How to Prepare for a Hair Transplant

You have decided on a hair transplant and the date is set. So what should you do in the meantime? Good preparation helps the procedure go comfortably and supports healing.

Preparation is not only physical, it is also mental. Knowing what to expect reduces worry on the day. That is why we suggest going through the list of questions at the end of this article together with the team.

Part of preparation is practical: lightening your workload for the first days afterwards, setting up a comfortable routine at home, and learning the team’s advice on pillows and bedding are all good ideas.

In this article we explain in plain language what to pay attention to in the 1-2 weeks before a hair transplant and how to get ready for the day. Your team’s personal instructions always come before this article.

What should I do about my medicines before a hair transplant?

This is the most important point. Tell the team beforehand about every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take regularly. If you take medicine for blood pressure, diabetes or any other condition, be sure to share that too.

It is also known that common painkillers such as aspirin, and some vitamins and herbal supplements, can affect bleeding. So even if you feel healthy, it is worth telling the team about products you think of as harmless.

Every piece of information you give makes the procedure safer for you. You can write down which medicine you take, when and at what dose, and bring it to the consultation.

Even if you feel well, also share past operations, allergies and any problem you have had with anaesthesia or numbing. This information lets the team choose the most suitable approach for you on the day.

If you take blood thinners in particular, always speak to a specialist. These medicines can affect bleeding during the procedure. However, do not stop them or change the dose on your own. The decision to stop or start any medicine is always made together with the specialist who looks after you.

What about alcohol, smoking and caffeine?

Alcohol and smoking can have a negative effect on the body’s healing. Our team generally suggests staying away from alcohol in the days before the procedure and cutting down on smoking as much as possible. How long this applies varies from person to person, and we settle your own timing together at the first consultation. Cutting down on smoking can be hard, so please be open with the team about it.

Too much coffee, tea or energy drink can make you restless or give you a racing heart on the day. Cutting down on caffeine in the days before helps you stay comfortable. Drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet regularly and try to get enough sleep the night before.

On the morning of the procedure, choose a light but filling breakfast rather than a heavy one. Arriving hungry can make you feel weak, and a very heavy meal can make sitting for a long time harder.

It is also best to avoid intense exercise, long hours in the sun and a tiring schedule the day before. Feeling rested helps you get through the day comfortably.

Before leaving on the morning, make sure you have your ID, your medicine list and anything else the team asked for. Avoiding last-minute rush helps you start the day calmly.

What about hair dye and haircuts?

Dye can make the scalp sensitive. So it is generally advised not to dye your hair in the 1-2 weeks before the procedure.

Ask the team whether your hair needs to be cut short. This depends on the method, so do not decide on your own. If you have a wound, redness or itching on your scalp, tell the team beforehand.

You may be asked to wash your scalp the day before in a way the team describes. If you are given such an instruction, follow it; if not, do not add any extra treatment of your own.

What should I wear and do on the day?

You should not touch your head after the procedure, so the choice of clothes matters.

Arrange your travel for the day beforehand; if you are coming from out of town, talk to the team about accommodation and your return plan. That way you will not have to deal with new problems while tired afterwards.

• Wear a loose shirt or jumper that buttons or zips at the front; avoid clothes that go over your head.
• Choose comfortable trousers that do not restrict movement.
• Have breakfast; do not arrive hungry.
• Follow what the team tells you about your medicines.
• Bring something to pass the time, such as a phone charger, headphones or a book.
• It helps to have someone with you for the journey home.

What questions should I ask the team?

Asking the questions on your mind before the procedure puts you at ease. Here is a list:

• Which method is suitable for my hair?
• How will my hairline be planned?
• What should I do about the medicines I take?
• How will the day go, and how long will it take?
• What can I expect in the first days?
• How will the first wash and aftercare work?
• When can I go back to work or normal life?
• If there is a problem, who do I contact and how?

In short

For good preparation, tell the team about your medicines; always speak to a specialist about blood thinners and other medicines, and do not stop them on your own. Cut down on alcohol, smoking and caffeine, avoid hair dye, choose loose clothes that button at the front on the day, and have breakfast. If you notice a lot of redness, discharge or a fever, contact the team.

Remember: the aim of preparation is not to frighten you but to help you feel at ease. Do not hesitate to ask the team even about a small doubt; these questions often make the procedure and healing easier.

If you have questions, you can write to us for a initial assessment. Let us prepare together; the decision and the timing are yours.