How to Prepare for Hair Transplant —
Complete Pre-Op Checklist
Complete preparation checklist for hair transplant surgery: what to stop, what to start, travel planning and how to set up your recovery.
Reviewed by Dr. Arslan Musbeh · Last updated 2026-04-18
Complete preparation checklist for hair transplant surgery: what to stop, what to start, travel planning and how to set up your recovery environment.
Two weeks before surgery
Stop: Blood thinners — aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil (consult physician about timing for prescribed anticoagulants). Alcohol: stop 7 days before for optimal circulation. Minoxidil: stop 3 days before.
Start / Check: Vitamin D and iron/ferritin levels — deficiencies affect healing speed. If Finasteride is planned post-operatively, starting 2–4 weeks before is beneficial.
One week before surgery
Scalp preparation: Keep scalp clean and free of product buildup. No colouring or chemical processing in the 7 days before surgery. Avoid sunburn — inflamed skin reduces graft integration quality.
Travel preparation (Istanbul patients): Book return flight with departure 24–48h post-surgery minimum. Confirm hotel or package hotel booking. Note clinic emergency contact.
Practical preparation: Pack button-up shirts only — pullover garments risk graft dislodgement. Loose comfortable clothing. Headphones and entertainment for 7–9 hours of surgery. Phone charger.
Night before and morning of surgery
Night before: Wash hair thoroughly — last proper wash before surgery begins. Light meal only. No alcohol. Early bed — surgery requires calm, rested presentation.
Morning of surgery: Wash hair again with mild shampoo. Light breakfast — no fasting required (local anaesthesia, not general). Arrive on time — the hairline design session before surgery requires unhurried attention and patient approval.
Common questions
How much does a hair transplant cost in Turkey?
Hairmedico all-inclusive: price on request for 2,000–3,500 grafts including surgery, 5-star hotel, transfers, PRP and 12-month follow-up.
Is hair transplant permanent?
Yes. Transplanted follicles are DHT-resistant and grow permanently for the patient's lifetime.
What is the recovery time?
Desk work: 5–7 days. Scabs shed by Day 10–14. New growth from months 3–5. Final result months 12–14.
Who performs surgery at Hairmedico?
Dr. Arslan Musbeh personally performs every extraction and canal-opening. In VIP he also places every graft himself; in Silver and Gold, his trained team places the grafts under his direct supervision. One patient per day.
Is Turkey safe for hair transplant?
Yes, with an accredited surgeon-led clinic. Verify FUE Europe membership, Ministry of Health registration, and confirm the surgeon personally operates.
References & sources
- International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Practice census — global hair restoration statistics.. 2022. fue-europe.com
- Onda M et al. Follicular unit extraction: a systematic review. J Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery. 2020. doi.org
- NHS. Hair loss — overview. National Health Service UK. 2023. nhs.uk
- MedlinePlus NIH. Hair transplantation — clinical overview. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 2024. medlineplus.gov
- Bernstein RM. Follicular unit transplantation. Dermatologic Clinics. 2013. doi.org
All references are peer-reviewed medical literature or official health authority publications. No commercial sources included.
Send three photographs.
Front hairline, crown and both sides. Dr. Arslan Musbeh reviews every submission personally and replies within 24 hours with a Norwood assessment, a technique recommendation and a graft estimate. Free, no obligation.
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