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WHAT HAPPENS TO TRANSPLANTED HAIR?

What Happens To Transplanted Hair? When a patient undergoes a hair transplant, the length of time between the actual procedure and the realization of the benefits of the transplant is typically four to six months. It is critical that patients understand what to expect following the completion of the procedure, as there are a quite a few normal processes that take place but may cause alarm in those unfamiliar with the timeline and the process. During an initial consultation, the hair transplant surgeon should explain everything the patient should expect both before and after the hair transplant procedure.

Once the hair has been successfully harvested from the donor site and transplanted into the recipient site, it is entirely normal and expected for the transplanted hair to fall out after a period of just a few weeks. While the transplanted hair follicles fall out, the root will remain and begin the process of regrowth shortly thereafter. Patients should expect to begin to see the actual hair follicles in the donor site after about four months from the time of the original procedure, and it will be about six months before the final outcome of the hair transplant is realized.

After a period of six months has elapsed, the patient will be able to fully evaluate the procedure’s success and determine whether the transplant yielded the density they had hoped for and previously discussed with their doctor. Some patients opt for a second procedure with the goal of achieving greater volume in the donor site, while many others are more than content with the coverage generated by the hair transplant. In order to ensure the doctor and the patient are on the same page with regard to the patient’s expectations, every aspect of the hair transplant process should be thoroughly discussed during the course of the initial consultation.

What percent of transplanted hair stays on the scalp?

The percentage of hairs expected to survive and grow after they have been transplanted from the donor site to the recipient site typically falls somewhere between 95 percent and 100 percent, although there may be some variance depending on the type of procedure the patient elects to undergo. This does not mean that all of the transplanted hairs will survive and continue to grow from the moment they are transplanted, as it is normal and entirely expected for the transplanted hair to fall out in the days and weeks following the procedure. The transplanted follicles will sometimes fall out inside of 10 days, while others will remain on the scalp for a longer period of time without growing until they too fall out. This is all a normal part of the process and should not arouse concern in the patient.

After about four months from the time of the hair transplant procedure, the patient will begin to notice the beginning stages of growth in the recipient site. While some of the transplanted follicles may not grow back, the overwhelming majority will ultimately return so that the patient can see the complete impact of the hair transplant procedure. The percentage of follicles that return after six months have elapsed should be between 95 percent and 100 percent, enabling the doctor to artfully craft a natural-looking hairline due to the knowledge that almost every transplanted follicle will survive the procedure and grow in the place in which it was transplanted.

Does transplanted hair look natural?

Whether or not a hair transplant will be immediately recognizable to others is a valid concern for prospective patients, as an unnatural-looking hair transplant is certainly not the outcome a transplant candidate is seeking. Fortunately for potential hair transplant patients, the techniques used during the course of a hair transplant ensure that the result is a natural-looking head of hair that is not easily noticed by even the most discerning and perceptive individuals. This is due to the combination of advanced technology used by doctors and the skill with which they are able to craft a new hairline that cannot be differentiated from a naturally occurring hairline.

Since the procedure involves harvesting the patient’s natural hair and transplanting it into a recipient site determined by the doctor, the transplanted hair follicles blend seamlessly with the patient’s naturally occurring hair. An additional benefit for patients seeking a natural-looking hair transplant is the fact that the follicles can be divided up into single follicles or follicular units that may include one to three follicles, ensuring the transplanted hair is grouped in the same way as the patient’s naturally occurring hair.

Further ensuring a natural-looking hair transplant is the precision made possible through a number of technological advancements. During the process of the hair transplant, the doctor will rely on this technology to ensure a maximum yield is produced from the donor site and that the hairline is crafted exactly as originally outlined. Combined with an experienced hair transplant surgeon’s steady hand and craftsmanship, the transplanted hair should appear to be no different from any of the patient’s other hair follicles.

How do I cut my transplanted hair?

It is essential for patients to remember that a hair transplant involves the transplantation of their own natural hair into a recipient site in which it grows just as a naturally occurring hair follicle would. This means that a hair transplant patient can treat their hair in the same way after the transplant as they did before the transplant. After the recipient site has healed, the patient can elect to have their hair cut just as they normally would, although there are several guidelines the patient should keep in mind after the completion of the hair transplant procedure.

