When you are planning for hair transplant, first thing you need to do is get a capilloscopy test from HHC and do undergo needed blood test as-
- CBC
- HCV
- Bleeding Time
- Random Blood Sugar
- HBs AG
- HIV ELISA
Here are some of the DOs and DON’Ts we like to emphasize before hair transplant.
Stop taking any medications or vitamin supplements that contain aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Aleve, Advil, etc.), herbs that increase blood flow or thin the blood (Echinacea, Gingko Biloba, Garlic), and Vitamin E for 5 days before the procedure. Start taking 1000mg of Vitamin C three times per day as this helps with healing. Do not consume alcohol or do smoking before 3 days of hair transplant.
Stop using Rogaine products and hair color before your transplant.
Wash your hair with mild shampoo in the morning. Do not apply any hair products on the day of the procedure.
You will receive a phone call from the hair team in evening of the day before your surgery to confirm your arrival time for your surgery.
Eat a heavy breakfast (nothing fatty, fried or greasy) in the morning before hair transplant. Avoid caffeine on the day of the procedure.
Please inform the staff of any food allergies or restrictions and please bring along your lunch from your home.
The nurse will call you at the time of your appointment to review questions regarding COVID-19 exposure. Please wear a mask and go up the ramp to the first door on the left. The nurse will greet you there and check your temperature and oxygen saturation. You will then be escorted to the hair room.
Wear comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head. A button down or zippered shirt is easiest and some patients like to wear sweatpants for comfort. Valuables should be left at home.
Here are some of the DOs and DON’Ts we like to emphasize: DO’s After a Hair Transplant
Hair transplant surgery does not typically require strong sedation, but if you’ve been given a sedative, our doctor will not release you under its influence and once it will be over you can leave and drive freely.
Do spray normal saline for next 5 days of the procedure given by the clinic in home care kit.
DO sleep with your head elevated for the first 5 days, or however if you experience swelling. For most patients, it will only last a few days, and some may never experience swelling at all. A recliner is very useful as a makeshift bed. Just think of all the Netflix binge-watching you can accomplish while there!
DO ask your clinic which medication is safe to take.
DO apply ice just above the eyebrows to help prevent swelling, which typically occurs on the 3rd or 4th day post-op.
DO be very gentle when washing your hair for the first wash after 4 days, . DON’T scrub too much, DON’T blast the water stream directly onto your scalp.
DO use a cup to rinse the scalp.
DO gently apply conditioner to the scalp to relieve any itching.
DO dye your hair shortly before your procedure if you feel you can’t make it for four additional weeks. Dying your hair before hair transplant surgery will not have a negative effect.
DO hydrate well before and after hair transplant surgery.
DO expect some hair to fall out from the transplanted areas about 2 to 4 weeks after your procedure. This is entirely normal and part of the natural hair growth cycle. This doesn’t mean that the follicles are damaged. Your hair will regrow within about three months.
DONT’s After a Hair Transplant
DON’T: Sleep flat on your tummy or side, or rub your new hairline against a pillow.
DON’T be alarmed if you experience swelling, especially on days 3 and 4 after the surgery.
DON’T: Apply any ice directly to the transplanted areas of your scalp. You really want to avoid touching these areas with anything.
DON’T: Try to prevent scabs from forming on your scalp. The formation of scabs is a very natural result after your scalp has been poked and prodded, and part of the natural healing process. Much like you want to keep a scab on your knee undisturbed until it is fully healed and has fallen off, you need to let the scabs on your head form freely until they go away on their own.
DON’T: Scratch your scalp. Some itchiness is normal the first few days after a hair transplant.
DON’T: Wear any hats or ball caps for the first three days. The scabs that naturally form after a hair transplant need about three days to solidify. During this time, it is best to keep anything from touching your head. The same applies to beard transplant patients with regards to face masks – they should be avoided during this time. You can wear surgical blue ribbon cap for 3 days after the transplant provided by clinic.
DON’T: Expose your scalp to direct sunlight other than brief periods of time during the first 1 weeks. After three days, make sure you cover up with a hat. It’s very common for hair transplant patients to use vacation time for their recovery, and it’s okay to spend that time at the beach or outside, as long as you don’t run any risk of sunburn. You also don’t take part in any hard physical activity for first 5 days.
DON’T: Engage in heavy exercise in the following your hair transplant. You have to be careful with exertion – your blood pressure and heart rate need to stay in a safe zone until the risk of swelling has subsided. This can be tough for the gym buffs. You may have to swap pumping that iron and taking a run for some light cardio instead.
DON’T engage in any activities that might cause you to sweat heavily for atleast 5 days of your transplant.
DON’T: Dye your hair for four weeks after your procedure; the harsh chemicals can compromise the success of the transplanted follicles when in that initial frail state directly after transplantation.
DON’T consume alcohol for about five days after the procedure; alcohol in your system can interfere with the blood supply to the head.
DON’T smoke for about 5 days after the surgery. Again, blood flow is important for the growth of new hair. Giving up smoking altogether would be the best course of action, if you haven’t already done so.
DON’T apply hair oil before 30 days of hair transplant.
