Next week I will begin to work out again--I cannot wait-- at almost my 6-week mark post op.

I plan on taking it relatively easy for the first couple of weeks to a month to get my body back into shape, then would like to get back into my normal routine. I work out very intensely on free weights 6-days a week and cardio three times a week.

My question is regarding the scar:
1. Will there be any negative effects on the scar when I begin to work out intensely at the 10-week mark?
2. Should I wait longer than 10-weeks to work out hard?
3. Can I go back to my normal routine at the 6-week mark?
4. How did your scar turn out

Personal experiences and suggestions are appreciated. Also, docs with their recommendations would be helpful!

Thanks,
Eman

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E-man,

There's not exactly a hard fast rule to live by on this. In my opinion, start out gradual and use logic. If you feel any strain on the donor area, stop the exercise and do something else or lessen the weight.

Honestly, I didn't start doing regular bench press until after 3 months because the donor area felt strange up until then. But pumped my chest up by doing hammer strength machines all the same.

My scar turned out real nice and I was back in the gym doing something on the 7th day.

Best wishes,

Bill

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Bill-

I wish I had been back in the gym at 7 days, but per post-op instructions I have to wait at least a month. I DO miss it and friends of mine there are wondering what happened to me!?

I figured I would use some of the selectorize machines and our hammer-like machines, especially for bench and squat-like exercises.

I was wondering at what point did you begin to go all out again, in terms of intensity and weight?

Just really looking forward to next Monday and don't want to do anything to negatively affect the donor scar.

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It seems a bit excessive to wait a full month before working out. But better check with your doc.

I found that laying flat on my back, ala bench press, crunches, etc. caused me to feel the donor area "stretching" or something.

I faked a wrist injury for about two months to ease back into it.

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My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Cooley

Current regimen:
1.66 mg Proscar M-W-F
Rogaine 5% Foam - every now and then
AndroGel - once daily
Lipitor - 5 mg every other day
Weightlifting - 2x per week
Jogging - 3x per week

E--just be careful--I know others get back in the gym right away, but I am of a more cautious nature.

You just need to be careful---I thought I would be ok, but then my scar started burning and throbbing as a result of my actions--I wasn't working out, but something that involved a great deal of physical activity.

better safe than sorry
Jason

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Hi Eman, you definitely have to be careful. I played ice hockey for 20 years and was a gym-Junkie. Returned to the gym after 3,5 weeks - and now I have a 7cm-scar that is quite ok and a second one that is bullshit. Hopefully Rahal will be able to remove it. I know it's hard, but keep in mind that the scar could stretch. If I were you I would go running - and start lifting weights very slowly.

Okay guy, five days to go. I can hardly wait...

Thanks you all for the responses.

After almost six weeks away from the gym, I figured I could get back into it. I will take it slowly and carefully for a month or so, then trending harder.

It's good to hear your experiences. My biggest question is simply when you all were able to get back to pre-HT working out?

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My initial HT thread:
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Sorry to cut in. I am at 3 weeks and have started running again? I was told not to do freeweight for a while. Anyone try machines with lowered weight around this time frame?

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Caution is a good thing. After all, your hair transplant is an investment and you want to protect it (donor and recipient area alike).

Most clinics will tell you that you can start doing cardio after 10 days and some light weight training. In my opinion, start very light and then gradually increase over time.

Trust me, you can get a great workout burning those reps of very light weight without putting any strain on the donor area.

Be careful to avoid exercises where you have to bend your neck. If you're going to do abdominals, don't put your hands on your head and don't put your chin to your chest. Upright leg lifts may be better for awhile if your gym has an adequate machine for doing them. Avoid touching the back of your head to any equipment for awhile until you feel comfortable, and then start with light weight and gradually increase as long as your donor area doesn't feel any bit of strain.

Use common sense and good judgement. Stop doing an exercise if you suspect any kind of strain or problem.

And always follow the advice of your hair transplant surgeon

Best wishes,

Bill

__________________
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog and the Hair Loss Forum and Social Community

Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Subscribe to our Newsletters | How We Recommend Physicians

-----

To learn about how I restored my hair, view my my hair loss website.

Remember, true beauty radiates from within, not from the skin.

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own.