Patients who opt for FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) should be aware that the procedure does leave a horizontal scar in the donor site. The naturally occurring hair that remains easily obscures this scar, but those who prefer a close-cropped hairstyle may find that the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) procedure is the preferable option. FUE does not leave the same horizontal scar that FUT does, enabling patients to cut their hair as short as they like. Patients should discuss their preferred hairstyle with the doctor at the time of consultation to ensure they select the most ideal procedure for their specific needs.

Beyond those who prefer a very short hairstyle, a hair transplant should have no impact on the manner in which patients cut their hair. In fact, the majority of patients will find that the hair stylist cutting their hair will not be able to tell the difference between the naturally occurring hair and the transplanted hair follicles.

How do I care for my transplanted hair?

A patient who has undergone a hair transplant will quickly realize that there is very little or no difference between the hair care needed before and after the hair transplant procedure. While a hair transplant is relatively low maintenance, there are several strategies patients can utilize to ensure they end up with the best possible outcome. Patients should consider altering their diet to ensure they are getting enough of the kinds of nutrients that contribute to a healthier head of hair and thicker hair follicles, and there is also a benefit to be realized from the use of natural oils like coconut oil to further strengthen hair follicles.

Many doctors will recommend a post-operative regimen of prescription or non-prescription hair regrowth or preservation products, including Rogaine and Propecia. Manila and Dubai patients tell us that when these products are utilized in conjunction with a hair transplant, it has been demonstrated that the impact of the hair transplant procedure can be enhanced by a relatively significant margin. Other than the use of care strategies or products designed to enhance the benefits of the hair transplant, patients can expect little to no change in the manner they approach everyday hair care.

What To Use After A Hair Transplant

The time following the completion of the hair transplant procedure is a critical one, and patients should follow any and all of the specific advice and instruction provided by their hair transplant surgeon. Although the healing process requires patience before the hair transplant recipient is able to experience the full extent of the benefits of this procedure, the level of care required during this time is not all that difficult and it is certainly not overly complex.

Once the recipient site has had some time to heal following the procedure, most patients can begin using the same products they used before the transplant procedure. Patients often have questions regarding specific products or hair care strategies that might further enhance the benefits of the hair transplant. These questions may include one or more of the following:

  • Prescription and non-prescription drugs aimed at hair preservation
  • Rogaine
  • Propecia
  • Products containing natural oils (like coconut oil)

In addition to the use of these products, many patients alter their dietary habits and begin including foods containing nutrients associated with hair regrowth or preservation. A change in diet can serve as an effective complement to the products mentioned above, and it is possible that some of the products may produce better results when used in conjunction with one another. In any case, it is always best for the patient to confer with the doctor regarding the best after-care strategies following the completion of a hair transplant procedure.

Products that are nutritious for hair regrowth after transplant

vegetarians prone to hair loss

There are a variety of products that can be utilized by patients following a hair transplant procedure, with many electing to take advantage of the widespread availability of dietary supplements capable of supplying the specific nutrients associated with hair regrowth and follicle strength. Foods or supplements rich in protein, iron, magnesium, Vitamin B6, zinc and calcium have all been associated with the strengthening and regrowth of hair follicles after undergoing a hair transplant procedure.

Nutrient-rich foods and supplements are not the only products available to recent hair transplant recipients. There are a number of prescription and non-prescription drugs that can be used quite effectively by patients seeking to maintain their existing hair and enhance the strength of their remaining hair follicles. Products featuring natural oils are also used to strengthen hair follicles after a transplant and may contribute to the further preservation of the patient’s remaining natural hair. Products containing coconut oil are typically cited as the most popular option, but there are a number of other products that are similarly effective in preserving and strengthening hair follicles.

Topical prescription and non-prescription drugs to preserve hair

There is a wide range of topical options available via prescription, but there is also a number of non-prescription hair preservation and regrowth options available to recent hair transplant recipients as well. In fact, prospective patients may find that a hair transplant doctor will recommend a topical product instead of a hair transplant following the initial consultation and depending on the specific circumstances pertaining to the patient’s level of hair thinning or loss.

Perhaps the most well-known topical solution is Rogaine, which is available to patients over-the-counter without any prescription. In addition to Rogaine, patients may consider using either prescription or non-prescription shampoos to preserve their hair or stimulate regrowth. Shampoos containing ketoconazole, copper, zinc or keratin amino acids are the most common options and may be available with or without a prescription.

