Hair transplant surgery is a life-changing procedure that requires careful consideration. It’s not as simple as walking into a salon and walking out with hair extensions. There are some things you should do before and after the transplant to make sure you get the best possible results throughout your hair transplant journey. We’re here to help you every step of the way, and today we bring you pre- and post-natal tips. hair transplant surgery.
What to Do Before Hair Transplant SurgeryYour doctor will give you a list of specific instructions before your surgery. It is important to follow them carefully to ensure your safety and get the best possible result from your procedure. Here are some general helpful tips.
Quit smoking and alcohol Ideally, you should avoid it for a week before and after your procedure, as they can increase the risk of bleeding and slow healing. You should avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 3 days at least 24 hours before the procedure.
Stop cutting your hair- Hair in the donor area needs time to grow, so cancel your haircut appointments for the time recommended by your surgeon before the procedure.
Massage your scalp for 10-20 minutes a day. Daily massage of your scalp 2 weeks before the surgery helps to strengthen and tone the tissues and prepares your scalp for the surgery.
Discuss your medications, vitamins, and supplements with your doctor. Some medications may need to be avoided for up to 2 weeks before and after surgery. This is especially true for anti-inflammatory and blood thinners. Don’t forget to also discuss any vitamins and supplements, including herbal products.
Share your medical history with your surgeon- It is important to disclose your full medical history to your surgeon so that your team can develop the best care plan for you. They need to know about diseases or conditions you currently have or have had in the past, especially allergies, cardiovascular and bleeding issues.
Treat any skin conditions you may have before your surgery date. If you have eczema, psoriasis, fungal or bacterial infections, or any other skin condition, it’s important to treat and suppress these before surgery. This is especially true for anything that affects your scalp.
stay away from the sun If your scalp is sunburned, surgery should be postponed until the burn heals, so cover your head when outside and avoid the sun as much as possible in the days before surgery.
Wear loose-fitting clothes You should come to your appointment with loose and comfortable clothes and preferably a button-up or zippered shirt to avoid damaging your surgery area while trying to change the sweater after the surgery.
Follow the doctor’s instructions- Your surgeon will give you a list of instructions on when and how to wash your hair, when to stop eating, what medications you should or should not take, and the tests you should have before surgery. Make sure you follow them all carefully.
What to Do After Hair Transplant Surgery
The most important thing to do after the process is complete is to be patient. It takes time to see great results from surgery. You will receive a list of aftercare instructions specific to the procedure you are performing from your surgeon. Follow them carefully. There are some general tips that can make your recovery easier, and some things to avoid while you’re recovering.
Elevate your head and use a neck pillow. You may find it difficult to get into a comfortable sleeping position immediately after surgery. Resting in an elevated position with a neck pillow can make you more comfortable by relieving the pressure on the donor area.
boot- This may be easier said than done, but don’t scratch your scalp. The skin typically itches as it heals, and that includes your scalp. Scraping can damage sensitive grafts, so apply anti-itch medicine as directed and do not scratch under any circumstances. Turning your thermostat down and keeping the room cooler can also help soothe the itch.
Keep the area clean and dry- Your surgeon will instruct you on how and when to wash your hair after the procedure and may provide a special shampoo for you to use and also provide a cap to protect the area from the elements. Do not wash or wet your hair until instructed, otherwise you may damage the grafts and if instructed, cover the area to help keep it clean.
Avoid saunas and sunlight- Sunlight can damage sensitive tissues as they heal, and heat and sweat can cause itching, odor, and damage sensitive areas as well. Therefore, keep your head covered and out of direct sunlight and avoid saunas until your scalp has fully healed, usually for 6-8 weeks.
It may seem like a lot to remember and keep up with all the before and after care associated with hair transplant surgery, but your efforts will pay off with fuller, healthier looking hair in just a few weeks. The confidence and self-esteem you will gain will be well worth your efforts.
If you’re ready to embark on your own personal hair restoration journey, schedule a discreet and private consultation at: Hair Transplantation Institute to discuss your hair transplant options. We will assess your hair and scalp health and degree of hair loss, and discuss the best available treatment options to restore your hair. Call us at 612-588-HAIR (4247) for a free consultation. You can find us in Bloomington, MN at 8030 Old Cedar Ave S Ste 202.