Advice on Sleeping Following Hair Transplant Surgery

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles typically from the back and sides of the scalp to areas of hair loss. The procedure itself is usually straight forward and is minimally invasive. Detailed post operative instructions are provided following surgery that patients are encouraged to follow to ensure best results.

As the newly transplanted hair could be dislodged from its new location for up to 14 days post transplant many patients worry about how to sleep in the initial days following their procedure. However, patients need not be concerned when sleeping, our experience is that our patients should not cause any harm to their newly transplanted hair while sleeping. Usually, extra care is instead needed when getting in and out of cars, when dressing or with low ceilings in the initial days post transplant to ensure a knock to the head is avoided.

We have detailed below some general advice on sleeping post hair transplant.

Covering your Pillow

In the initial days following your procedure patients may experience a small amount of bleeding from the donor and/or recipient areas, patients are also asked to spray their scalp for the first 12 hours following surgery, we therefore recommend placing a soft towel over your pillow in order to protect it.

Use of a Travel Pillow

Some patients use a travel pillow post surgery to make themselves more comfortable when sleeping. The pillow can be positioned to reduce any pressure on the donor area particularly for those patients who have undergone an FUT procedure where stitches are still in. These pillows are ok to use if patients find them helpful once they are not placed on the newly transplant grafts in the recipient area.

Avoid Wearing Hats

After a hair transplant, it is important to avoid anything that could put pressure on the transplanted area. This includes anything tight around your head, such as a hat or a bandana. Instead, try to wear loose, comfortable clothing that won’t rub against the transplanted area. Head wear should be avoided completely for 14 days post-transplant for both FUT and FUE patients.

Sleeping in a Particular Position

Many clinics advise sleeping in a certain position post transplant but we all know that in your sleep you naturally move around. There is nothing to be concerned about regardless of what position you sleep in, it is unlikely that you are going to disturb your transplanted hair during your sleep.

Two weeks following your hair transplant your transplanted hair is secure in its new location.

At HRBR all post operative care is included in your surgical fee for 18 months following your transplant. Patients attending HRBR for hair transplantation will receive detailed post operative advice for the days and weeks following surgery. Find more details on our post operative advice.

If you have any queries in relation to post operative care following your hair transplant at HRBR or if you wish to schedule a consultation please contact the team on on 00353 1 209 1000 or info@hrbr.ie