What to Expect in Your First Week After a 2000 Graft Hair Transplant

Understanding the Immediate Post-Operative Phase

From a surgical perspective, the first week following a 2000 graft hair transplant is clinically significant. This is the period when the grafts stabilise, the vascular network re-establishes, and your body begins the natural healing cascade.

At My Hair UK, a 2000 graft procedure typically involves transplanting approximately 4,000 individual hairs. This sits in the mid-range of transplant sizes and usually costs around £3,699. The number of grafts extracted and implanted during surgery determines not only the cost but also the surface area that can be covered effectively, which in this case often targets either the frontal hairline and mid-scalp or a diffuse thinning pattern over the top of the scalp.

By the end of the surgery, small micro-incisions have been created and filled with follicular units. Each of these grafts must form a new blood supply to survive. This is why the early post-operative period demands very specific care and medical awareness. Patients frequently underestimate the physiological stress that even a minor surgical procedure like FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) imposes on the scalp. The tissue oedema, local inflammation, and subsequent repair processes can influence long-term outcomes.

Days 1–3: Crusting, Oedema, and Protective Protocols

During the first three days, the primary focus is on reducing inflammation and avoiding mechanical disruption of the grafts. You’ll be instructed to sleep with your head elevated—often at a 30 to 45 degree angle—to help minimise swelling, which commonly peaks around Day 2 or 3. Oedema can migrate to the forehead and even around the eyes. This is not unusual and typically resolves without intervention.

Tiny crusts will form at each graft site. These are coagulated plasma and serum, not scabs in the traditional sense. It's important not to pick or disturb them, as premature removal can lead to dislodged grafts or localised infection. A saline spray is usually recommended every 30–60 minutes during waking hours for the first three days. This helps maintain hydration of the graft sites and prevents hard crust formation. Patients who are compliant with saline irrigation protocols tend to have lower incidences of folliculitis and crust-associated complications, as evidenced in peer-reviewed studies on wound healing in skin grafts.

Days 4–5: Graft Anchoring and Scalp Recovery

By Day 4, the grafts are considered biologically secure. That is, they are unlikely to be physically dislodged by light contact. At this stage, a very gentle scalp washing technique using a medical-grade shampoo may be introduced. You’ll be given precise instructions on how to do this—typically involving a dabbing method rather than any scrubbing or rubbing.

This is also when most patients begin to feel more physically comfortable. The donor area may still feel tight, and in some cases, mild neuropraxia (temporary numbness) can persist. This is a benign effect related to superficial nerve irritation from the extraction sites and usually resolves over several weeks.

Some patients experience pruritus (itching), which is a normal feature of epithelial repair. It’s vital not to scratch. Instead, antihistamines or cooling sprays can help alleviate discomfort. This stage also coincides with the first signs of epithelial shedding from the transplanted grafts. This shedding is expected and forms part of the hair cycle. The follicle remains beneath the scalp, entering the telogen (resting) phase before anagen (growth) recommences in 2–4 months.

Days 6–7: Gradual Transition Back to Daily Activities

By the end of the first week, crusts should begin to naturally flake off. Patients who have followed correct aftercare instructions tend to see even shedding, healthy pink scalp beneath the crusts, and no signs of infection. If any crusts remain adherent by Day 7, they can usually be removed during the first in-clinic or virtual follow-up review, which is standard in most UK clinics offering FUE.

Most individuals can return to non-strenuous work within 5–7 days. Physical exercise, sun exposure, and the use of hair products are still not advised at this point. These could compromise graft viability or introduce contaminants to healing tissue. The follicles are still metabolically active but vulnerable. Patients often ask about wearing hats—this is usually permitted after Day 5, provided the hat does not apply direct pressure on the transplanted area.

The psychological component also becomes more apparent during this stage. Many patients experience a dip in mood due to the temporary aesthetic impact and the shedding of graft hairs. It's essential to remind yourself that this is part of the normal growth cycle. Studies on patient satisfaction post-FUE show that understanding the hair cycle can reduce anxiety and improve adherence to long-term care protocols.

Final Thoughts on Week One: Healing Versus Outcome

Your scalp will still be healing internally by the end of Week 1. The visible signs—reduced redness, fading crusts, and the initial shedding—are surface indicators of much deeper cellular activity. Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), keratinocyte migration, and collagen remodelling are all underway but invisible to the naked eye. These biological processes are key to anchoring the follicular units and creating a healthy environment for regrowth.

At My Hair UK, we often explain to patients that the real outcome of your 2000 graft transplant will not be evident for several months. But the groundwork is laid in the first seven days. By understanding what’s happening medically—not just visually—you can better appreciate the complexity of the procedure and why strict aftercare matters.

Patients are also reminded that pricing reflects more than graft numbers. Our £3,699 cost for 2000 grafts includes surgical expertise, individual graft handling under magnification, sterile conditions, and detailed post-op care. These are the factors that contribute to natural results and graft survival—not just the number of hairs moved from one site to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost in the UK?

At My Hair UK, the cost of a 2000 graft transplant is £3,699. This covers approximately 4,000 hairs and includes both the procedure and detailed aftercare support. Prices vary across the UK depending on clinic reputation, surgeon experience, and support services.

When Can I Wash My Hair After a 2000 Graft Transplant?

You can usually begin gentle washing from Day 4, using a prescribed shampoo and a dab-and-rinse technique. Avoid pressure or rubbing.

Is It Normal for the Transplanted Hairs to Fall Out?

Yes. Most transplanted hairs shed between Days 5 and 21. This is part of the normal cycle. The follicles remain viable beneath the skin and will begin to grow new hair after 2–4 months.

Can I Go Back to Work After a Week?

Most patients doing non-physical work can return after 5–7 days. Jobs involving sweat, sun exposure, or physical exertion may require more time off.

What Should My Scalp Look Like by Day 7?

By the end of the first week, the scalp may still appear pink, with some residual crusting. Most crusts begin to fall off naturally and the donor area begins to feel less tight.