Can Hot Summer Weather Negatively Affect My Hair Transplant?
Hair transplant surgery is an excellent solution for men and women with a sparse, thinning hairline. A hair transplant effectively fills bald spots and restores the volume and thickness of the hair. Hair transplant surgery results successfully enhance a person’s appearance and renews their self-confidence.
While a hair transplant offers promising results, recovery and aftercare are vital to getting the most out of treatment. With the excessive heat in Houston this year, people may wonder, “Can hot summer weather negatively affect my hair transplant?” Dr. Bernardino A. Arocha of Arocha Hair Restoration & Transplant Center in Houston, TX, prepares patients for how weather can affect transplant recovery and offers tips to promote successful results of a summer hair transplant.
Effects of Hot Weather on Hair Transplant Recovery
The country has been experiencing excessive heat waves in the past several weeks. With Houston reaching temperatures in the 90s as early as May, it will likely remain an unusually hot summer. The temperature combined with high humidity levels and excessive sunshine can make for uncomfortable weather conditions.
Hot summer weather may be particularly concerning for recent or soon-to-be hair transplant patients. Hot weather can affect hair transplant recovery in a few ways, including:
- Excessive sweating - Sweating is the body’s natural cooling system, so in hot weather, people are likely to sweat excessively. Sweat on the scalp makes it difficult to keep a hair transplant surgical site dry and clean. Sweat can also increase irritation and discomfort after a hair transplant.
- Inflammation - Inflammation is a common side effect of any surgical procedure. While swelling is normal, heat can aggravate inflammation and slow post-transplant recovery.
- Skin damage - The sun emits UV rays that damage the skin. The scalp’s skin is sensitive to damage during hair transplant recovery. Sun exposure during this time increases the risk of sunburn and other skin damage, which could prevent the transplant site from accepting transplanted hair follicles.
Aftercare Tips for Summer Hair Transplant Patients
Hot summer weather increases the risk of hair transplant recovery complications. However, by taking proper precautions, our Houston patients can protect their scalp and promote healing after a summer hair transplant. We advise patients to follow these aftercare tips for summer hair transplant patients:
- Closely follow all post-surgical care instructions
- Avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks after a hair transplant
- Wear a hat for the first six months after a hair transplant (refrain from wearing a hat the first week of recovery and avoid applying sunscreen to the scalp until incisions are completely healed)
- Whenever possible, use fans or air conditioning to keep your recovery area cool
- Stay hydrated to reduce swelling
Scheduling a Hair Transplant
Individuals scheduling a hair transplant should consider why the fall, spring, and winter are best for hair transplant surgery. Temperate temperatures in the spring and fall and cooler winter weather make these seasons ideal for recovering from a hair transplant without worrying how heat, sweat, and harsh UV rays can compromise treatment results.
Contact Us
Dr. Bernardino A. Arocha offers hair restoration techniques that effectively restore a fuller, thicker hairline. To learn more about hair transplant surgery, what to expect from recovery, or the best time to undergo treatment, contact our hair restoration center and schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.