Patients can always expect successful results from an FUE transplant procedure when performed by an expert hair transplant specialist, but it takes some time for the results to be obvious.  During the early stages of FUE recovery, patients may notice that hair is actually lost from the treatment site. This is a normal process called shock loss. Although hair may fall out, the follicles remain in place and new hair will eventually grow. Most of our patients notice the first signs of new hair growth about three months after their FUE hair transplant. About three months post-surgery, patients can expect the hair to have grown to about a quarter of an inch. Although this hair is thinner and shorter than it will ultimately grow to be, it should make a significant difference in a person’s appearance. Finally, the patience and investment saved up for months has paid off. The scalp starts to thicken. 

Hair growth at three months provides our patients with a pretty good glimpse at the new shape of their hairline, but it is still only a hint at the final results of treatment. Beyond three months, the hair will continue to grow longer and the texture of the hair should also improve. By three months into FUE hair transplant recovery, incision sites should be completely healed. Patients should no longer have any scabbing or obvious signs of inflammation or irritation. Our patients can expect FUE hair transplant to result in some scarring, but the scars are so small that they will hardly be noticeable. Even with the hair being as short as it is three months into recovery, it is highly unlikely that anyone would look at an FUE hair transplant patient and be able to distinguish their scars.

Once our patients are three months into their recovery process, it is easy to care for the scalp and hair. At this point, the hair can be washed as normal. Any physical activities that were restricted during the early stages of recovery will have been lifted by now. The only precaution that continues to be important is protecting the skin from harsh UV rays. We advise patients to wear a hat or sunscreen to protect the scalp whenever they are outdoors.  

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.