Propecia is likely the most readily identifiable hair preservation and regrowth option available with a prescription, and there is evidence that Rogaine and Propecia work particularly well when utilized simultaneously. The orally ingested Propecia blocks the production of DHT, the hormone responsible for the kind of hair loss that leads a patient to consider and undergo a hair transplant procedure.

Use of Rogaine following a hair transplant

rogaine hair replacement maxim

It is not uncommon for patients to have used Rogaine before considering a hair transplant, and doctors often field questions regarding the continued use of Rogaine following the hair transplant’s completion. Since Rogaine has a long history of success in stimulating hair growth over countless clinical trials, it is widely regarded as a safe and effective complement for use after a hair transplant.

In addition to it long track record of success, hair transplant patients tend to favor this option due to the simple fact that the topical foam solution is unscented and easily applied. Anyone who has witnessed the progression of hair loss is likely familiar with how follicle growth in certain areas of the scalp ceases so that it appears as though the follicles in these areas have shrunk relative to the unaffected hair follicles. Rogaine’s principal ingredient specifically targets these areas in order to stimulate the “shrinking” follicles so that they begin to grow anew and return as thick and as strong as before.

As always, patients should consult their doctor to determine the precise time needed between the completion of the hair transplant procedure and the commencement of any hair regrowth or preservation regimen, including one that features the use of Rogaine. It is generally accepted, however, that the use of a topical solution can commence once the hair transplant recipient site has healed to a reasonable degree following the initial transplant procedure.

Use of Propecia following a hair transplant

hair transplant guy maxim hair restoration

Like Rogaine, Propecia is one of the more readily identifiable products available for hair transplant patients and candidates alike. That is where the similarities between the two essentially end, however, as Propecia is not available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from a doctor, most likely a dermatologist. Propecia is also taken by mouth, whereas Rogaine is a topical solution applied directly to the scalp. There are also some potential side effects associated with the use of Propecia, which is why it remains important for the patient to discuss this option with a doctor before using it as a solution for thinning hair or hair loss.

Assuming Propecia’s benefits outweigh any potential complications in the eyes of the patient and his or her doctor, this oral prescription medication has been proven in clinical trials to block DHT, the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. When used in conjunction with a hair transplant procedure, Propecia may be effective in reducing the possibility of additional hair loss occurring outside of the hair transplant recipient sites.

Once the recipient site has sufficiently healed, many patients, in and around New York, Connecticut, Chicago, choose to use Propecia and Rogaine simultaneously since there is evidence that the two options have a synergistic effect on hair regrowth and preservation. With Propecia blocking DHT and Rogaine stimulating growth among weakened follicles, recent hair transplant recipients may be able to enhance the effectiveness of the hair transplant procedure by including these products as a part their after-care regimen.

Of course, it is important to note that the use of any product as well as the ideal timeline in which to they can be used should be discussed with the hair transplant surgeon. This will allow the doctor to give very specific advice based on the circumstances surrounding each individual’s hair loss, and this ensures that patients pursue the most ideal course of action for their unique situation.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HAIR TRANSPLANTS

What are the things to know in Hair Transplant? There is simply no amount of research or preparation performed by a prospective patient that is capable of replacing the insight gained during the initial consultation process with hair transplant centers and doctors in Chicago, New York, Connecticut, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Manila. During an initial consultation, the doctor will be able to discuss the patient’s specific goals as well as the most ideal strategies for achieving those goals. Each patient’s individual circumstances will dictate the procedure the doctor recommends, and it is during this time that the patient should be prepared to ask as many relevant questions as possible in order to ensure they have all the information they need about the hair transplant process.

things to know about hair transplant

Things to know about Hair Transplant

As is the case with any procedure, there are positives and negatives for the patient to consider, and it is critical that the patient understands exactly what a hair transplant can accomplish in order to set appropriate expectations regarding the outcome. It is also critical for the patient to understand what to look for in a hair transplant facility and a hair transplant doctor, as taking care in selecting the ideal doctor operating out the ideal facility is certainly beneficial in ensuring the outcome the patient is seeking. Armed with every piece of relevant information, the patient should be able to better understand their specific hair restoration needs so that they are able to ask the right questions and select the right procedure performed the right doctor.

Positives of a Hair transplant

Perhaps the most obviously positive aspect of a hair transplant is the fact that the transplanted hair is permanent and utilizes the patient’s natural hair to fill in the areas affected by hair loss or thinning hair. Following the completion of the transplant procedure and the subsequent healing process, a hair transplant often restores a more youthful appearance to the patient and makes an obvious contribution to the patient’s overall feelings of self-esteem. Although the recovery times vary depending on the procedure selected by the patient, it is often possible for the patient to return to regular activities the day after the procedure.

