Reviewed against our editorial standards and medical review policy. Procedures at Clinic Elia are carried out under physician supervision at Acıbadem. General information, not personal medical advice.
A hair transplant grows in over twelve to eighteen months — and the year that follows surgery matters as much as the day itself. Here is how follow-up works at Clinic Elia, stage by stage, so you are never left wondering whether what you are seeing is normal.
Aftercare should not mean a one-line “it’s normal, wait.” Good follow-up means your photos are looked at against your recovery stage and your plan — so you get a real answer, and you always know who to contact.
How follow-up works
Before you fly home, you leave with written aftercare instructions and a way to reach your team. On the check-in points below, you send photos, your recovery is compared with where it should be at that stage, and you are told clearly what to expect next. If something needs attention, you will know.
The night of surgeryday 0
You rest with your head slightly elevated, following the instructions you were given. Mild tightness and some swelling are normal. Your team is reachable if you are unsure about anything.
Days 1–3early healing
A photo of the donor and recipient areas.
That swelling and redness are settling as expected and that washing is being done correctly.
Some swelling — occasionally around the forehead — and small crusts beginning to form around each graft.
Days 7–10crusting clears
Photos as the crusts flake away.
That crusts are clearing on schedule and the donor area is healing well. Never pick the crusts — they fall away on their own.
By around day ten to fourteen the crusts have gone and most people are back to normal routines.
Weeks 3–8: shock lossthe shedding phase
The transplanted hairs shed. This “shock loss” is completely normal and expected — the follicle survives beneath the skin and will regrow. It is the stage patients worry about most, which is exactly why check-ins continue here.
You send photos and are reassured against the timeline — so a normal, expected phase is never mistaken for a failed result.
Months 3–6: new growthit begins
Progress photos, ideally in similar light and angle each time.
New growth starts to appear from around month three to four and thickens through month six. Early growth can look fine and patchy — this is normal and evens out.
Months 9–12: your resultmaturing
Your maturing result at the nine- and twelve-month marks.
Density builds and the hair looks and behaves like your own. The final result matures at twelve to eighteen months; the crown can take a little longer.
When to seek help sooner
Serious problems after a hair transplant are uncommon, but you should not wait for a scheduled check-in if you notice any of the following. Contact your clinic, and if you cannot reach anyone or feel unwell, seek local medical care:
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure.
- Spreading redness, warmth or swelling, or any pus or discharge.
- A fever or feeling generally unwell in the days after surgery.
- Pain that is severe or not controlled by the medication you were given.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions your clinic gives you.
Find out what is realistic for you
Send a few photos on WhatsApp. A physician reviews them personally, and you get a straight opinion on your options, how many grafts the area would need, and what the result can and cannot look like. No obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does aftercare last?
Twelve months — structured remote check-ins across the full growth cycle, supported under physician supervision.
What support do I get once I am home?
A direct line to your team and scheduled follow-ups, so problems are caught early and you always know what is normal.
Is shock loss normal?
Yes — transplanted hairs shed around weeks 3–8 and regrow. See the full recovery timeline.
When can I wash or exercise?
Gentle washing from day 2–3; avoid heavy exercise ~2 weeks and swimming ~2–4 weeks, following your team’s advice.
What if I notice a problem after I fly home?
Contact your team promptly via WhatsApp; for signs of infection, seek local medical care and let us know.
Do you check my progress over the year?
Yes — remote reviews track your recovery against your plan.
Are the before-and-after photos real?
Not always — See how to read a before-and-after honestly.
Continue reading
Questions about a stage of recovery?
If you are a patient, use the contact details you were given. If you are still deciding, send a few photos on WhatsApp for a free, honest assessment — and ask us exactly how follow-up would work for you before you commit. See also the full recovery timeline and your hair transplant journey.