How to Sleep After FUE Hair Transplant
Dr. Robert H. True and Dr. Robert J. Dorin are leading hair restoration surgeons based in NYC, offering follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant surgery and other advanced treatments for hair loss. They achieve excellent results for patients, and take care to monitor their healing and recovery to ensure ideal outcomes and thick, natural-looking hairlines.
After undergoing FUE, many patients have questions about proper aftercare and recovery. One common question that comes up is “How do I sleep after hair transplant surgery?” Let’s take a moment to answer that question and offer advice on what patients should do.
Why Sleeping Position Is Important After a Hair Transplant
In the first days after hair restoration surgery, the hair grafts and the scalp are quite delicate. Patients must avoid disturbing the newly placed grafts as this can have a negative impact on recovery and the final results of surgery. Sleeping properly helps patients heal properly and keeps the hair grafts intact.
Make Sure Your Sheets and Pillowcases Are Clean
For a comfortable night’s sleep and to prevent infection, it’s crucial that you have clean sheets and pillowcases. Make sure to use detergent free from allergens so you do not irritate or inflame the scalp as it heals.
Place a Soft Dark Towel Over Your Pillows
Some leakage from the scalp is common after hair restoration. To avoid staining your pillowcase and pillows, we recommend placing a soft, dark towel over your pillows. You’ll be able to rest easy, and won’t have to worry about staining your sheets.
Sleep With Your Head and Back Elevated
If possible, we recommend hair transplant patients at our NYC practice to sleep with their head and back slightly propped up with pillows. A 45 degree angle for the first three or four days tends to be best. This helps control post-surgical swelling and improves the healing process.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach can increase swelling. If you normally sleep on your stomach, we recommend temporarily switching your sleeping position for the sake of your hair transplant results.
Protect Your Scalp from Hitting Your Headboard
Hitting your scalp against your headboard as you heal can have a negative impact on your recovery. Because of this, we recommend placing a pillow between your head and the headboard. Little precautions like this can make a tremendous difference.
Maintain a Regular, Healthy Sleep Pattern
Getting a lot of rest after surgery is a good way to ensure you recover quickly and your body has the energy to heal. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep every night for the first week or so after surgery; resting is especially crucial in those first three or four nights following the procedure.
Returning to Normal Sleep Habits
By the end of 10 days, patients will be able to return to most normal physical activities, regular hair washing routines, and their typical sleeping position and habits. By this point, the hair grafts and the scalp will have healed sufficiently. This can vary from patient to patient, so be sure to follow instructions from your surgeon.
Learn More About Hair Restoration
For more information about hair restoration surgery and whether or not it’s an ideal option for you, be sure to contact our team of hair restoration and transplant surgeons. True & Dorin Medical Group can be reached in NYC at (212) 826-2525.