The fact of the matter is that a hair transplant is the most natural-looking solution to thinning hair or hair loss, and the wide variety of transplant procedures available makes it possible for a patient to choose a procedure capable of yielding the specific outcome he or she is seeking. Although some patients elect to pursue multiple sessions to achieve greater volume, the procedure can often be completed with just a single session and does not require the patient to take too much time off from work, if any time off is even necessary. Since the procedure involves a local anesthetic and is considered minimally invasive, the patient does not need to be worried over the possibility of experiencing any discomfort as a result of undergoing the procedure.

Negatives of a hair transplant

When one considers the benefits and drawbacks of a hair transplant, it is clear that the positive benefits outweigh any negatives by a wide margin. The drawbacks associated with a hair transplant are relatively minor and can be easily withstood through the use of some very simple strategies. In the FUT procedure, for example, there will be a horizontal scar left on the scalp in the area from which the donor hair was harvested. Hair transplant doctors often take great care to ensure this scar can be easily hidden by the patient’s existing hair, and most patients have difficulty even locating their scar once their hair has grown in. Patients who prefer a close-cropped haircut, FUE is likely the best solution due to its status as a no-scar technique.

Additional Drawbacks

If they can even be considered negative at all — is the fact that it may not be possible for the patient to achieve the “hairline of their youth,” as there may not be sufficient hair available from the donor site, not to mention that achieving such volume might require multiple hair transplant procedure sessions. A hair transplant will restore hair follicles in a manner that visibly improves the patient’s hairline, but this is accomplished through the use of about 25 percent of the follicles one would find in areas of the scalp that remain unaffected by hair loss or hair thinning.

Finally, the time between the procedure and achievement of the procedure’s outcome might require some patience. After the procedure is completed, the transplanted hair will fall out within a few weeks and will begin to regrow shortly thereafter. In most cases, the results of the procedure are visible after four to six months after the actual transplant. This is typically discussed during the initial consultation and is simply the norm for any hair transplant procedure.

Realistic expectations from a hair transplant

It is important to reiterate that a hair transplant is designed to improve the patient’s existing hairline in the most natural-looking way possible, but it is simply unlikely that a hair transplant procedure will be able to restore the hairline the patient enjoyed during his or her youth. It has been determined that adequate coverage can be achieved by restoring about 25 percent of the original follicle density, so a patient expecting a return of the hairline and volume of youth has to understand what is possible when deciding to undergo a hair transplant. Of course, if there is sufficient donor hair available, a patient can elect to undergo multiple sessions in order to achieve greater volume, but it is still unlikely to achieve the hairline and the volume associated with one’s youth.

The patient should also fully understand the healing process and the length of time needed to see the actual results of the transplant procedure. The transplanted hair will fall out within a few weeks of the procedure, after which it will begin to re-grow from the recipient sites. This means that the outcome of the procedure will only be truly understood after a period of four to six months. All things considered, the timeline needed for a hair restoration to achieve its stated purpose should hardly be considered an inconvenience.

Things to look for when considering a hair transplant

Of all the things a potential hair transplant patient should take into account when considering a hair transplant, perhaps none is more important than the ability to find a doctor and a facility capable of providing the precise result the patient is seeking. When considering a hair transplant, it is therefore critical to be thoroughly informed regarding all aspects of the hair transplantation process and to be willing to take a thoughtful approach to the selection of the doctor and the facility.

Any patient considering a hair transplant should be prepared to ask questions regarding the procedure and should ask the doctor to go into great detail when outlining the entirety of the hair transplant procedure. The doctors and the facilities including New York and Connecticut should be accommodating of any and all questions relating to the procedure and should address all aspects of the process from beginning to end so the patient is able to make an informed decision regarding not just the ideal procedure, but also the ideal doctor and the ideal facility.

The patient should also take a number of practical considerations into account when determining an ideal course of action with regard to a hair transplant. A patient undergoing FUT may need to take time away from work following the completion of the procedure to ensure a proper recovery. If time off is not possible, the patient may instead elect to undergo an FUEprocedure. In addition to these considerations, the amount of coverage the patient is seeking should also be taken into account before a decision is made, as this will allow the patient to determine if multiple sessions are necessary or if one procedure is more conducive to the result they are hoping to achieve.

