Question:
I am about to have my hair transplanted (stage 1-2 on the Norwood hair loss scale) in New York where I live. I was told I should refrain from physical activity for 7 to 10 days. Can I go back to doing intense physycal activity afterwards? I'm particularly concerned about swimming, diving, gymnastics etc. Since these sports involve your new transplanted hair to be in contact with chlorine or to receive some sort of traumas (diving off a platform, etc.), should I be concerned about it? Even after the 6 to 9 months wait for results, is there any way the new hair will be affected from being in the water. Can it get weaker and fall out?
Answer:
Every hair restoration physician has their own postoperative instructions and timelines for when it's acceptable to resume certain activities. However, as a general rule, you should avoid physical exercise for the first 10 days. Upon resuming regular work outs, start easy and gradually work your way back to normal over a period of a couple months. Use common sense and avoid any activities that may put a strain on the hair transplant donor area. Swimming should be avoided for at least 2 weeks to a month (check with your hair loss doctor since instructions vary). After this initial period, you can safely resume water activities. Also, chlorine won't harm your transplanted hair.
Certain diving techniques, land acrobatics, and physical fitness activities may involve putting your head in positions that can potentially strain the donor area. For instance, you want to avoid any exercise that promotes touching your chest with your chin or any head down positions for a couple of months. Ultimately, use common sense. If you feel any strain or pulling on the sides and back of your head, avoid the exercise and move onto something else.