Before a Hair Transplant​

Before a hair transplant, most patients have the same questions: What should be done before the transplant and how to properly prepare for the surgery?

If you have never had a hair transplant before, feeling anxious is completely natural. Uncertainty often causes tension and doubts.

The Clinic has prepared a detailed preoperative guide to reduce these concerns and help you feel more confident. Knowing all stages of preparation and the procedure itself allows the hair transplant to take place under the safest possible conditions and ensures a high‑quality, natural result.

Choosing a Specialized Clinic

One of the most important factors for a successful hair transplant is choosing a reliable, professional clinic. The doctors’ experience, medical approach, and the technologies used directly affect the final surgical outcome.

It is recommended to research clinics that perform hair transplants in advance, compare the methods they use, review real patient results, and evaluate the medical center’s reputation.

Review the Clinic on Its Website and Social Media

Visit the clinic’s official website and social media pages. Those platforms typically publish:

  • before‑and‑after photos of patients who underwent hair transplantation
  • examples of real results
  • patient reviews and comments

Pay attention to the accuracy of the information and the authenticity of patient stories. Comments under posts often give an honest picture of the clinic’s service quality.

A reliable clinic provides not only professional treatment but also transparent communication, proper preparation, and the most natural possible results.

Do I need to shave my hair before the transplant?

Before the surgery, self‑shaving is not recommended. The need to shave depends on the chosen transplant method.

Keeping hair length allows the doctor to:

  • properly plan the frontal hairline
  • identify areas needing correction
  • assess hair density and growth direction

Trimming or shaving is performed at the clinic after medical planning.

Can I eat breakfast before surgery?

A light breakfast is recommended before a hair transplant.

Avoid:

  • fatty foods
  • very heavy meals

If you have special dietary preferences (vegetarianism, allergies, etc.), inform the clinic in advance.

Inform your doctor about your health status and any medications you take.

This information is extremely important for surgical safety. Be sure to warn the doctor if you have:

  • allergies
  • bleeding disorders
  • asthma
  • high blood pressure
  • respiratory problems
  • diabetes
  • psoriasis
  • any chronic illness

Mandatory Tests Before a Hair Transplant

Before a hair transplant, all patients are required to undergo medical tests. This mandatory preparatory step ensures maximum surgical safety.

The Clinic provides each patient with a complete list of required preoperative tests. Their results help the doctor to:

  • assess overall health
  • check blood parameters
  • identify possible contraindications
  • perform safe anesthesia
  • reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery

If test results are not provided, the hair transplant will not be performed.

If a patient has chronic illnesses or abnormalities are found in tests, the doctor may order additional examinations and/or postpone the surgery date.

Medications to Stop 7 Days Before a Hair Transplant

One week before surgery you should stop taking the following medications:

  • Aspirin
  • Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Vitamins of groups B and E
  • Anticoagulants
  • Ibuprofen

If you take other medications not listed here, be sure to inform your doctor before the surgery date.

Important:

  • It is not mandatory to stop finasteride (hair‑growth hormone treatment).
  • Minoxidil should be stopped 7 days before the procedure and resumed 14 days after the surgery.

Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Alcohol Use Before Surgery

Stop consuming alcohol at least 24 hours before a hair transplant. Alcohol can affect anesthesia and increase the risk of bleeding. It is also recommended to avoid alcohol for 10–14 days after the surgery.

Smoking should be stopped at least 5 days before the surgery.

Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reduces scalp blood supply, and slows wound healing, which can worsen hair transplant results.

Do not use oils, gels, creams, or other hair styling products the day before surgery.

It is also recommended to wear a hat before the procedure. If you have dandruff or other scalp issues, consult your doctor in advance.

Choose Comfortable Clothing for Surgery Day

On the day of the hair transplant, wear clothing with buttons or a front opening that can be removed without touching the scalp.

This helps avoid discomfort and protects the transplanted area after the procedure.