Things to avoid when considering a hair transplant

Hair restoration procedures have benefited in tremendous fashion from the continued development of technological and procedural advances, enabling doctors to perform increasingly precise and natural-looking hair transplants. Patients should therefore be cognizant of the most advanced and most effective procedures available along with those that are considered out of date. The Patients should avoid doctors or facilities that continue to utilize less-than-ideal hair transplant options and instead should focus on the doctors that offer the most effective and natural-looking hair transplant procedures, such as FUT and FUE, among others.

Patients should also avoid acting hastily in choosing to undergo a procedure or in selecting the right doctor and facility to perform the procedure. It is sometimes the case that patients seeking a hair transplant are too young to truly benefit from the procedure, have unreasonable expectations that cannot be satisfied with the resulting outcome, or do not have sufficient hair follicles available in the donor site to achieve the result they are seeking. A relatively young patient may respond quite well to prescription or non-prescription medication and can therefore delay seeking a transplant until their hair loss is more or less stable, while those without sufficient donor follicles and those without reasonable expectations will simply be discontented with the results of any transplant procedure.

What to Wear after Hair Transplant?

What to Wear after Hair Transplant? It should be plainly evident that patients must follow the doctor’s post-operative instructions if they wish to ensure an optimal recovery period while also continuing to nurture their hair transplant. Underscoring the importance of adhering to the post-operative instructions is the fact that the instructions are specifically designed to ensure that the hair transplant is barely detectable after just a few days and near-microscopic after seven to ten days. Patients should expect to receive medication at the time of the hair loss surgery for any incidences of swelling, but some patients may nonetheless experience swelling of the forehead, across the bridge of the nose and around the eyes. If this occurs, the swelling typically dissipates by the conclusion of the first week.

What to Wear after Hair Transplant?

wearing a hat after hair transplant maxim

Patients will be instructed to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing after or on the day of the hair transplant procedure in order to ensure that these clothes do not disturb the newly transplanted grafts when the patient takes off or puts on their clothes, with it being preferred that the clothing does not have to be put on or taken off over the patient’s head. Some hair transplant centers are located in Manila, Abu Dhabi and Dubai which are extremely hot countries, so these loose-fitting clothes will help with the heat as well. These instructions should be followed until the transplants have permanently taken root, which is typically the case after a period of 10 days has elapsed following the completion of the hair transplant session.

Patients may also be advised on whether or not they may wear any sort of head covering following the transplant session, with most recommending a loose-fitting cap that does not risk disturbing any of the new follicles in the recipient site. Once the new hairs have taken root on a permanent basis, the patient can largely choose to wear what they normally would after hair transplant. There are some additional factors relating to clothing to consider even after the first 10 days, but they are mostly cosmetic and should not have any effect on the final outcome of the hair transplant.

The newly transplanted hair starts to grow at around 10 weeks. It is long enough to be combed through in about 6 months and, in almost all cases, will be fully grown in at one year. In the post-operative months — before the new hair begins to grow — there may be some exfoliating of the patient’s original hair so that the surgical area may seem slightly thinner. This is a temporary circumstance and will be corrected when the new hair begins to grow. It should not be a reason for concern, but it may have an effect on the patient’s clothing choices or the frequency with which they choose to wear a cap after hair transplant.

Can I wear a hat after my hair transplant?

It takes approximately seven to 10 days for the freshly implanted grafts to become permanently anchored in the recipient site. Any impairment or compression of the grafts during the first seven to 10 days before they become anchored in place may lead to permanent damage and cause an adverse effect on hair growth in the recipient site. It is therefore the case that most hair transplant surgeons recommend waiting seven to 10 days before wearing any type of cap that could restrict, move, or displace a graft. If the doctor allows a cap to be worn following the procedure, he or she will go over the most appropriate kinds of caps in order to reduce the risk of any damage to the grafts. These caps will surely have to be loose-fitting, as any other kind of cap is likely to compress or impair the grafts while they are still in the process of anchoring.

After the 10-day mark, the grafts should be permanently anchored. At this point in the healing process, no amount of wear or other form of contact with the transplanted grafts should cause any damage. Once the 10-day mark has passed, wearing a hat can be considered perfectly safe. It is nonetheless important to note that it is always best for the patient to confer with their doctor regarding any questions they may have, as this is the ideal method for ensuring the best possible results are achieved through the hair transplant procedure.

