In Riyadh, the success of a beard Hair transplant in Riyadh depends as much on your routine outside the clinic as the surgery itself. Because of the city's dry, hot climate, specialized care is required to protect the new grafts from dehydration and sun damage.
1. Before the Procedure: Preparation
Preparation starts 7 to 10 days before your appointment at a Riyadh clinic. The goal is to maximize blood flow and minimize bleeding.
Medication Adjustments: Stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, Ibuprofen, and herbal supplements (like Vitamin E or Ginkgo Biloba) 7 days prior, as these can increase bleeding.
Smoking & Alcohol: Avoid smoking for at least 7 days and alcohol for 3–5 days before the surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which can starve new grafts of oxygen.
No Shaving: Do not shave your beard or cut your hair for at least one week before. The surgeon needs to see the natural growth pattern and hair direction.
The Morning Of: Eat a light breakfast but avoid caffeine (coffee/energy drinks), as it can raise your heart rate and increase sensitivity to local anesthesia. Wear a button-down shirt so you don't have to pull anything over your face after the procedure.
2. Immediate Aftercare: The First 72 Hours
This is the "Golden Window" where the follicles are most fragile.
The "No-Touch" Rule: Do not touch, rub, or scratch the transplanted area. Even a light graze can dislodge a graft before it takes root.
Sleeping Position: Sleep on your back with your head elevated at a 45° angle (using 2–3 pillows or a travel neck pillow). This prevents facial swelling from shifting the grafts.
Keep it Dry: Most Riyadh clinics advise keeping the face completely dry for the first 48 hours.
Climate Control: Stay indoors in a cool, air-conditioned environment. Excessive sweating in the Riyadh heat can lead to infection or irritation of the graft sites.
3. The 14-Day Recovery Roadmap
| Timeline | Care Activity | What to Expect |
| Days 3–5 | First Gentle Wash | Use a clinic-approved saline spray or a very mild, sulfate-free foam. Pat gently; do not rub. |
| Days 7–10 | Scab Management | Tiny scabs will start to itch and flake off. Let them fall naturally; picking them can cause permanent scarring. |
| Day 14 | Normal Washing | You can usually return to a regular (but gentle) face-washing routine. |
| Week 3 | The Shedding | Most transplanted hairs will fall out. This is "Shock Loss" and is completely normal. The roots remain. |
4. Long-Term Protection (Months 1–6)
Sun Protection: The Riyadh sun is a major risk for healing skin. Avoid direct sunlight for 4 weeks. If you must go out, wear a wide-brimmed hat. After 4 weeks, apply a high-SPF sunscreen specifically for sensitive skin.
Shaving Guidelines: Do not use a razor on the transplanted area for at least 30 days. You may carefully use scissors to trim long hairs after 14 days, but check with your surgeon first.
Nutrition: Support your "beard fuel" by eating foods rich in Biotin, Zinc, and Protein (eggs, nuts, and leafy greens). Many Riyadh doctors also recommend a course of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) at the 1-month and 3-month marks to boost density.
