room so you will not sweat; excessive sweat irritates the scalp
(iv) Use a travel pillow or a round pillow placed around your neck so you do not sleep on the side with the operation.
What QHT Clinic Patients Are Told After Their Procedure?
QHT Clinic gives each patient undergoing hair transplant in Gurgaon a comprehensive post operative care guide – the exact way to sleep, the exact duration, and what to look out for. The care team is always on call seven days a week via call and video calls, just to ensure you don’t wake up wondering if something is normal. The initial two weeks post hair transplantation are crucial in determining the quality of results you will live with forever. A few nights of compromise to achieve a lifetime of luscious and natural looking hair are well worth the effort
Dr. Sandeep
- 25 Years Total Clinical Experience
- QHT Hair Transplant Procedures
- Advanced Hair Restoration
- Hairline Design & Reconstruction
