Approximately what percentage of grafts usually fall out or fail to grow.
Does wearing a cap after the surgery cause grafts to be disturbed since usually the cap will cause some friction (rubbing) on the sides as well as hairline area.I've heard doctors say that the grafts can only be disturbed if you bang your head into the transplanted area of apply excessive pressure in the reciepent area. Is this true?
It is recommended that you sleep with your head upright for approx 3 adys after the surgery. I think most people start sleeping upright but on awakening find themselves in the position that they normally sleep sometimes with the side of the head (reciepent area)on the pillow.Can this disturb the grafts and if so to what extent.
<Gary>
Posted
According to what my doctor and others have said, it's bad to put any pressure at all on the grafts for 2 or 3 days, until they are fully established in their new locations, to avoid damaging them. This applies to wearing cap, sleeping, or anything else. For my two surgeries, I didn't let anything put pressure on them for a week, and made sure I propped myself up in a sitting position while sleeping for the full week. You really don't want to take any chances with this, as there is too much at risk. Of course, some guys (including myself) will "lose" a couple of grafts due to unintentional bumping our heads on something.
quote: Does wearing a cap after the surgery cause grafts to be disturbed...
Just be very careful, epecially for the first week or two. The first few days are especially critical. Many guys take vacation time off from work, and stay at home, where they don't need to wear a cap. Be very gentle with yourself, especially at first.
If you lose one or two grafts, that is considered normal. If you are losing dozens of grafts, there is a problem somewhere.
Try your best to stay at a 45 degree angle when sleeping. Build up a little mountain of pillows. It's a little hard to sleep this way, but you will manage. I usually wake up a couple of times during the night, but do your best. The first 3 nights are all you need to worry about, to help prevent swelling.