How do I conceal my hair transplant scars?

hair transplant scar maxim

Any hair transplant procedure utilizing follicular units — including both FUE and FUT — leaves the patient with no scarring in the recipient sites. The incisions used to transplant each follicular unit are microscopic and therefore leave behind no visible scarring whatsoever. Despite the fact that neither FUE nor FUT leaves the patient with any scarring in the recipient site, the patient must exercise caution during the first 10 days or so following the completion of the transplant. Any scratching or picking at the grafts can irritate the recipient site and adversely affect the viability of the graft.

While there will be no visible scarring in the recipient site for patients undergoing the FUE or FUT procedures, the FUT procedure does leave behind a scar at the donor site that can be easily hidden or obscured through a variety methods. The most common method used by patients to hide this thin horizontal scar is to simply allow their naturally occurring hair to fall over the scar so that it is no longer visible.

How do I conceal the scar in the donor area?

The FUE procedure is designed to ensure there is no visible scarring in the donor area, so patients opting for FUE should not be concerned with hiding any scarring from the donor site. The FUT procedure does leave behind a thin horizontal scar at the donor site, but doctors take great care to orient this thin strip so that it is easily hidden by the patient’s remaining hair follicles. Many patients find that they cannot easily locate their own scar after they have fully healed and their transplanted hair has grown out completely. While patients undergoing FUE or FUT should not be concerned about having to figure out how to hide a visible scar following their procedure, there are other circumstances in which scar tissue is visible and cannot be covered by the patient’s existing hair.

Patients with visible scarring left behind due to poor healing or due to the use of outdated transplant procedures still have a number of other corrective options available to them. Current methods include scar revision (adjusting or changing the direction of a scar) as well as the implantation of donor follicles directly into the scar tissue. Cortisone injections are sometimes used to straighten or flatten any raised scar tissue, and dermal fillers can be utilized when the incision is set in or is concave in its appearance. Dermabrasion and fraxel laser repair techniques can also be used to address visible scarring, and a hair transplant surgeon is best suited to determine the most ideal course of corrective action for each individual patient.

Scalp micropigmentation is another option available to patients seeking to hide any visible scarring. This is a scar camouflage procedure that is becoming increasingly popular among patients, and in many cases it may be more appropriate than some of the most commonplace techniques. The scalp micropigmentation process can be further augmented through the use of dermal fillers or fraxel laser repair, as this can often lead to a smoother canvas with a decline in indentation or projection of the scar tissue. This makes any remaining scar tissue easier to hide utilizing scalp micropigmentation. This process is available at hair transplant centers in New York, Houston, California, Abu Dhabi and Manila.

The scar camouflage process is usually part of a broader plan designed according to the unique needs of the patient. Some patients opt for a full scalp micropigmentation treatment covering the entirety of their scalp as the concluding step of a longer process involving the aforementioned scar revision techniques. Patients should therefore take time to consider how effective scar camouflaging could be and should discuss their options with a hair transplant doctor before making their decision.


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What To do Before a Hair Transplant?

What To do Before a Hair Transplant?

Deciding to undergo a hair transplant is a vital and gratifying step for any hair loss patient. The outcome of the hair transplant represents a marked improvement. Still, you should know what to do before a hair transplant. It is vital to be properly prepared in each stage of the hair transplant process. 

That is why you have to develop a thorough understanding of every aspect of the procedure. Aside from that, you should understand the restoration process as well. A good first step for this is a consultation with hair transplant clinics in Houston as well as clinics in:

  • Dallas
  • NYC
  • California
  • Washington, DC 
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai
  • Connecticut
  • Chicago
  • Manila

Here, outstanding hair transplant doctors and consultants can talk you through the process. 

There are many factors that you must know before a hair restoration procedure. Also, you have many ways to gain valuable insight and information about the process including:

During the initial consultation, the doctor will outline the process in its entirety. Also, they will help you decide upon an ideal course of action. After selecting a procedure, the doctor will give you specific instructions to follow. This instruction includes what to do before a hair transplant and each stage of the process.

Things to do before Hair Transplant: Adhere to the Pre-Operative Guidelines

What To Do Before Hair Transplant?

Your hair transplant doctor will tell you what to do before a hair transplant. 

Before the process, you should follow the pre-operative instructions provided by the doctor. This is because it will go a long way in ensuring that the procedure will go as smoothly as possible. 

