Before Hair Transplant Surgery

Before undergoing a hair transplant, it’s crucial to evaluate your overall health. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders can increase the risk of complications. Be honest and thorough when discussing your medical history with your doctor. A clear picture of your health helps ensure a safer, more successful procedure.

Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements thin the blood and may increase bleeding during the procedure. You should stop using them at least 7–10 days before your hair transplant. Always consult your doctor before discontinuing any prescribed medication to ensure it’s safe to do so.

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.