The desire for a full, thick head of hair is often about more than aesthetics — it’s about feeling like yourself again. And thanks to modern hair restoration options, that boost in confidence and self-image is at your fingertips.
At RVA Regenerative Wellness in Midlothian, Virginia, you’ll find a range of effective solutions for increasing hair density and growth. Jennylle Zanzi, FNP-C, specializes in Direct Hair Implantation® (DHI), a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that harvests and places individual follicles for maximum precision without downtime.
Are you considering a hair transplant? Keep reading to learn about the straightforward recovery process and impressive results you can achieve with DHI.
Because DHI uses local anesthesia and tiny tools for follicle extraction and implantation, you can typically resume most light, everyday activities immediately after your procedure.
For the first two to three days, however, you may notice some mild discomfort and swelling around the treated areas of your scalp. This is normal and typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
At home, your job is protecting those delicate new grafts. Sleep with your head elevated for the first couple of nights to minimize swelling, such as in a recliner or with several extra pillows propping you up.
It’s crucial to avoid touching or picking at the newly transplanted hairs, as they are extremely fragile at this stage. For the same reason, refrain from wearing hats or other headwear during this period.
After the first few days, you should see a noticeable reduction in swelling. Small scabs may form in both the donor area (where the follicles were taken) and the transplant area — these are a natural part of the healing process.
Itching is common, but resist the urge to scratch or rub. Instead, use a saline (salt water) spray to hydrate the area. Jennylle provides you with instructions on how to properly wash and care for your hair to ensure your grafts remain undisturbed. Things to avoid in this first week include strenuous activity, excessive sweating, and direct sun exposure on the scalp.
Around two to four weeks post-procedure, many patients experience what’s known as shock loss. During this phase, the transplanted hairs may shed, along with some existing hairs.
This is a common, temporary reaction as the follicles adjust and prepare for robust new growth. It’s an expected part of the hair transplant process and nothing to be concerned about.
By the end of the first month, any lingering redness, scabs, or crusting should fade. However, this stage does require some patience, as the initial growth tends to be fairly fine and sparse.
Don’t be discouraged if your hair doesn’t look as thick as you imagined yet — beneath the surface, the transplanted follicles are busy establishing their blood supply and developing into stronger, thicker strands.
Once the initial growth phase begins, your new hairs continue their transformation. Each strand gets stronger and thicker, integrating with the existing hair for a cohesive, natural look.
While most patients see noticeable improvements in volume and density around six months to one year after treatment, it may take 12-18 months for your hair to reach its full potential.
If you’re ready to start exploring your options for hair restoration, contact RVA Regenerative Wellness today. Book your consultation with Jennylle to discuss your goals and find a solution that’s right for you.
