Aftercare · Sleeping
Sleeping after a hair transplant
For the first 3 nights, you sleep on your back with your upper body raised and a neck pillow. This keeps the transplanted area off the pillow, and swelling of the forehead may be less pronounced. From day 10 you can sleep normally again, also on your side, if healing is progressing normally.
Sleeping day by day
| Period | How to sleep |
|---|---|
| The first 3 nights | On your back, upper body raised, with a neck pillow. The transplanted area does not touch the pillow. Do not bump your head against anything. |
| After that, until day 9 | Sleeping raised is no longer necessary. However, the transplanted area must still not rub on the pillow. |
| From day 10 | Normally again, also on your side, if healing is progressing normally |
Your personal aftercare instructions always take precedence.
The first nights
The newly placed grafts are not yet firmly anchored. If a graft is pulled out during this time, no hair can grow at that spot any more. That is why, from the very first evening, it is important not to touch or scratch the recipient area and not to bump it against anything.
For the first 3 nights, sleep on your back with your upper body raised and a neck pillow. This keeps the transplanted area off the pillow, and swelling of the forehead may be less pronounced.
When can I sleep on my side again?
From day 10, if healing is progressing normally. Until then, the recipient area must not rub on the pillow. If needed or on request, you can book a check-up at the clinic at any time.
Swelling of the forehead: what helps?
Because of the anaesthetic and the fluid used during the procedure, swelling can develop on the forehead in the first few days, sometimes sinking down to the eyes. It is usually harmless and goes away by itself. Sleeping with your upper body raised for the first 3 nights and taking it easy both help.
If the swelling increases rather than decreases after a few days, or if you develop pain or a fever, get in touch with us: 062 557 15 57.
Frequently asked questions about sleeping after a hair transplant
How should I lie in the first nights?
On your back, with your upper body raised and a neck pillow. The transplanted area must not touch or rub against the pillow.
How long do I need to sleep raised after a hair transplant?
For the first 3 nights.
Why should I sleep with my upper body raised?
It can reduce swelling of the forehead and prevents the transplanted area from touching the pillow.
When can I sleep on my side again?
From day 10, if healing is progressing normally. Until then, the recipient area must not rub on the pillow.
When can I sleep normally again?
From day 10, if healing is progressing normally. For the first 3 nights, you sleep on your back with your upper body raised.
Questions about the first nights?
Our team in Zurich and Oftringen is here for you Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 19:00.
More aftercare topics: Aftercare at a glance · Washing your hair · Exercise
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Sabrina Tahery and Dr. Moustafa Kassar
As of 14 November 2026
Sources: Swiss Hair Life aftercare instructions, as of November 2026; guide Hair Transplant Recovery: Day by Day, medically reviewed on 10 November 2026.