How long after FUE can I run, swim, lift weights, or do martial arts (MMA)?

Dear Aquanda,Thank you for writing in with this question. I’ve been performing FUE since 2003, and have learned quite a bit about how the body responds to an FUE procedure over the last 13 years. Since FUE does not involve the use of scalpels, and does not have any linear wounds that can be affected by exercise, returning to exercise is much quicker than after a linear strip procedure. I use the ARTAS® robotic hair transplant system, which uses a 0.9mm circular punch. Even smaller ones at 0.8mm in diameter are coming later this year. In any case, these holes are very tiny, and tend to heal up within 7-10 days. In terms of the grafts that were placed, we performed a study in 2004 about how long the grafts would be vulnerable to being damaged with pressure or traction. We used hemostats (eg: small needle-nose-pliers type medical instrument) and pulled out grafts in the days following a hair restoration procedure. After 5 days the grafts were healed in solidly. So for exercise, I would give it 7 days, and for MMA type contact I would wait 10 days. You will be fine within these parameters. I’m a bit surprised that your chosen provider or center did not provide this information in written form. All of our patients receive a comprehensive pre-operative instruction packet with answers to many questions including this one. Best of luck with your procedure. I hope this information is helpful to you.Kind Regards,Ken Anderson, MD

Thanks for the question. After 4-6 weeks your surgery area will healed and yes you can run, swim and also do other activities. I wish you all the best.

It is best to ask your doctor about what you can or cannot do after surgery since every doctor has slightly different post op instructions.  In general you can resume excercise in 1 to 2 weeks.

You will need to speak with your hair transplant surgeon for their exact recommendations but I recommend waiting one week before resuming exercise.  At this point the donor and grafts are well-healed in the vast majority of cases.

It really depends on which doctor you're asking- but what I recommend to my patients that you wait 1 week for moderate exercise, 2 weeks for strenuous exercise, and 3 weeks for swimming (4 if it's in chlorinated water). You should ask your doctor these questions, as they know more about your case and will have tailored advice for your specific circumstances.