Sport after hair transplant

Sports are part of our daily lives. Many people play team sports, go to the gym, or go running or swimming on a regular basis. Therefore, exercising after a hair transplant will have to wait for a few days before it can be resumed. At Instituto Médico del Prado, it will be Dr. Espinosa Custodio who will tell you when and what type of exercise you will be able to do as the weeks go by.

Physical exercise, as with any other procedure, is not compatible immediately after surgery. It must be stopped following the operation. The newly treated areas may be subjected to stress that could cause the implanted follicles to be lost. In addition, in team or contact sports, they may be rubbed or hit, which could damage them. Overexertion will not be good for our newly implanted hair either, as it may cause it to become dislodged.

The recommendation for returning to exercise will always vary depending on the individual. Every person is unique, and recovery after a hair transplant is not the same for everyone. It will also depend on the sport we practise. Aerobic exercise can generally be resumed at low intensity around one month after the operation, gradually increasing the intensity. About two weeks later, anaerobic exercises can be resumed.

Some sports will require a longer waiting period. This is the case with CrossFit or contact sports, which should be avoided for around 3 months. Finally, sports involving water, such as swimming, should be postponed for 4 months due to the chlorine found in swimming pools.

Another important point when exercising is how we deal with sweat. We must be very careful to clean it away gently, without rubbing, so that it does not remain on the scalp.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can a hair transplant be damaged by exercising?

Yes, physical exercise can overstimulate the scalp and cause the transplanted follicles to be lost. This is why we recommend avoiding sport for several weeks after a hair transplant.

Can I go to the beach or swimming pool after a hair transplant?

Even if you are not planning to exercise, it is not advisable to swim in the sea or in swimming pools during the first few weeks, although you may go to the beach as long as you avoid direct sun exposure. In general, you should wait around two months before swimming in the sea and three months before swimming in a pool.

When can I return to exercise?

As mentioned above, the timing will vary depending on the type of sport you practise. However, the most appropriate course of action is always to consult your doctor about the best time to resume your normal physical activity.

Dr. Espinosa Custodio works at Instituto Médico del Prado, his hair clinic in Madrid, and performs hair transplants in Mexico, twice a year. If you would like to make an appointment, you can contact us on +34 912 468 664, on WhatsApp +34 627 396 322 or on the contact page of our website. From Mexico you can contact us at +52 55 4590 9909.