How to Sleep After a Hair Transplant Without Ruining It
Sleeping is the most stressful part of the first few days post-op. Master the art of the 45-degree angle and protect your new grafts through the night.
The Challenge of Sleeping Post-Op
You survived the surgery, you made it back to your hotel or home, and now you are exhausted. But you can't just lay down normally. Sleeping incorrectly during the first week is one of the leading causes of graft loss and severe facial swelling. You must adjust your sleeping position to protect the recipient area from friction and the donor area from excessive pressure.
The Golden Rule: Sleep Elevated at 45 Degrees
For the first 5 to 7 days, you must sleep on your back, elevated at a 45-degree angle. Why? First, keeping your head above your heart prevents the anesthetic fluids injected during surgery from pooling in your forehead and eyes (which causes the infamous post-op "alien head" swelling). Second, sleeping upright prevents the newly implanted grafts on the top of your head from touching the pillow or headboard.
Use a Neck Pillow
Your clinic will likely provide an inflatable or memory foam travel neck pillow (the kind you use on airplanes). This is your best friend. Wrap it around your neck. It stabilizes your head, preventing you from accidentally turning onto your side or stomach while you sleep.
When Can You Sleep Normally?
By day 10, the grafts are firmly rooted, and the scabs have typically been washed away. At this point, the risk of dislodging a graft is minimal. You can usually return to sleeping on your side or stomach after two weeks, but always consult with your specific doctor before making the transition.