The first week is when most patients fixate on doing the right thing. The protocol is simple, and the team will walk you through it before you leave the clinic. This page is the reference.
Sleep: on the special pillow we provide, head elevated 30–45 degrees. Sleep on your back for the first 3–7 nights to keep pressure off the recipient area.
Don’t touch the recipient area: grafts are delicate in the first 72 hours. No scratching, no rubbing, no caps that grip. The team will show you how to handle the area when you do need to touch it (cleaning around scabs, etc.).
Mild swelling around the forehead is normal and temporary, peaking around day 2–3. Cold compresses on the forehead (not on the grafts) help.
Pain: usually mild. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fine. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for at least 5 days post-op — they can increase bleeding risk and aren’t typically needed.
Most patients have their first official wash on day 3. The team will demonstrate the technique before discharge, and we provide a printed step-by-step. Key points:
Use the medical shampoo we provide for the first week. It’s gentle and designed for healing scalp.
No direct shower stream on the recipient for at least 7 days. Pour water from a cup over the area or let it run down from the back of your head.
Don’t rub. Apply shampoo with your fingertips in a gentle dabbing motion. Rinse the same way. The scabs will release on their own over days 7–14 — never pick them.
Day 1: rest. Light walking is fine. No flights longer than necessary.
Day 2–7: light activity. Walking, desk work, normal daily life. No heavy lifting, no leaning forward (gardening, etc.) which increases head pressure.
Week 2: moderate activity. Light cardio (treadmill, easy cycling). Start gentle stretching.
Week 3+: normal exercise. Heavy weights, contact sports, swimming. Anything that risks impact to the recipient area waits until week 4.
Sun exposure: avoid direct sun on the recipient area for the first 2 weeks. Wear a loose hat outdoors. Once scabs have cleared (day 10–14), normal sun exposure is fine but use sunscreen on the area for the first 6 months.
Alcohol and smoking: avoid alcohol for 48 hours post-op (slows healing, worsens swelling). Avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks post-op (constricts blood flow, hurts graft survival).
If anything looks unexpected during recovery, call the clinic directly at (905) 236-1048. We’d rather check in early on something minor than miss something that needs attention.