Before Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure, so your overall health is critically important for both safety and success. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, and coagulation issues can significantly raise the risk of complications during and after surgery. It's essential to disclose your full medical history and any medications—including blood thinners, insulin, or blood pressure drugs—to your physician. In some cases, approval from specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist, internist, etc.) may be necessary before proceeding. Proper health screening ensures not only safe surgery but also a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Hair transplant is a medical procedure that requires precision and planning. The success of the operation depends not only on surgical techniques but also on medications and treatments applied beforehand. Therefore, individuals planning a hair transplant should be cautious about certain medications and therapies.

Below are the main medications and topical treatments that should be considered or discontinued before hair transplantation:

1. Finasteride (Propecia)

• What is it? An oral medication that blocks the hormone DHT, used to slow male pattern baldness.

• Should it be discontinued before the transplant?
  Generally not discontinued. In fact, continued use before and after the procedure is often recommended to enhance results.

• Purpose: Helps maintain existing hair and reduces post-op shedding.

• Under medical supervision: In rare cases (e.g., due to side effects), discontinuation may be advised.

2. Minoxidil (Rogaine)

• What is it? A topical solution that increases blood flow to the scalp and promotes hair growth.

• Should it be discontinued before surgery?
  Yes. It is usually recommended to stop 5 to 7 days prior to the operation, as it can increase bleeding risk.

• Can it be resumed after surgery?
  Yes. Typically, after 2–3 weeks, upon doctor's approval.

3. Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets)

• Examples: Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Warfarin, Heparin, Rivaroxaban.

• Why be cautious?
  These medications can increase bleeding risk, potentially leading to complications during the procedure.

• When to stop?
  Usually 7–10 days before the operation, but always under medical supervision, as these drugs are often prescribed for serious health conditions.

4. Vitamins and Herbal Supplements

• Examples: Ginkgo biloba, garlic pills, Vitamin E, Omega-3.

• Why be cautious?
  These supplements may also have blood-thinning effects, increasing surgical risk.

• When to stop?
  At least 7 days before the operation is recommended.

5. Antibiotics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs

• Antibiotics:
  Sometimes prescribed preventatively by the clinic before or after surgery.

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
  These can increase bleeding and should only be used under medical advice.

6. Alcohol and Caffeine

• Alcohol: Can thin the blood and slow healing. Should be avoided 48–72 hours before the procedure.

• Caffeine: May cause fluctuations in blood pressure and should be avoided on the day of surgery.

If discontinuation is necessary, it must be done under professional guidance.

It's best to avoid shaving your beard or cutting your hair a few weeks before the procedure. Keeping your hair in its natural state helps your doctor assess donor areas more effectively and plan the transplant with better accuracy. Letting your hair grow also helps protect the scalp during and after the process.

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine for at least a week before your hair transplant. These substances can affect blood circulation and slow down healing. Smoking, in particular, reduces oxygen levels in the blood, which can compromise graft survival. For optimal recovery and results, stay away from these habits before and after the surgery.

On the day of your hair transplant, arrive early at the clinic in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes—preferably a button-up or zip-up top to avoid disturbing the scalp afterward. Your doctor will take pre-procedure photos and mark the areas for extraction and implantation. Local anesthesia will be applied to numb the scalp, and the procedure will begin. Grafts are harvested from the donor area and carefully implanted into thinning or bald spots. The entire process typically takes 6–8 hours with breaks for meals and rest. After the procedure, your doctor will provide detailed aftercare instructions. You'll be monitored briefly before being discharged the same day.