How long does post op recovery take?

[Sunset Dune]

When does the post op recovery period end? After 1 month?

I’ve been caring for my hair meticulously since surgery but I would like to return back to my normal life activities again like working out, detailing my car, sweating outside, etc. 

I haven’t been very active this last month since having surgery so I would like to get my activity levels back up again

 

[Bucky O Hair]

This usually varies from doctor to doctor.

At Rahal clinic, they advise not to touch the recipient area at all for the first two weeks. This includes taking a shower with any sort of pressure from a showerhead (you are provided spray bottles to gently wash your scalp with) and saline water to keep your head moist throughout the day.  You can't even wear a hat, unless it is something that makes no contact with the recipient area.  They also don't advise you do too much physically (I assume this is because they don't want you to sweat) and they advise you stay away from dusty or dirty environments.  You're also on preventative antibiotics for a week as well.

However, after those first two weeks are done...you can touch your recipient area again, take a normal shower, and pretty much resume your normal life and can wear any type of hat.  But you're still not advised to lift heavy weights until the four-week mark (and cardio at the three-week mark).

I've seen a lot of YouTube videos from other clinics saying you can work out after the two weeks, but I'll play it safe and just wait for the four week mark.  However, when it comes to doing other activities (like mowing the lawn, detailing the car) I think that it should be fine after the two week mark.  Just take a shower afterward.

[HappyMan2021]

after 1 month you can pretty much return to all activities (just remember to be super careful of the sun if you are outdoors)

in terms of visual aesthetics - depending on the various factors of your specific surgery - it may take anywhere from 2-4 months for your hair and scalp to look "normal" again. 

Hats are your friend. 

[gillenator]

In general terms, most individuals will be able to resume normal activities in 4 weeks or so, most of the scabbing, crusts, sutures, will be gone and any post-op trauma, inflammation, swelling should also have subsided.