How successful a hair transplant will be depends on several factors. The skill, technique, and precision of your surgeon is perhaps the most impactful element that goes into obtaining optimal results. But preparation – specifically, the things you do and should not do in the days and weeks before surgery – is also critical.
Getting ready for your hair transplant means ensuring that your body, your scalp, and your hair are in the best shape possible for the procedure. And that starts with listening to your surgeon.
Three Weeks Before Surgery
Approximately three weeks before your surgery, Dr. Nusbaum and/or Dr. Rose will provide you with an overview of the procedure. This includes discussing how much donor hair (follicular units) he will extract and transplant to the recipient area. At this time, your doctor will also give you personally-tailored pre-operative instructions, including which daily medications you can continue taking and which ones you should discontinue, restrictions on diet and activities, and how long your hair transplant will take. You should pay close attention to these details and follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter.
One to Two Weeks Before Your Hair Transplant
- Start taking vitamin C as directed to bolster your immune system.
- Stop using nicotine of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, nicotine patches, and e-cigarettes. Nicotine restricts blood vessels and can hinder the healing process.
- Stop drinking alcohol, including wine, beer, and liquor.
- Unless otherwise advised, don’t take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, whether prescription or over-the-counter. These can decrease blood flow, increase the chance of bleeding during surgery, and interfere with healing.
- If possible, avoid products such as Advil, Aleve, Alka Seltzer, Bufferin, Excedrin, Nuprin, or Motrin. Use Tylenol if necessary.
- Don’t cut your hair.
- Massage your scalp for 10-20 minutes a day. This will help to soften the skin and get the blood flowing in the transplant areas.
24 Hours Before Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless instructed otherwise.
- You can take a shower, brush your teeth, and perform your ordinary morning routine, but do not use any hair gel, hair spray, hair conditioner, or cosmetics.
Arrange for a Ride Home
Since your hair transplant will involve the use of a mild sedative, you should arrange to have a friend or family member drive you to our office and pick you up after the surgery. Drivers can wait in our comfortable reception area, or they may visit The Shops of Merrick Park, located just across the street from our offices.
Call the Miami Hair Institute for Your Personal Hair Loss Consultation
The first step in doing something about your hair loss is to arrange for a hair loss consultation. To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.