Donor Area & Removing Bandage

Following your hair transplant, the donor area typically has larger wounds compared to the transplant site, where only small incisions are made.

To protect the donor area from dirt and support healing, we apply a layer of Vaseline before covering it with a bandage.

For guidance on when and how to safely remove your bandage, you can read our detailed instructions and watch our step-by-step video.

After Your Hair Transplant

When and How to Remove the Bandage

We recommend removing the bandage from the donor area around lunchtime the day after your hair transplant surgery. It’s important not to leave the bandage on longer than 24 hours, as it can stick to the skin and cause discomfort.

Remove the bandage gently using clean hands. If there is any blood residue, you can carefully wipe the area with a paper towel. Sometimes the bandage may be slightly stuck to the skin, which can cause minor bleeding when removed—this is normal and will heal quickly. If you wish, you can wash the area afterward.

There’s no need to reapply a new bandage; simply allow the area to breathe. The donor site, usually on the neck, tends to heal rapidly. If you experience dryness or itching, applying a regular lotion is perfectly safe. The neck area doesn’t require any special handling during healing.

a step-by-step guide

Watch our video guide

At City Clinics, we’ve created a clear, easy-to-follow guide to help you remove your bandage safely and confidently after your hair transplant.

Watch our detailed instructional video for a step-by-step walkthrough, ensuring you care for your scalp properly during this important stage of recovery.

Frequently asked questions and answers

No need to worry—it’s completely normal to see some blood or wound fluid when you remove the bandage in the first few days after your hair transplant.

Simply use a clean paper towel to gently wipe away any blood. If you have any concerns, our team is here to support you.

The first 2 to 3 days following your hair transplant are the most sensitive and critical for healing. During the first week, it’s essential to be extra cautious to protect the transplanted and donor areas.

After about two weeks, you can gradually resume light activities, but continue to protect your scalp from direct sun exposure and avoid scratching the transplanted hair.

By the third week, most everyday activities are safe to do. However, it’s best to avoid high-impact sports like football, wearing helmets, or shaving with a razor until fully healed.

If you have any questions or concerns about aftercare at any stage, our expert team is always here to help.

After your hair transplant, you can take 1-2 tablets of Alvedon (paracetamol) to help manage any discomfort.

However, avoid medications like Ipren, Treo, or Aspirin for at least 48 hours post-procedure. These contain acetylsalicylic acid, which thins the blood and may increase the risk of bleeding. Excessive bleeding can affect the growth of your transplanted hair follicles.

In cases where hair is transplanted onto areas with poor blood supply (such as scars), we may recommend Aspirin to improve blood flow and support the successful growth of your new hair.

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