What to Do Before a Hair Transplant —
Complete Pre-Operative Guide
Complete pre-operative guide for hair transplant surgery.
Reviewed by Dr. Arslan Musbeh · Last updated 2026-04-17
Complete pre-operative guide for hair transplant surgery.
2 Weeks Before Surgery
- Stop blood thinners: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Clopidogrel — 10 days minimum before surgery. Consult your doctor if prescribed for a medical condition.
- Stop Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Omega-3: These have anti-platelet effects that increase bleeding.
- Avoid hair loss treatments: Stop Minoxidil 5 days before surgery. Continue Finasteride — do not stop.
1 Week Before Surgery
- No alcohol: Minimum 5 days before surgery. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases surgical bleeding.
- No smoking: Ideally stop 2 weeks before. Nicotine reduces circulation and graft survival. If you cannot stop, minimise from 5 days before.
- Arrange travel and accommodation: Hairmedico provides airport transfers and hotel — confirm details via WhatsApp.
Day of Surgery
- Eat a light breakfast: Surgery is not performed under general anaesthetic — you do not need to fast. A light breakfast is recommended to maintain stable blood sugar.
- Wear comfortable clothing: A loose button-up shirt that does not need to be pulled over the head. The recipient area must not be disturbed by getting dressed.
- No styling products: No gel, hairspray, dry shampoo or any product on the hair or scalp.
- No caffeine or energy drinks: These raise blood pressure and can affect anaesthetic response.
- Arrive relaxed: The procedure takes 6–8 hours. Bring headphones, a book or plan to rest.
Medications to Discuss
Always inform Dr. Arslan of all current medications at your consultation. The following require specific review: antidepressants, beta-blockers, blood pressure medications, retinoids (Accutane), chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants (Warfarin, Rivaroxaban), and anti-platelet agents. Do not stop prescribed medications without medical advice — modifications can be made to manage surgical risk while maintaining treatment.
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Common questions
How long before surgery should I stop taking blood thinners?
Stop Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Clopidogrel at least 10 days before surgery. If any of these are prescribed for a medical condition, check with your doctor before stopping — modifications can usually be made to manage surgical risk while maintaining treatment.
Can I keep taking Finasteride before my hair transplant?
Yes — continue Finasteride and do not stop it. Minoxidil should be paused 5 days before surgery, but Finasteride is not a bleeding risk and stopping it can affect your existing hair.
Do I need to fast before hair transplant surgery?
No. Hairmedico procedures are performed under local anaesthetic, not general anaesthetic, so fasting is not required. Eat a light breakfast to keep your blood sugar stable, but avoid caffeine and energy drinks, which raise blood pressure and can affect anaesthetic response.
References & sources
- Onda M et al. Follicular unit extraction: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2019.11.006
- Bernstein RM, Rassman WR. Follicular unit transplantation: 2005. Dermatologic Clinics. 2005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2005.01.007
- Avram MR, Rogers NE. Contemporary hair transplantation. Dermatologic Surgery. 2009. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01338.x
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hair loss: diagnosis, treatment and outcome. AAD Guidelines. 2023. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment
- International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Practice census survey — global hair restoration statistics. 2022. https://www.fue-europe.com/professionals/resources/practice-census/
- NHS. Hair loss — overview and treatment options. National Health Service (UK). 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/
All references are peer-reviewed medical literature or official health authority publications. No commercial sources included.
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