Pre And Post Hair Transplant Planning

May 12, 2006

So you're off for you hair transplant. Congratulations! After talking to many guys who have had their first transplant, one complaint was that very little information is freely given regarding preparation for the big day. Also, once you get home, what you can and can't do. Although some clinics may differ, here is my definitive guide to preparing and looking after the new you.

Your Original Hair

Keep your hair longer than 1/2 inch at the back (this is longer than a grade 4 on clippers). If you opt for the strip method of removal, you will have a scar (for a couple of months) which, to avoid detection, needs covering. I have found that 1/2 inch easily covers any sign of the scar. If you opt for the FUE method, your hair will be shaved at the back so the hair length is not so important.

Keep your hair in good condition prior to the operation by using a recommend shampoo. I found using the Nioxin range of shampoos, conditioners and treatments keeps your hair in excellent condition and is perfect for fine or thinning hair. It contains a DHT blocking quality which can stop your hair falling out.

The day before and on the morning of your procedure, wash your hair but go gentle on your scalp. The clinic will wash your hair and scalp prior to the procedure but use an Iodine shampoo. You will need to continue using this shampoo for around 4 days and unfortunately, it is bad for the hair (extremely drying). It is necessity for keeping the scalp free from infection. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary breakage/drying out, your hair needs to be in good condition prior to the procedure.

After a few days, you will be able to go onto a baby shampoo (or very mild shampoo such as Neutrogena). You will have to remain on this for at least a week and avoid conditioners, gels, mousses and all other hair products.

Again, it is important to start off before your procedure with a healthy scalp and hair. After 2 weeks, you can return to the Nioxin (or similar range) to get your hair condition back.

Relaxation

There is much debate how much time you need to book off after the procedure and many guys need to pre book this time off to avoid detection.

Your recovery time can vary however, without any exceptions (so far) if you have your procedure on a Monday, there is no reason you can't return to work the following Monday. The only noticeable effects of the hair transplant after 1 week are:

• Your stitches (keep your hair over 1/2 inch at the back and this will be invisible).
• Pinking - you will have a slightly pink scalp but, if you tell people you've just come back from Greece, they'll think you've caught the sun.
• More/less hair - After 1 week, some of the transplanted hair may stay in (although most falls out before starting the growing periods). Also, if you already have thin hair and the grafts are transplanted next to original hair, the original hair may shock out (fall out and grow back after 2 months).

In most occasions, no-one will have any idea you've had ANYTHING done.

Comfort

The hair transplant will leave you feeling a little tired and on a few occasions, a little sore. After 2 days you will be back home so it is important before you go, to prepare your home. Get yourself a soft pillow as you may feel a little tightness where you have stitches - a soft pillow will ensure a better nights sleep. Also, an icepack is great for reducing swelling (if you get any) so a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel is good to have at hand.

Exercise

As you are not advised to exercise for at least 2 weeks, make sure you don?t do anything that requires exercise (pushing, pulling, lifting). Basic tasks are fine however, anything that causes a rush of blood to the head is unadvisable - for example, you are advised not to bend over too much (even to tie up laces etc) So plan you week's rest well. Make sure any chores (like vacuuming) are done prior to your visit and don?t plan anything whilst you are resting. You will probably feel absolutely fine however, rest is the best way to recover and get back to work quicker and without anything noticeable.

Medication

Firstly, unless advised by your GP, stop taking all medications at least 2 days prior to your procedure. Here is the countdown:

T-minus 1 month
Keep your hair longer than 1/2 inch at the back (this is longer than a grade 4 on clippers) as you will have a feint scar (for a couple of months) which, to avoid detection, needs covering.

T-minus 10 days
Stop taking the following medications*:
• Propecia
• Finasteride
• Dutasteride
• Minoxidil

T-minus 3 days
You must stop taking the following medications & supplements*:
• Aspirin
• All vitamins & supplements
You must also stop drinking alcohol from this point on.

*All this is unless otherwise prescribed or recommend by a GP or the surgeon. You can return to all medication the evening of your procedure although avoid paracetemol until your pain killers have all been taken - around 2 days post op.

Socialising

Clubbing, pubbing and heavy drinking sessions are out of the question at least 3 days prior to your procedure and at least 1 week after (although I broke these rules and regretted it) ONE glass of wine or ONE light beer the evening before your procedure and the evening of your procedure is OK however; avoid it if you're not bothered about drinking. On day 2 post procedure you can have 2 glasses of wine or a couple of light beers.

Heavy drinking is best avoided until after 6 days (at least) or once your antibiotics have finished. Socialising is fine although on the evening of and the day after your procedure, try and keep quiet, calm and very relaxed.

Sex

The evening before your procedure is the last time for a few days you can engage in sex - so make it a good one :)

You must refrain from all sex for at least 3 days post op and that includes masturbation. This is simply due to the rush of blood to head during climax.

Checklist

Things to buy before the procedure:

• Baby shampoo
• Fucicort (or antibacterial cream/spray)
• Ice/cool pack (or a bag of frozen peas with a towel wrapped around them) in case of swelling.
• A clean towel (only to be used by the patient) post op.
• Fluffy pillow

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