Turkey hair transplant recovery is easy when you know what’s normal — and when something needs attention.
This page focuses only on the first 14 days (day-by-day), because that’s when most people feel anxious.
- Day 0 to Day 14: what to expect
- What’s normal vs not normal (fast checklist)
- Simple rules that protect grafts
If you want the full timeline (Week 1 → Month 12 growth milestones), use the long guide here:
https://www.hwtclinic.com/blog/en/hair-transplant-recovery-timeline/
Quick Recovery Rules (first 10 days)
Your goal is simple: protect grafts, reduce swelling, and avoid infection risks.
- ✅ First 72 hours: no pressure, no rubbing, no scratching
- ✅ Sleep: elevated head, avoid contact with the recipient area
- ✅ Washing: follow the clinic’s washing schedule exactly
- ✅ No gym/heavy sweating: minimum 10–14 days
- ✅ Avoid alcohol/smoking: ideally 7–14 days (longer is better)
- ✅ Sun: avoid direct sun on the scalp for several weeks
- ✅ Medications: take antibiotics/pain relief only as prescribed
Day-by-day recovery: Days 0–14
Recovery varies slightly by patient and technique — but the stages below are consistent for most people.
Day 0 (procedure day)
- Scalp feels tight and sensitive
- Mild bleeding/oozing can happen early
- You’ll get instructions for sleeping + medications
Day 1
- Swelling may start (forehead is common)
- Protect grafts: no touching, no scratching
- Donor area can feel sore/tight
Day 2–3
- Swelling often peaks during this window
- Redness continues; donor area may still be uncomfortable
- Sleep elevated and avoid bending forward
Day 4–5
- Scabbing begins to form in the recipient area
- Itching may increase (do not scratch)
- Gentle washing continues as instructed
Day 6–7
- Scabs become more visible
- Recipient area can look “rough” — this is normal
- Donor area usually starts looking calmer
Day 8–10
- Scabs start softening and gradually lifting
- Redness often reduces for many patients
- Donor area looks more “normal” each day
Day 11–14
- Most scabs are gone or nearly gone
- Grafts are more stable — but still treat the scalp gently
- Many people return to normal social life around this point
What’s normal vs not normal (fast check)
Usually normal:
- Swelling (first few days)
- Redness and scabbing (first 1–2 weeks)
- Itching (especially when scabs form)
- Mild soreness in the donor area
Not normal (contact your clinic):
- Increasing pain after day 3–4
- Fever or chills
- Pus, strong odor, or spreading redness
- Sudden severe swelling or allergic reactions
Common worries in the first 14 days
“My forehead is swollen — is that normal?”
Yes, swelling is common in the first few days. It typically shifts downward (forehead area) and improves gradually.
“It’s itchy — can I scratch?”
No. Itching is normal, but scratching can damage grafts. Follow washing instructions and keep hands off the recipient area.
“The scabs look thick — should I pick them?”
No. Never pick scabs. They should soften and lift gradually with gentle washing as instructed.
Simple rules that make recovery easier
- Sleep elevated for the first few nights
- Wash gently (never pick scabs)
- Avoid heavy workouts/sweating for 10–14 days
- Protect scalp from sun exposure
- Follow medication instructions exactly
Continue your timeline (Week 3 → Month 12)
This page intentionally stops at Day 14 to stay focused.
For shedding phase, growth milestones, and what to expect up to Month 12, use:
https://www.hwtclinic.com/blog/en/hair-transplant-recovery-timeline/
Related guides
Ready to plan your recovery properly?
If you want a structured plan (safe graft range + aftercare guidance), start here: https://www.hwtclinic.com/hair-transplant-cost-in-turkey/
Then contact our team via WhatsApp to get started.
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