Patient Sheet: Before Hair Transplant

Ideal candidates seeking a minimally-invasive, permanent solution for balding have a great option in FUE Hair Transplant. However, you might ask, What do I need to know before the hair transplant day? Are you prepared for the procedure? Understanding the DOs and DON’Ts of Hair Transplant, as well as understanding some of the timeline will help settle any anxieties you might have before (or even after) the procedure.

It’s important to understand that the hair transplant surgeon will do his/her best to deliver a succesful outcome This includes planning you hair restoration procedure with an undestanding of your individual facial features, along with the angle of growth and orientation of existing hair. These details will be important in re-creating a natural look with hair transplant.

But, you also need to plan ahead to create the right enviornment for a successful transplant procedure. In this article ,we will provide some guidance on preparing yourself for the procedure and afterwards.

Thinking ahead

  • Stop Smoking: Smoking prevents proper healing and reduces blood supply to the graft sites which can inhibit growth. Growing thick and fuller hair after transplant will strongly depend on the nutrients delivered by a healthy circulation. If you are a smoker, you should certainly discontinue use at least 2 weeks before the procedure and continue smoking cessation for at least several months following.
  • Medical clearance: This is more for patients with significant co-morbidities such as hypertension, COPD, arrhythmias, heart failure or prior MI. Certain medications such as aspirin, plavix, and blood thinners need to be avoided with this procedure and for a period of time afterwards. Thus, some patients may not be appropriate for hair transplantation, especially those that cannot safely discontinue anticoagulation or anti-platelets.
  • Haircut: Some clients elect to shorten their hair prior to the procedure. And to some extent that is okay, however it’s important for your hair transplant surgeon to see the orientation, angle and fall of your hair when the hairline is designed. As such, avoid cutting your hair in areas where the hair will be transplanted into.
  •  Allergies: Hair Transplant involves local anesthetic before the grafting and re-implanting hair follicles. You will also be prescribed some as needed pain-killers following the procedure. Make sure your doctor knows all your medical allergies and intolerances.

On the Day of Surgery:

  • Shampooing your hair the day of the procedure is fine
  • Bring your Iphone or some reading material. It will be a long day and you are encouraged to use the down-time to your advantage.

After the Procedure:

Here are activities you should avoid after a transplant:


  • Do not indulge in sauna or steam room treatments for at least 2 months.
  • Strenuous exercise such as running, weightlifting, and intense physical sports that can cause excessive sweating should be avoided for 2 weeks.
  • Avoid water submerion or swimming for 1 month
  • Avoid getting any direct sunlight sun on the recipient and donor area for 2 months
  • Additional instructions will be provided by your hair transplant team

What to Expect After Hair Transplantation:

Day 0: Day of Transplant--try to relax! The hard part is over and it’s time to look ahead to fuller head days. On the first few nights, sleep with your head elevated at a 45 degree angle to minimize any swelling.

Week 1

  • Any bandage on the donor area is removed and the grafted area can be cleansed with a mild wash. Do not let any intense water streams directly hit on the transplanted hairs on the first day.
  • During the week, patients may begin to wash their head adhering to the post-operative instructions provided by your hair loss specialist.
  • Your scalp may feel itchy and this is quite normal. Avoid any disruption of the site.

Days 15–30:

At this point, the post-operative inflammation and grafted sites should be healed. The transplant will become less noticeable at this point, however this period can last up to 6 weeks.

 

1-3 months post-surgery:

Hair will shed during this time as the transplanted hairs go into a temporary resting phase. This is quite normal for hair transplant and can occur early as 1-2 weeks for some patients. Hair will grow back in the region and does not need to be a cause for alarm. Some hair transplant surgeons may consider minoxidil to lessen this appearence.

6 months post-surgery:

Patients can expect steady new hair growth during this period with better hair density and thickness.

 

9 to 12 months:

At this time, the final results of hair transplant are more clear with desired hair growth and hair density. Clients will continue hair maintenance with nutrient supplementation, PRP or exosomes therapy. If previously planned, any additional hair grafting can now be performed with your hair transplant specialist.
To schedule a consultation with an experienced hair transplant doctor, get in touch with Princeton Hair Restoration. Our clinic is a recognized leader in the field of minimally-invasive techniques for hair restoration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article by Article by Alissa Brotman-O’Neill, DO, FACOS

 

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