Hair transplant operations require surgical procedures. Therefore, as it would be after any surgery, your surgical area, scalp, will be very sensitive for a little while after a hair transplant. So, you need to be extremely cautious throughout your post-surgery period, especially at night. The skin of the recipient area will be very delicate and might be scabbed after the hair transplant, so it will need extra attention. Moreover, your scalp will still be under the influence of the local anesthetic used before the surgery. Additionally, your newly implanted hair must be protected to prevent damage and have the best results for the hair transplant. Because of all these reasons, your first few nights are very critical, both for your health and the success of the surgery. You need to sleep in a particular position to avoid wounds in the healing being ripped open by the pillow. Thankfully, with the FUE hair transplant, wounds are not big and heal quickly, so you will return to your normal sleeping position in a short period of time. If you are looking for a place to undergo FUE operation, you can check Asmed for hair transplant in Istanbul. They are affordable and have a high ratio of success.
What Is the Right Position for Sleeping After A Hair Transplant?
For the first few nights, you might consider using a headband to prevent further swelling on your forehead. If you experience swelling, you could put some ice on your forehead as well. However, make sure you do not apply the ice to the transplanted area. The recipient area should not get wet or be under any pressure for a while. As for your sleeping position, you need to sleep on your back, facing up after undergoing a hair transplant operation. You might also use a neck pillow to keep your head lifted as you sleep. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach or turning during your sleep at all costs. This might sound impossible or extremely uncomfortable, but it is necessary for you to not experience complications after the surgery.
Your newly transplanted hair follicles should not touch the pillow or the not properly anchored roots will be ripped out, and you will not get the best results from your hair transplant surgery. Moreover, if the pillow touches the area too harshly, you might experience life-long scars on your scalp. You could use painkillers prescribed by your doctor to relieve you during the uncomfortable sleeping position.
The healing process actually begins six days post-surgery. After a week, therefore, you will be able to sleep on your side. However, you should continue avoiding direct contact with your pillow. You might use disposable pads for this.
When Will You Be Able to Sleep in a Regular Position Again?
Scabs begin to disappear from the recipient and donor areas after about 10 days post-surgery. After 10 days, you will no longer need to use disposable pads. You still need to be a little careful, but you could sleep on your sides after that time. Even if the scabs are gone, your scalp will still be sensitive, so avoid turning or tossing as you sleep.