Almost every patient worries about something in the first fortnight. Most of it is completely normal healing. Knowing what to expect makes the wait far easier.
Normal and temporary
- Swelling of the forehead, often peaking on day two or three and settling within a week.
- Redness in the recipient area, fading over two to four weeks (longer in fair skin).
- Scabs around each graft that soften and fall away by day 7–10 with correct washing.
- Itching in the second week as the skin heals — do not scratch.
- Numbness or tingling that gradually returns to normal.
- Shock loss — transplanted hairs falling out between weeks two and six. The follicle remains.
Less common, usually manageable
Small pimple-like bumps (folliculitis) as new hairs push through around months two to four, mild temporary thinning of nearby native hair, and a slightly visible donor area if hair is cut very short. These are treated simply when reviewed early.
Want your own graft count and price in writing?Free trichoscopy consultation at Sector 11, Rohini. About 30 minutes, no obligation.
Book free consultation Call your clinic if you notice
- Redness that spreads or becomes hot and painful
- Pus or a bad smell
- Fever
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
How to reduce the risks
Choose a qualified surgeon working in a proper operation theatre, follow the washing and sleeping instructions, avoid smoking and alcohol around surgery, and keep your review appointments. At HRG you get a WhatsApp line for the questions that come up at 11 PM — because they always do.
