Some Important “Tips” to Know Before Hair Transplant Surgery

For some patients, hair transplant surgery is a stressful process. Though hair restoration surgery is minimally invasive and very well tolerated, patients often still feel anxious and unprepared. To help combat these feelings, Spex, a clinic representative for Coalition hair transplant surgeons Dr. Alan Feller, Dr. William Lindsey, and Dr. Bijan Feriduni, made a list of important “tips” to know before undergoing surgery. According to Spex, the following information may help patients smoothly navigate the hair transplant process and enjoy their procedure:

Tips Before Surgery: 

1. Stay local to the hair transplant clinic.

2. Get to the clinic early in order to not be rushed, as this will allow you ample time to go through everything with the doctor.

3. Have a list of questions for the doctor that you would like answered.

4. Take 2 loose hats with you (one might not fit).

5. Take a travel pillow. This will come in very handy, especially on the journey home.

6. Get to bed early the night before.

7. Do something relaxing the day before the procedure.

8. Wear a buttoned up shirt for the day of surgery. Easy to get on and off.

9. Avoid – Alcohol, vitamins, minoxidil (Rogaine), MSM 7 days pre-op (check with the clinic before stopping any medication). These may thin the blood.

10. Wash your hair the morning of the surgery and wear lots of deodorant. It’s a long, sweaty day and you don’t this to become an issue.

11. Make sure you have made your story clear to various people that you are away for the next 2-4 weeks.

12. Try to fill the prescription for the pain medication before the surgery

13. Use the pain medication as directed and when necessary.

14. Have the clinic take lots of pre-op pictures in order to have a controlled
comparison for post-op.

Tips for After Surgery

1.Never underestimate the recovery time needed. Get the absolute maximum amount of time off work. You will feel fine after a couple of days but you will still likely look swollen and red. It’s not so bad if you can wear a cap.

2. Sleep upright /at a 45 degree angle to reduce swelling

3. If your surgeon recommends it, apply huge amounts of Aloe Vera to both donor and recipient area 5 days after (2 x a day minimum).

4. Distilled witch hazel helps with redness (apply 7/8 days post op).

5. Methylsulfonylmethane MSM may speed up the new growth.

6. Drink lots of water / fluids.

7. Bend at the knees for first 3/4 days.

8. For the first 3/4 days, just put shampoo in a cup and pour it over the recipient and donor area. Then build up to a shower but shield your recipient with your hand and dab on shampoo.

9. Rest as much as possible.

10. No physical activity for 10 days then build it up slowly. Make sure to review your clinic’s post-operative instructions about restarting physical activity.

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Blake – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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