With the growing hair problems, hair transplant has emerged as a preferred treatment option that helps restore hair as well as confidence. After a hair transplant, the body needs ample time to recover before forcing it to undergo the stresses of travel. Before resuming the normal routine, including travel, individuals should be aware of tips and precautions, particularly regarding travelling after a hair transplant. Thus, opting for a hair transplant is a vital decision that requires meticulous planning for undergoing the procedure and also for the recovery process. Travel is an inevitable part of life, as individuals need to travel either for work, family, or leisure. Extra caution is mandatory while traveling after a hair transplant to make sure that the newly transplanted grafts properly heal and the outcome of this procedure is not compromised. To make their travel experience safe and smooth after transplant, individuals just need to keep a few tips and precautions in mind.
Planning Hair Transplant Trip
Patients who have chosen to undergo a hair transplant at a clinic in a different city should make an effort to arrive in the city one day before the scheduled date of their hair transplant. This will ensure that patients receive proper rest, and they will be fresh and energized while undergoing hair transplant procedures. To ensure hassle-free treatment, patients should book the appointment a month in advance. Besides, they need to discuss the treatment and procedure with their surgeon, as they should be aware of the surgery duration, the number of sessions required for the transplant, and the recovery time. Discussing these details with the surgeon will help patients to plan their travel.
Best Time to Travel After Hair Transplant
Patients after hair transplants are required to take proper rest and care for proper healing and should always stick to their surgeon’s advice. The healing process for every patient varies depending on the hair transplant procedure and the severity of the problem in each patient. Thus, every patient will have a specific healing time, and their surgeon will be the best person to advise them on the best time to travel. Before surgery, patients should travel one day in advance, and after surgery, they need to avoid travelling for at least 24 to 48 hours because, in normal conditions, the scalp needs this much time to settle, and the first dressing is also usually carried out within this period. Although a surgeon who has done the transplant will be the better person to advise patients on travelling after a hair transplant.
Important Precautions to Take While Travelling After Hair Transplant
Though travelling after a hair transplant is generally safe, patients need to be careful while selecting the mode of travel and the time to travel. The transplanted hair follicles need a few days to adjust to their new place. After the surgery, the scalp becomes sensitive and takes some time to recover. Travelling is tiresome and stressful, and travelling after a hair transplant requires precautions and extra care to avoid causing any damage to the scalp. Patients travelling after hair transplant need to keep some general tips and precautions in mind.
- Preparation is Key – Patients are advised to seek proper travelling guidance from their surgeon, who will brief them about the precautions they have to keep in mind while traveling. The surgeon will guide them on how to prepare their scalp the things which they need to pack and measures they should adopt while travelling.
- Protect Scalp Areas – Patients need to be cautious of both the donor and recipient areas of the scalp that are in the healing phase. They should avoid touching these areas and protect them from any bump or hit.
- Keep the Scalp Moist – After hair transplant surgery, patients are advised to keep the scalp moist, especially while travelling if they have sweating issues. Patients are often advised by the doctor to keep a spray bottle and use it frequently to moisten the scalp in case of excessive sweating.
- Take Proper Rest – Patients are advised to properly sleep and stay relaxed during the trip because tiredness can slow the healing process.
Tips for Flying after Hair Transplant
Flying is the preferred mode of travelling, particularly for long-distance travel. Patients after hair transplants need to be careful while flying, as flights sometimes take 10-12 hours, so patients need to be cautious while flying to enjoy a safe and comfortable journey.
- Carry a Comfortable U-Neck Pillow – Patients flying after a hair transplant should carry a comfortable pillow to protect the donor area and keep their heads off the seat. This will also help them nap comfortably and prevent contact with the seat on the plane.
- Prefer a Window Seat – Patients while flying should always prefer a window seat because then they will have less chance of people brushing against their heads in the aisle.
- Carry Less Luggage – Patients are advised not to carry heavy luggage while travelling, because travelling with less luggage means less stress and they will avoid straining their scalp.
- Tips while Traveling by Car
- Many times, patients prefer to travel by car, as this gives them flexibility and convenience while travelling. Despite moving by car, patients still have to follow some instructions to ensure their safety and security while travelling. They need to keep the following tips in mind:
- Head Position – Patients should be extra careful in the car and should avoid leaning their head against the headrest, especially during the first few days. The pressure caused by this can dislodge grafts and hence patients should use a comfortable neck pillow to keep their head slightly elevated.
- Take Short Breaks – Patients travelling a long distance by car should make frequent stops to stretch and avoid prolonged sitting. Sitting for long hours at a stretch can increase swelling in the scalp.
- Maintains Coolness – While travelling by car, patients should keep the car cool and prevent their scalp from receiving direct airflow from vents.
Tips for Traveling by Train or Bus
Patients after hair transplants need to follow the tips and precautions while travelling by train or bus to ensure proper healing of their scalp.
- Crowd Avoidance – Patients should choose to travel during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, as public transport is usually crowded. Travelling in a crowded train or bus can expose them to germs or accidental bumps.
- Comfort – Patients need to be careful while selecting a seat on the bus and train and should always prefer a window seat to rest their head sideways using a pillow rather than resting their head at the back.
- Hygiene – Maintaining proper hygiene is vital for patients, and hence they should carry hand sanitizer and avoid touching their scalp with unhygienic hands.
Final Thoughts
Patients who need to travel after a hair transplant for any reason should not panic and should plan. In addition to this, they need to prioritize scalp care and avoid infection or injury to protect their grafts and minimize swelling. Following some tips and precautions while travelling will help patients safely and smoothly travel and enjoy their journey while safeguarding the investment they have made in their appearance. With little patience and care, patients can get back to their regular travel routine and reap the maximum benefits of a hair transplant.