Following these pre-operative guidelines will have an impact on the post-operative recovery process. So, it ensures that you cut the possibility of experiencing any pain or discomfort.

Why should you make the requisite short-term lifestyle adjustments? 

By doing so, it ensures that you have the best possible long-term outcome for your hair transplant.

Medications to Avoid Before a Hair Transplant

Patients taking any blood thinners should inform their doctor as soon as possible. This is because these medications are capable of creating a contraindication before surgery. Several medications fall into the category of blood thinners. This includes, but not limited to:

  • Plavix
  • Coumadin
  • Heparin

Not only that, but you should also let your doctor be aware of the use of any broad beta-blockers like Inderal. This medication is used as a substitute beta-blocker. Besides, it may have to be prescribed in advance of the surgery.

As the scheduled surgery date is approaching, you should be more attentive to the medications and vitamins you consume. You should stop taking:

  • Vitamin B or E
  • Multivitamins that include Vit. B or Vit E

You should skip taking these vitamins for at least one week in advance before the procedure. For the reason that these vitamins may increase the incidence of bleeding. Three days after the surgery, you can now resume your vitamin B or E regimen. 

Aspirin

Before the scheduled procedure date, avoid taking Aspirin for at least one week. Stop taking any other painkillers or pain relievers as well. You can resume drinking these medications 3 days after the hair transplant procedure. 

So, any other prescription medication can be taken right up to the day of the procedure. You need to tell your doctor about your medications during the initial consultation. 

You must know what to do before a hair transplant. By doing so, it ensures that both parties have all the needed information for the procedure. Thus, it also ensures that everything will go as smoothly as possible.

Alcohol and other Precautions Before a Hair Transplant

What to do before a hair transplant?

Before the scheduled date, stop drinking alcohol for at least three days. Alcohol consumption has many adverse consequences for your hair restoration surgery. So, refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages, 72 hours before the procedure. 

Cigarettes and other tobacco products

What to do before a hair transplant? 

Simply. Stop smoking. 

Like drinking alcohol, the same goes true with cigarettes and other tobacco products. Cigarettes are more likely to contribute to poor healing during the postoperative phase. Due to the fact, the nicotine content in tobacco products causes:

What To Do Before Hair Transplant? Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking.
  • Blood vessel constriction
  • Decreases the blood flow to the scalp

For that reason, patients who smoke are at an increased risk of infection and scarring. 

Smoking: How can a hair transplant help you quit?

We all know that quitting smoking is a hard task. Thus, it requires support and motivation from your friends and family members. Having said that, undergoing a hair transplant could be a perfect time to quit smoking. A hair transplant can serve as a motivation for longtime smokers and tobacco users.

When you stop using tobacco, some of the harmful effects and risk factors associated with it lessens almost immediately. Yet, the duration needed to end or drastically reduce the risk is not precisely unknown. Besides, it is affected by the extent of one’s smoking habits. 

Heavy smokers will likely need more time for the body and its processes to recover from the adverse effects of smoking. More importantly, it is best to quit smoking before the hair transplant procedure is possible. The earlier you stop using tobacco, the less likely you will experience poor healing after a hair transplant.

Yes, it is best to quit smoking long before the patient undergoes a hair transplant procedure. Usually, doctors recommend their patients abstain from smoking for at least one week before hair transplant. Likewise, refrain from smoking two weeks after the procedure. 

Hence, it is vital to reiterate to stop smoking both before and after the procedure. The longer you abstain from smoking, then the healing process is more likely to be not adversely affected by it.

What to do before a hair transplant? Dye your hair in advance.

If you are the type of person who dyes your hair, then do so at least three days in advance before the procedure. Aside from that, you should also take time to meticulously scrub your scalp daily. By doing so, you are ensuring that your scalp is entirely free from any dye. 

What to do on the day of the hair transplant procedure?

Shower before the procedure

All patients who are going to undergo hair transplants should ensure to shower before the procedure. Particularly, they should diligently wash their hair with regular shampoo. Furthermore, you should not apply hair products like:

  • Sprays
  • Gels
  • Any other styling products 

You should refrain from using these products on the day of the procedure. Not only that, but you should also remove any hair systems before showering. Thus, you should not wear them on the day of the procedure. 

Wear loose-fitting and Comfortable clothing

On the day of the hair transplant procedure, you should wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes. More so, wear button-down shirts so you don’t have to pull them over your head. This will prevent you from displacing the bandage on your head. Otherwise, you may harm your grafts after surgery when you wear T-shirts or tight blouses. 

