I have a different approach. I allow, on the 6th day after the procedure, for my patients to resume full exercise and normal hair washing, with the exception of no swimming until all crusts fall off. For most patients, by 6 to 7 days most crusts are gone.
I do recommend no yoga or other activities in which there is stretching of the neck for the first 3 to 4 weeks.

However, you need to ask your surgeon for his advice to be sure of achieving the kind of results with which he/she feels comfortable.

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS
www.foundhair.com
www.womenscenter.com
Miami and NYC

Dr. Epstein,

That is a different approach.

Are you including intense weight lifting workouts in your approach? 6-7 days post-op seems far too early to start doing full force weight lifting workouts, especially given that the sutures/staples are still in.

I'd be interested in more detailed feedback.

Best wishes,

Bill (Falc)

Oh it is you.

Glad to hear that there were no issues with working out.

Been paying alot of attention to your procedure in particular, due to the fact that you had your sideburns fixed as well, something you don't see that often.

Do you have any idea how many grafts were spend on doing this?

Thought I would update you all again. I officially completed my first full week of working out and I feel much less stir crazy. FREEDOM!

I lifted light with lots of reps for each exercise. For legs, I avoided squats but used the machine equivalents and did the same for chest. No abdominal work at this point and will probably wait for another month or so. I am nice and sore.

No strain on the scar when at the gym at this point, which I think means I am doing things right. I did actually feel the donor scar when trying to lift my gf off the couch (she was sleeping). I stopped, as it felt like a little tugging or burning--no more of that. Man, I am weak (and she only weighs about 110 lbs!?!).

Dr. E- I agree with Falc that your approach is interesting. I would love to hear more of why you feel it is ok to fully work out that early (just curious). I, personally, am glad I didn't go back in very early as any kind of simple lifting even at home seemed to put strain on the donor area early on. And my instructions were a month of downtime.

Mike- if you are referring to my HT, I did receive temple work...I think that is what you are asking about and a good question. I was told at the time of the surgery, but don't recall the exact number. I will have to find out. I think it was upwards of 300 per side.

Dr Epstein's recommendation is pretty close to mine that I have posted. After the skin sutures are out, patients can do anything in the gym that doesn't stretch the neck. Like crunches (similar to yoga--I have never had anyone ask about yoga), and arching your back to do heavy bench presses--I don't want all of that weight on my scar line. Benching without arching is ok for our patients.

Dr. Lindsey McLean VA

Many exercises in the gym can stretch the neck and could strain a fresh donor wound. Take caution!