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Recovery · Dermatology · Aesthetic

Hair transplant recovery timeline

Day-by-day recovery after hair transplant at Class A international departments — discharge, fly-home clearance, return to work, and full activity.

← Full Hair transplant guide

Length of stay
5–8 days
Fly-home clearance
Day 7–10
Back to desk work
Month 1
Full activity
Month 12

Day-by-day timeline

  1. When
    Day 0

    FUE extraction + implantation

    6–10 h, single visit. Local anaesthesia. Pain ≤2/10 reported.

  2. When
    Day 3

    First wash

    Gentle wash at the clinic. Donor area scabs begin to fall.

  3. When
    Day 7–10

    Fly-home clearance

    All scabbing should clear by day 14.

  4. When
    Month 1

    Shock loss

    Up to 50% of grafts shed — completely normal. New growth begins at month 3.

  5. When
    Month 6

    60–70% density visible

    Full styling possible.

  6. When
    Month 12

    Final density

    100% expected density. Scarring imperceptible.

Red-flag symptoms

If any of the following occur post-discharge, contact the operating surgeon immediately or present to local emergency services:

  • Recipient-area infection
  • Persistent donor-area numbness past 3 months
  • Severe folliculitis

12-month tele-follow-up

  • Month 1, 3, 6, 12 tele-photo reviews

Aftercare on repatriation

Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks; SPF 50+ on scalp for 6 months. Sweat freely from week 3.

Frequently asked

When can I fly home after hair transplant?
Fly-home clearance is typically issued at Day 7–10. All scabbing should clear by day 14.
When can I return to work after hair transplant?
Month 1: Up to 50% of grafts shed — completely normal. New growth begins at month 3.
When can I resume full activity?
Month 12: 100% expected density. Scarring imperceptible.
What red-flag symptoms should I watch for?
Recipient-area infection; Persistent donor-area numbness past 3 months; Severe folliculitis. Contact the operating surgeon or local A&E immediately if any occur.

Plan your hair transplant pathway

We'll match you with two Class A hospital options and return line-by-line all-in pricing in 5 business days.

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