A hair transplant in Turkey means better self-confidence. As a sports enthusiast, you naturally want to do something for your physical fitness quickly and resume your usual sporting activities. But can you exercise after a hair transplant surgery?
Can you do sports after a hair transplant?
After the procedure at Cosmedica with Dr Acar, you will be mentally fit the very next day. You can start exercising again just two weeks after the hair transplant. In order not to slow down the healing process, you should take a few things into consideration.
Direct sunlight
After the procedure, the hair follicles are sensitive to the sun. The scalp dries out. UV radiation damages the transplanted hair follicles. Therefore, you should protect your scalp from the sun with loose-fitting caps or hoods for the first few days after the procedure.
When you resume your sport exercises after a hair transplant, you should not wear any headgear because sweat forms increasingly under the tissue, delaying the healing process.
Strenuous exercise
Intense training also leads to increased sweating. The risk of infection increases which delays the healing. You should never wipe off your sweat, but carefully dab it. Indeed, the wiping movements can tear the hair roots that are not yet sufficiently anchored from the scalp.
Follow the doctor’s instructions
Before the hair transplant procedure at the Cosmedica Clinic, Dr Acar will give you information about the necessary aftercare. Care for the scalp with special moisturising sprays and lotions to support blood circulation to the hair follicles. Regular cleansing of the scalp with a mild cleaning lotion will accelerate the growth of the hair follicles.
How long should I wait before doing sports and exercise?
You should not exercise for the first four days after the hair transplant. The hair roots need time to grow firmly and receive sufficient nutrients and oxygen. You can start a light exercise routine two weeks after the procedure. When it comes to strenuous strength training, you should only resume it after at least four weeks.
What sports can I practice after a hair transplant?
In the first weeks after the hair transplant, you should practice only light exercise. Jogging and Nordic walking are no problem. You also need to avoid wearing headgear.
Some types of exercise, such as football, can be risky in some situations. If the jersey is pulled over the head too quickly, the hair roots can be torn out of the recipient area.
Also, the grafts can be damaged by a hard impact of the ball. They die easily after a bruise. Therefore, you should avoid headers should until three months after the hair transplant at the earliest. The hair grafts can also be damaged and die from blows and scratches during fouls.
You should also avoid contact sports during the first three months after your hair transplant to favor a healthy hair growth.
You need to avoid swimming and sunbathing for the first four months. The hair follicles are particularly sensitive to UV radiation from the sun. A wide fisherman’s hat can protect the transplanted hair from the sun.
Salty seawater or chlorinated water in swimming pools will cause the hair follicles to die. Natural water contains germs that increase the risk of infection.
When visiting the gym, make sure you do not lean your head on any equipment. The hair implants are sensitive to pressure. There is a high risk of hair loss when exercising on weight lifting equipment such as the weight bench or leg press. Pilates and yoga exercises can also damage the newly transplanted hair roots through pressure.
What should you pay attention to when exercising after a hair transplant?
At Cosmedica, Dr. Acar uses modern minimally invasive methods for hair transplantation. You will feel fit again immediately, but should still avoid heavy physical exertion in order not to prolong the necessary regeneration time for the hair follicles. Exercises you make after a few weeks should not be too strenuous to avoid sweating. By taking appropriate precautions during sports, a faster recovery can be expected.
FAQ
Yes, you can start exercising two weeks after the hair transplant, but you must take certain precautions. Avoid direct sunlight and strenuous exercise to not impede the healing process. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
You should avoid exercising for the first four days post-transplantation. You can resume light exercise after two weeks, while strenuous strength training should wait at least four weeks to allow hair roots to properly settle.
Avoid football due to potential graft damage from impacts and jersey pulls. Do not swim or sunbathe for the first four months to protect sensitive hair follicles from UV radiation and water contaminants. Be cautious at the gym to avoid pressure on new implants.
Despite feeling fit soon after the procedure, avoid heavy physical exertion to not prolong the hair follicle’s regeneration time. You should resume exercise gradually and not be too strenuous to prevent excessive sweating and ensure faster recovery.
