What are the activity and exposure restrictions for a patient 45 days after a hair transplantation?

Activity Restrictions 45 Days After Hair Transplant

At 45 days post-hair transplant, you have minimal remaining restrictions and can resume virtually all normal activities, including heavy weightlifting and vigorous exercise. The critical healing period for the transplanted grafts is complete, and you are well beyond the timeframes when complications typically occur.

Timeline-Based Restrictions (What You've Already Passed)

Critical Early Period (Days 1-14)

• Heavy weightlifting (>5 pounds) was prohibited for the first 2 weeks to avoid increased intrathoracic pressure and scalp blood flow that could dislodge grafts 1
• Activities causing straining (Valsalva maneuver) such as heavy squats, deadlifts, or overhead presses needed to be avoided during this period 1
• This restriction period has long passed for you at 45 days post-procedure

Graduated Return Period (Weeks 2-4)

• Light resistance training with weights under 10 pounds could begin after 2 weeks 1
• Intensity progression of no more than 10% per week was recommended during weeks 2-4 1
• You are now well beyond this graduated return phase

Current Status at 45 Days

Physical Activity

• You can now engage in unrestricted physical activity, including heavy weightlifting, high-intensity exercise, and contact sports
• The transplanted follicular units are firmly anchored by this point, with graft survival determined within the first 2-3 weeks 2, 3
• Normal hair growth typically becomes visible around 3-4 months, with full results expected by 9 months 4

Scalp Care Considerations

• Avoid direct trauma to the transplanted area (e.g., hitting your head, aggressive scratching) as this remains prudent even after healing 5, 2
• Normal shampooing, styling, and hair care activities are fully permitted 3
• Sun protection for the scalp is advisable if you have thinning areas, though this is a general recommendation rather than a specific post-transplant restriction 4

Monitoring for Late Complications

What to Watch For

• Sterile folliculitis is the most common late complication, occurring in approximately 7% of patients 2
• Numbness or altered sensation in donor or recipient areas may persist but typically resolves over months 2
• Recipient area effluvium (temporary shedding) can occur but is uncommon at this stage 2

When to Contact Your Surgeon

• Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, purulent drainage) 2
• Unexpected hair loss in transplanted areas 2
• Persistent pain or swelling beyond what was initially present 5

Ongoing Medical Management

Continue any prescribed medical therapy (minoxidil, finasteride) as hair transplantation does not stop the underlying pattern hair loss process 3, 4. The transplanted hairs are permanent, but non-transplanted native hairs remain susceptible to androgenetic alopecia.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not discontinue medical therapy thinking the transplant has "cured" your hair loss—the procedure only relocates permanent hair, it doesn't prevent future loss of non-transplanted hair 4
• Avoid unrealistic expectations about density—most patients require 35-45 follicular units per square centimeter for adequate coverage, and some may need additional sessions 4
• Don't judge final results before 9-12 months post-procedure, as transplanted hairs undergo a growth cycle that takes time 4