Pre-Operative Instructions for Hair Transplantation
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Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin, Advil, or Ibuprofen, for 14 days prior to surgery. These medications can thin the blood and cause bleeding during surgery. Many over the counter medications such as Alka-Seltzer, Bufferin, Excedrin, Empirin, etc., contain aspirin and should not be taken prior to surgery. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. As little as one aspirin can thin the blood for up to two weeks. Minoxidil can be used up to the day before surgery.
Do not drink alcohol for seven days prior to surgery. Alcohol can thin the blood and cause the procedure to be more difficult.
If you smoke cigarettes, Doctors advise you to stop smoking at least one month prior to your scheduled surgery.
Many studies have shown that cigarette smoking impedes wound healing. In order to ensure the best healing and survival of the transplanted hair Doctors suggest that our patients do not smoke.
Do not take Vitamin E or B-complex vitamins for seven days prior to surgery. These vitamins can thin the blood slightly and cause the procedure to be more difficult.
Avoid strenuous exercise and/or heavy lifting one prior to surgery. There is some evidence that this can also thin the blood. Light exercise at about 50% of normal is okay before surgery.
Wash your hair the morning of surgery. Do not use any hair products such as hair spray, mousse, gel, etc., the morning of surgery.
Do not cut the hair on the back and side of your head before surgery. This will make it more difficult to hide the suture line. If possible, let your hair grow a little longer in the back (about 2-3 inches).
Drink plenty of fluids and eat a light meal the night before and the morning of surgery. This will help prevent dizziness and nausea.
Do not take your daily prescription medications the day of surgery, i.e. blood pressure, cholesterol-lowering, thyroid, diabetes, etc..
Do not drink caffeine the morning of surgery. You will be given something to relax during surgery. The caffeine can work against helping you relax. Decaffeinated drinks are acceptable.
Wear comfortable, loose pants and a button down shirt the day of surgery. Do not wear a tee-shirt, as this is difficult to pull over the head after surgery.
Bring a clean or new baseball cap, or similar type of hat to wear home after surgery. If the cap is not clean or new, there is a possibility that an infection may occur.
You will be given a sedative to help you relax through the surgery. You must arrange for someone to pick you up and drive you home after surgery.
Prior to surgery, Doctors recommend you have some ice packs or a gel flexible cold pack on hand. The gel flexible cold pack is preferred. These are to be used on the forehead after surgery.
Travel Plans
If you are from out of town, please make your plane, hotel, and car reservations early in order to receive the best rates. The Clinic can help you for selection of Hotels in nearby area.
If you live out of town, it is not recommended that you fly home or drive long distances the night after surgery. You should make arrangements to spend the night locally and return home in the morning.
NOTE: During surgery, you are given medication, such as Valium, which causes drowsiness. As a result, it is unsafe for you to drive immediately after surgery. Please make arrangements for someone to drive you home after your surgical procedure.