How Soon Can You Exercise after Hair Transplant Surgery?
At the True & Dorin hair loss clinic in New York, hair transplant surgery is in many ways a collaboration between our surgeons and our patients. While the success of the actual surgery depends on the talent of our surgeons and the techniques and technologies they use, the long-term success of the transplants relies on patients following the post-operative instructions with which they are provided to the letter. Any deviation from these instructions can compromise the results of surgery and cause damage to the transplanted follicles when they are at their most vulnerable. Conversely, strict adherence to post-op instructions can dramatically increase the chances that these follicles will thrive for the rest of the patient’s life.
Many of our patients have stringent exercise routines to maintain their health and fitness. In the long term, rigorous exercise coupled with a healthy diet will help to ensure the longevity of hair transplants. However, patients will have to refrain from strenuous activity - including exercise - for a period after hair transplantation. While it may seem counterintuitive to stop exercising in order to promote the success of the procedure, it is actually an important measure to take.
When You Can Start Exercising Again
On the day after your hair transplant surgery, you should avoid any physical activity whatsoever: no exercise, no work, no unnecessary walking. During the rest of that first week, you may resume some light activity; however, exercise and any other strenuous activity - lifting or even leaning over - must be avoided. Beginning on the third day after surgery, walking is acceptable, as long as you don’t overexert yourself.
It usually takes between ten days and two weeks for the scalp to be sufficiently healed to support a return to normal activities, including most forms of exercise. Even then, weight lifting and other serious work-out regimens should be postponed for another week or so. It is essential during this time that no undue strain be put on the suture line in the donor area.
After about a month, most patients are able to return to their pre-surgical routines without exception. Of course, healthy habits and common sense should be your ultimate guides. Our hair transplant surgeons will answer all of your specific questions regarding your timelines and provide you with the counsel you need to achieve the best possible results.
Once your scalp has fully healed, a good exercise routine will be in your best interests on many levels. Ultimately, the healthier you are, the more likely your hair - transplanted and otherwise - will be healthy. The quality of your diet is equally important. Live right, eat well, and you should enjoy a lifetime’s worth of healthy, growing, natural hair.
Contact Our Hair Loss Clinic
For further information about how soon you can return to exercise and other activity after hair transplantation, please contact the True & Dorin hair loss clinic today. We’d be pleased to answer your questions and assist you in scheduling an appointment.