An Afterthought in a Precision Industry

While the surgical procedure itself is governed by meticulous standards and protocols, aftercare is still often treated as an afterthought. Patients are sent home with vague advice, improvised product suggestions, or copied information from other clinics’ websites. Even among leading practices, guidance can vary dramatically. Some recommend “special sprays”, others baby shampoo, and others nothing at all for several days.

This inconsistency doesn’t just affect comfort it can directly influence healing, graft survival, and patient confidence. A study by Bernstein and Rassman (2006) found that grafts remain vulnerable for up to nine days post-procedure, with crust formation extending the risk period. Despite this evidence, there is still no widely adopted standard defining what patients should do or avoid in those critical days.

 

The Psychology of “I’m Fine”

Patients often report feeling anxious or unsure during recovery, yet few communicate this to their clinics. When asked how they’re doing, they’ll often say “I’m fine.” It’s a polite reflex a mix of gratitude toward their surgeon and a desire not to appear demanding. But beneath that response, many experience discomfort, itching, dryness, or confusion about what’s normal.

If clinics were to ask more open, specific questions like “How comfortable is your scalp feeling today?” or “Are you finding it easy to follow your cleaning routine?” they might uncover a far richer picture of the patient experience. These insights could guide refinements to post-op care and help prevent unnecessary anxiety or complications.

 

Mixed Messages and Misinformation

A quick survey of clinic websites reveals a striking lack of agreement on what constitutes proper pre- and post-operative care. Some suggest washing daily; others say to wait a week. Advice on using ointments, saline, or antiseptics varies not just by clinic but sometimes within the same practice.
Patients naturally turn to online forums or social media for clarity, where they encounter a confusing blend of anecdotal advice and unverified product recommendations. Many end up using whatever they can find on the shelf, cosmetic foams, sprays or baby shampoos. These products were never designed for an open wound or for the delicate process of graft anchoring.

 

The Need for a Standard

It’s remarkable that, in a field defined by precision and science, there is still no unified standard for something as fundamental as scalp care. The skin, after all, is the surgical canvas and it undergoes trauma during both donor extraction and implantation. Properly preparing the scalp before surgery, maintaining hydration and cleanliness immediately after, and then supporting recovery and regrowth are all part of the same continuum of care.
Creating evidence-based, dermatologically tested protocols for each phase of this process should not be considered an optional extra. It’s a logical next step in the evolution of modern hair restoration one that benefits both clinics and their patients.

 

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Comfort

A small number of clinicians and formulation specialists are beginning to address this gap with evidence-based approaches. One example is HT4 by ModYu, a four-phase scalp care system developed in collaboration with scientists to align with the natural stages of the hair transplant journey from preparation 30 days before surgery through to recovery and long-term maintenance. The P2 Cleanse phase includes a sterile wound cleansing spray intended for use in the early post-operative period, while the P3 Hydrate and Comfort phase features dermatologically tested formulations designed for use on delicate, recovering scalps. Each phase of HT4 has been created with patient safety and comfort in mind, offering a structured, science-led alternative to the improvised routines that have long dominated hair transplant aftercare.

 

Looking Ahead

The future of hair restoration lies not just in better surgical tools but in the holistic experience surrounding them. Listening to patients, capturing real data on recovery, and establishing a recognised standard for scalp care could transform outcomes and confidence across the industry.
When we start treating pre- and post-care with the same level of scientific rigour as the surgery itself, we’ll move closer to a truly patient-centred approach one where success is measured not just in graft survival, but in the comfort and confidence of every patient who goes through it.