🩺 Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Instructions for Hair Transplant
1. Avoid Smoking, Alcohol & Caffeine
Do not smoke or consume alcohol, tea, coffee, or soft drinks for at least 24 hours before surgery. These can reduce blood circulation and affect healing.
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2. Stop Certain Medicines
Avoid aspirin, blood thinners, and other medications at least 5 days before surgery, unless advised by your doctor. These may increase bleeding during the procedure.
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3. Pause Vitamin & Herbal Supplements
Discontinue vitamins, fish oil, and herbal supplements 5 days prior to surgery, as they may interfere with healing.
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4. Avoid Heavy Exercise
Do not engage in intense workouts, running, heavy lifting, for at least 24 hours before surgery, as they can raise blood pressure and swelling risk.
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5. Wash Your Hair on Surgery Day
On the morning of surgery, wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo. Do not apply oils, gels, sprays, or styling products.
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6. Do Not Shave or Cut Your Hair
Leave your hair as it is. Your surgeon will trim and prepare the donor area if needed.
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7. Eat a Healthy Meal Before Surgery
Have a full, light meal on the day of surgery (without tea or coffee). Do not come on an empty stomach.
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8. Bring Your Regular Prescribed Medicines
If you are on daily medications (such as for blood pressure or diabetes), bring them with you and inform your doctor in advance.
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9. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear a front-open, buttoned or zip-up shirt on the day of surgery. Avoid tight t-shirts or clothing that needs to be pulled over your head.
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1. Protect the Transplanted Area
Avoid scratching, rubbing, or injuring the transplanted area for at least 10 days. Touching the grafts may dislodge them before they are secure.
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2. Do Not Bend Forward
For the first 24 hours, avoid bending forward to reduce swelling around the forehead and eyes.
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3. Sleep in the Correct Position
For the first 2–3 nights, sleep on your back with your head elevated at a 45° angle using 2–3 pillows. This helps minimize swelling.
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4. No Oil or Water on Scalp for 48 Hours
Do not apply oil, water, or any liquid on your head for the first 48 hours after surgery.
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5. Gentle Hair Washing (After 48 Hours)
After 48 hours, wash your head using a mixture of baby shampoo and water. Do not rub or scratch. Instead, gently pour water until the shampoo is cleared.
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6. Avoid Swimming and Jogging
Refrain from swimming, jogging, or other aerobic exercises for at least 15 days, as sweat and chlorine can irritate the scalp.
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7. No Heavy Weight Lifting or Intense Exercise
Avoid gym workouts, weight lifting, or strenuous physical activities for 1 month. These can increase blood pressure and disturb grafts.
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8. Avoid Caps, Helmets, or Tight Headwear
Do not wear caps, hats, or helmets for the first 3 days. After that, only wear loose-fitting headwear if absolutely necessary.
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9. Itching is Normal – Don’t Scratch
Mild itching may occur as part of healing. Do not scratch. Instead, press gently or follow your doctor’s advice for anti-itch solutions.
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10. Comb with Care
For the first 10 days, comb your hair very carefully, avoiding direct contact with the transplanted area.
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11. Take Prescribed Medicines
Use the recommended antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-swelling medications exactly as prescribed by your surgeon.
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12. Avoid Sun Exposure
Stay away from direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. If going outside, wear a loose hat after Day 3.
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13. Be Patient with Shedding
Transplanted hairs may fall out after 2–3 weeks. This is normal. New permanent hair growth begins after 3–4 months.
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14. Avoid Smoking & Alcohol
Continue to avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 7 days after surgery, as they slow healing and reduce graft survival.
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15. Stay Hydrated & Eat Healthy
Drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious diet rich in proteins and vitamins, which helps with faster healing and stronger hair growth.
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