Post-Operative Care Protocol

The Post-Operative Care Protocol at California Hair and Skin Institute applies to all physicians, nurses, medical assistants, technicians, and administrative personnel involved in post-operative patient care.

Immediate Recovery Procedures

Assess patient comfort, donor area, recipient area, hemostasis, vital signs, adverse reactions, and discharge readiness. Patients may be discharged when stable, comfortable, and post-operative instructions have been reviewed.

Post-Operative Medication Protocol

Medications may include antibiotics, analgesics, corticosteroids, finasteride, dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and topical minoxidil as clinically indicated. All medications are documented.

Hair Washing Protocol

Days 0 to 2: Avoid scrubbing grafts and high-pressure water exposure. Days 3 to 7: Gentle washing with mild shampoo and pat drying. Days 7 to 14: Gradual return to normal washing. Day 14 and beyond: Resume normal washing unless otherwise directed.

Sleeping Instructions

Maintain head elevation 30 to 45 degrees for the first five days and avoid pressure on grafted areas.

Activity Restrictions

Avoid exercise, heavy lifting, excessive bending, and sweating for 48 hours. Gradually resume activities over one to two weeks as directed.

Swelling Management

Use head elevation, cold compresses to the forehead only and not to grafts, and prescribed medications as needed. Significant swelling events are documented.

Itching Management

Use saline spray, approved moisturizers, and antihistamines when appropriate. Patients are instructed to avoid scratching grafts.

Folliculitis Management

Evaluate red bumps, tenderness, or pustules. Treatment may include topical therapy, oral antibiotics, and physician follow-up.

Bleeding Management

Minor oozing may occur during the first 24 to 48 hours. Persistent or significant bleeding requires physician evaluation.

Shock Loss Education

Patients are counseled regarding temporary shedding, native hair loss, and expected regrowth timelines.

Follow-Up Schedule

Follow-up assessments are completed and documented at day 1, days 7 to 14, month 1, month 4, month 8, and month 12.

Photographic Documentation

Standardized photographs are obtained at baseline and designated follow-up visits including frontal, oblique, lateral, vertex, and donor views.

Emergency Contact Procedures

Patients receive clinic and after-hours contact information. Immediate contact is recommended for fever, excessive swelling, bleeding, severe pain, infection, or allergic reactions. Call 911 for chest pain, breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness.

Documentation Requirements

Document follow-up assessments, medications, healing status, complications, patient concerns, photographs, and physician recommendations.

Quality Assurance Program

Track follow-up compliance, infection rates, folliculitis rates, patient satisfaction, graft survival outcomes, revision rates, and documentation compliance through quarterly review.