If you’ve been dreaming of a fuller hairline, now is the time to start planning your treatment. Cosmetic procedures are especially popular at this time of year, and hair transplants are no exception — the holiday season offers the perfect window for healing before you head back to the office.
At RVA Regenerative Wellness, we can help you reclaim the confidence that comes with thick, healthy hair. Jennylle Zanzi, FNP-C offers Direct Hair Implantation® (DHI), an advanced hair restoration technique known for its precision and minimal downtime.
Here’s what to know if you’re considering a hair transplant before the holidays.
Other common types of hair transplant surgery, such as follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE), require a provider to make small incisions in the scalp before placing the new hairs. DHI streamlines the process by combining both steps into one.
With DHI, we individually extract hair follicles from a donor area of your scalp and use a specialized, pen-like tool to implant them immediately upon extraction. This means that the sensitive hair grafts spend much less time outside the protective environment of the body, increasing their survival rate.
Because the DHI method offers complete control over the depth and angle of every hair, Jennylle can ensure the new growth flows naturally with your existing hair. The tiny, self-contained incisions created by the pen cause minimal damage to the scalp, which allows for a quicker, more comfortable recovery period.
No hair transplant procedure offers immediate results. The first week after treatment typically involves some mild swelling and scabbing at the donor and transplant sites, which is why many people take advantage of upcoming holiday vacation days to manage the most visible stages of healing.
After the initial healing period, the transplanted hair enters the shedding phase, called “shock loss”, usually between weeks two and four. Don’t panic — this is a necessary and expected part of the process that indicates the follicles are resetting and preparing for long-term growth.
New hairs begin to emerge and thicken at around four to six months, but it may take 12 to 18 months to achieve full density. By starting your journey now, you’re able to dedicate the quieter winter months to recovery and take on next year’s holiday season with confidence.
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the success of your hair transplant, and the holidays can present some unique challenges. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Don’t let holiday travel plans get in the way of the specific aftercare instructions you receive during your procedure. Remember to pack any specialized products Jennylle recommends for your current stage of recovery, such as prescription shampoos, moisturizers, or medications, and consider a neck pillow to keep your head elevated and prevent rubbing on car or plane seats.
The festive season often means crowded rooms and close interactions, so be mindful of the transplant area in social settings to avoid introducing bacteria or damaging the grafts. It’s best to refrain from alcohol for the first few weeks, as it can increase swelling and slow the healing process.
While it can be tempting to throw on a hat to stay warm or conceal the initial scabbing, you must avoid tight head coverings for at least two to three weeks after your hair transplant. Tight hats can easily dislodge new grafts, and the moisture from a sweaty scalp may impede recovery.
Don’t wait until the New Year — beat the holiday rush and begin your journey to thicker, fuller hair today. Call or click to schedule your consultation at RVA Regenerative Wellness in Midlothian, Virginia, and find out if DHI hair transplants are the right choice for you.
