Direct sunlight exposure vs indirect sunlight exposure after a hair transplant?

Question

I was wondering if one could lets say, drive a car without wearing a hat on a cloudy or even sunny day without direct sunlight exposure. I understand the complications of direct sunlight exposure after a hair traspant but can I for example be in the shade without wearing a hat on a cloudy or sunny day. Thanks four your response doctors!!

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,Sun exposure should be avoided for first 12 weeks.  UV light can damage hair.  More specifically, hair protein degradation occurs at wavelengths of 254nm-400nm, while UVB is responsible for hair protein loss while UVA is responsible for color changes.  On newly transplanted hair, the hair can be damaged by free radicals and photochemical degradation.  
Be safe- 
Anil Shah MD

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

The reason why doctors tell you to avoid sun light is because of the ultraviolet light which can cause discoloration.   If you are concerned it is best to contact your doctor.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend wearing a hat for the first 4 months after a hair transplant to help protect the hair grafts from a sunburn.

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

Indirect sun exposure or even limited direct exposure should not have a significant impact on graft growth.However,as a general health and skin maintenance  rule precautions should be taken to protect  your skin against sun damage.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Although  I dont recommend direct exposure to sunlight for hours between 11 am-15 pm in first 2 weeks of surgery, someone could drive a car without wearing a hat on a cloudy or even sunny day without direct sunlight exposure.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

No problem with sun exposure providing you do not bake in it. If you are going to the beach or plan on spending the day in direct sun, then wear a hat.

Sara Wasserbauer, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Right after a hair transplant when your head is healing, you should avoid additional UV exposure since it just damages the tissues more (and they are already recovering from one insult).  However, after that, and especially after the hair actually GROWS in, you will have less risk to the hair.
It is always a good idea to wear a hat, though.

Direct sunlight exposure vs indirect sunlight exposure after a hair transplant?

Answers (7)

More Hair Transplant Questions

Is it ok to take antibiotics before hair transplant procedure?

How to get rid of small lumps in root of hairs after hair transplant 6 years post? (photo)

Are my grafts close enough together? Pictures I view, the grafts are a lot tighter together? (photos)

Born with a widows peak, never had any hair there my entire life, what can I do? (photo)

Donor area density - Is this a strong donor area? (photo)

Combining Finasteride with Accutane? Hair Transplant

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS