You’ve made the decision and scheduled your procedure! So now how do you prepare for hair transplant surgery? We see many patients for hair restoration at Utah Facial Plastics and are sure to see each patient approximately 2-3 weeks prior to surgery to go over instructions, give prescriptions and get them ready to go! Here is some information that can help you get ready for your big day.
Ahead of Time
If recommended by your hair transplant specialist, taking Propecia or Proscar (finasteride) can help slow the hair loss process and help you hang on to the hair you have. It’s best to go into hair transplant surgery with stabilized hair loss to avoid needing additional procedures down the road. Other medications that can help include Rogaine (minoxidil), fish oil and biotin. All of these products can be purchased over-the-counter. A diet rich in protein can also be helpful.
2 Weeks Prior
Two weeks prior to surgery, it’s important to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, Vitamin E and any other medication you are taking that can thin the blood (if approved by your physician). This will help minimize bleeding and bruising with surgery, which will help with your overall result. Tylenol is okay to take before and after surgery. We do recommend avoiding these products for at least one week after surgery as well and give all hair transplant patients a prescription pain medication to help with discomfort for the first 2-5 days post surgery.
If you’re having hair transplant surgery performed at Utah Facial Plastics, you will also be instructed to you hydrogen peroxide and Neosporin on-hand for post recovery wound care. We will provide you with a comb and some baby shampoo that you will use as well. It’s also important to pick up your prescriptions ahead of time that will be given to you at your pre-operative appointment. These include an antibiotic to prevent infection, medrol dose pack to help with swelling, Valium to help you relax during your procedure, and pain medication to help with discomfort.
You will also need to make sure you have someone scheduled to take you home after your surgery.
1 Week Prior
Alcohol can also thin the blood so it’s recommended you refrain for at least one week prior to surgery and one week after.
Day of Surgery
We have patients arrive early as hair transplant surgery can take up to a full 8 hours to complete. Avoid exercise, coffee, and anything else that may increase your heart rate. Wear something comfortable that is easy to take on and off since your head will be wrapped after your procedure and not removed until the next day. Take one antibiotic pill one hour prior to your start time and your Valium thirty minutes prior. Once you arrive, our team will get you settled in and comfortable to begin the process!
For more information on how to prepare for hair transplant surgery, call (801) 776-2220 or contact us HERE.