What to Expect After Getting Hair Implants?

It starts with a glance in the mirror—a slow dawning that your hairline is no longer where it used to be. You’ve tried the oils, the serums, even the ancient home remedies of your heritage. But your hair continued to thin. So you made the bold move of doing something more permanent. You opted for hair implants, not desperation, but as a firm step toward reclaiming your appearance. But now that the procedure is done, a new question forms in your mind. What to expect after getting hair implants?

This blog takes you through that very process—what to expect following the procedure, what is usual, what isn’t, and how to treat your new hair as it acclimatizes. At Dr. Afsheen Bilal’s clinic, ARB, we think that transformation is just the start. Knowledge of what is to come is the key to a successful and fulfilling outcome.

The First 24–48 Hours: Healing Begins

Right after your hair transplant procedure, your scalp might feel tight or sensitive. Small scabs will develop around each graft—this is all normal and a part of recovery. Patients at the clinic of Dr. Afsheen Bilal are given individualized post-procedure instructions to handle these initial days with care.
Swelling, especially on the eyes or forehead, may happen but will usually subside within a few days. Elevation of the head at night and cold compresses may relieve pain.
Key Tip: Don’t touch, scratch, or wash the scalp now to prevent dislodging the grafts.

Days 3–7: Scab Shedding & Gentle Washing

On the third day, you can begin washing your scalp gently with a mild doctor-prescribed shampoo. Avoid direct water pressure—rinse off gently with lukewarm water in a cup slowly.
Scabs will begin to naturally fall off during this phase. Don’t pick at them—allow them to naturally fall off. This phase will appear a bit untidy, but it’s a sign that healing is progressing as it should.
In our practice, patients are taught how to clean without compromising graft integrity. Good aftercare can come a long way in deciding the final outcome.

Weeks 2–4: Shedding Phase (Don’t Panic)

Probably the most misunderstood aspect of hair replacement is the “shedding phase”—when implanted hairs start to fall out. It can be frustrating, but it’s completely normal and even necessary.
What is happening is this: the follicles enter the resting stage, releasing the implanted hairs temporarily. The root stays intact under the skin, waiting for the next stage—growth.
Shedding is not failure. In Dr. Afsheen Bilal’s clinic, we make sure to prepare patients psychologically for this phase, letting them know that patience is the key and results are gradually on the move.

Months 2–4: The Waiting Game

This is usually the most emotionally difficult time. With minimal seeming growth and memories of shedding still new, patients often become anxious. But below the surface, the hair follicles are working diligently to change from sleep to active growth.
Others will even see soft baby hair appearing at this time. They are soft and lighter when they first appear, but they’re harbingers of life—a silent portent of things to come.
With the nutritious diet, leaving smoking, and following the recommendations of your dermatologist, you can facilitate this process of transition.

Months 5–8: Visible Results & Natural Texture

By this time, hair growth begins to show openly. You begin to get new hairs that accrue density as well as texture. You see:

• Greater density in previously declining regions
  
• More seamless blending between implanted and natural hair
  
• Greater confidence with every passing month
  

By month 8, much of the end result is apparent. Frequent consultations with Dr. Afsheen Bilal keep things in check and any issues resolved. Adjustments to your hair care regimen may be recommended to facilitate ongoing growth.

Months 9–12: Final Results & Freedom of Styling

A year goes by, and all the patients get their final results. The hair is denser, thicker, and behaves exactly like your own. You can cut it, style it, even dye it—your new hair is permanent.
What sets the Dr. Afsheen Bilal experience at ARB apart is the follow-up care far beyond the treatment. From suggesting the perfect hair serums to providing scalp treatments for extra care, we’re dedicated to making sure your results not only meet but also surpass expectations.

Last Thoughts: Confidence in Waves

Hair implants aren’t merely about restoring hair—it’s about restoring confidence. It’s not a miracle that happens overnight, though. It’s a harmoniously balanced process of healing, patience, and advancement. Having an idea of what to anticipate after hair implants sets you up to welcome each step with wisdom and serenity.
At Dr. Afsheen Bilal’s clinic, ARB, each patient is given more than a procedure—our team gives you a journey to transformation guided by a caring hand. With experienced dermatological expertise, state-of-the-art techniques, and caring attitudes, your journey to thicker hair is one that you can rely on every step of the way.

Want to start your own hair restoration journey?
Book an appointment with Dr. Afsheen Bilal today and begin constructing toward long-term outcomes—because your confidence should return as well.