Eat your breakfast or have a light lunch

You will be advised to eat your breakfast on the morning of the procedure. If your appointment is in the afternoon, then you’ll be advised to eat a light lunch. 

Refrain from wearing cologne or any valuables accessories

Your doctor will recommend you refrain from wearing perfume or cologne on the day of the procedure. Also, do not wear or bring any valuable accessories like a necklace, earrings on the day of the procedure. 

Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages

If you are a coffee person, you should avoid drinking coffee, soda, or any drinks with caffeine. This is due to the reason that caffeinated beverages may lead to accelerated bleeding. Aside from that, it can also increase the patient’s sensitivity to the medications used during the procedure. 

This is due to the reason that those medications can cause drowsiness in the patients. In any hair transplant procedure, the surgeon administers local anesthesia which can cause drowsiness to the patient. Thus, you should make transportation arrangements before the procedure. Your doctor advised you to have someone drive you to and from your destination. 

You can ask a family member or a friend to accompany you on the day of the procedure. Moreover, you can rent a car service if you have no one to drive you. In case you failed to pre-arrange transportation, the hair transplant facility will call a car service. Thus, you will be responsible for the payment. 

Medications to bring with you on the day of your Hair Transplant

Usually, patients may be asked to take a medication such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) in advance of the surgery. However, this will depend on the degree of hair loss and its classification. Patients whose surgery is limited to the crown of their head may not need to take such medications. 

Additionally, your doctor will tell you to take antibiotics before the day of the procedure. This is to further prevent the risk of any infection. Although, antibiotics may not be prescribed until after the operation is done. 

The surgeon prescribed different medications based on the individual circumstances of their patients. So, it is very critical that you follow your doctors’ pre-and post-operative instructions. 

Some of the most medications prescribed includes but are not limited to:

Prednisolone (six times per day, one tablet of 5mg)

Hair transplant doctors prescribe Prednisolone to avert any possible incidence of forehead edema. Patients whose procedure affects only the crown of the head (vertex) are unlikely to be prescribed this medicine. 

Augmentin 500mg (three tablets per day)

This antibiotic is often prescribed to help thwart any kind of infection. Also, the doctor may prescribe one of the other amoxicillin-based drugs for the same purpose.

If you have any allergies to medications of any kind, you should tell your doctor. More particularly, if those allergies are related to any of the mentioned medications. That is why the initial consultation is very important. This is because your doctor will be outlining your hair loss treatment also. 

Cutting your hair: What to do before a hair transplant?

How to cut your hair for a Strip Hair Transplant?

Do you need to cut your hair before the scheduled date? Well, it is not necessary that you should cut your hair before a hair transplant procedure. Your hair transplant surgeon will take care of this during the operation.

How to cut your hair for a Strip Hair Transplant?

There are many pre-operative tasks involved in a strip hair transplant procedure. Yet, getting a haircut is not one of them. Simply because the doctor will take great care to cut your hair on the day of the procedure. Besides, they will cut your hair on an as-needed basis. So, the remaining hair can easily cover the sutures in the donor site.

In a FUT hair transplant, the donor tissue comes from a single thin strip of hair from the donor area. That is why the doctor will only need to cut a small strip of hair from this location. Then, he will remove the donor tissue then suture it together. In most cases, the patient’s existing hair is enough to cover the sutures that are still there. 

How to cut your hair for an FUE hair transplant?

Patients undergoing Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)  need a haircut very close to their scalp. Also, it is only necessary to shave the donor area. Yet, many patients prefer a uniform look and opt to have their entire head shaved. Other patients will choose a “high-and-tight” haircut. Yet, you don’t need to cut your hair in advance of the procedure. 

Yes, it may be helpful to cut your hair before the procedure. Yet, the doctor may still have to shave certain areas of the scalp to ensure the best possible results. 

That is why it is best to know what you should do before a hair transplant. Thus, the doctor will discuss all these things during the initial consultation. 

Also, patients undergoing minor hair transplants may not have to cut their hair so short. This is because the donor areas can be disconnected by sections of hair. So, it can obscure the donor site. The same is true for patients with longer hair. Since the remaining hair from the disconnected sections will drop down to cover the areas shaved. More extensive FUE needs the shaved hair cut to secure the largest yield from the donor site.

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