Just like the mandatory do’s and don’ts that need to be followed post-surgery, there are certain precautions that a prospective patient needs to stick to in the run-up to the surgery.

• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin, Advil, or Ibuprofen for 14 days prior to surgery. Reason: These medications act as a blood thinner and may cause bleeding during surgery. Similarly, many over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as Alka-Seltzer, Bufferin, Excedrin, Empirin, etc., contain aspirin and should not be taken prior to surgery. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. In fact, as little as one aspirin can thin the blood for up to two weeks. (See the list of additional medications to be avoided before surgery, at the end of these instructions).

• Do not drink alcohol for seven days prior to surgery. Like several OTC drugs, alcohol too can thin the blood and may upset the hair transplant procedure.

• If you smoke cigarettes or even if you are a chain smoker, we advise you to stop smoking for at least one month prior to your scheduled surgery. Many studies have shown that cigarette smoking delays wound healing. We at Trichos always strive to give the best hair transplant results for our patients. In order to ensure speedy wound healing and survival of the transplanted hair grafts, patients must stay away from smoking. If you need medical assistance for temporary or permanent smoking cessation, one of our Trichos doctors will be glad to help you out.

• Do not take Vitamin E or B-complex vitamins for seven days prior to surgery. These vitamin tablets/syrups too can thin the blood slightly and affect the procedure.

• Avoid strenuous exercise and/or heavy lifting one week prior to surgery. There is some evidence that heavy exercise can also thin the blood. Light exercise at about 50% of normal is okay before surgery.

• Wash your hair the morning of surgery. Do not use any hair products such as hair spray, mousse, gel, etc., the morning of surgery.

• Do not cut the hair on the back and side of your head before surgery. This will make it more difficult to hide the suture line. If possible, let your hair grow a little longer in the back (about 2-3 inches).

• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a light meal the night before, and the morning of surgery. This will help prevent dizziness and nausea.

• Do not drink caffeine the morning of surgery. You will be given something to relax during surgery. The caffeine can work against helping you relax. Decaffeinated drinks are acceptable.

• Wear comfortable, loose pants and a button-down shirt the day of surgery. Do not wear a tee-shirt, as this is difficult to pull over the head after surgery.

• Bring a clean or new baseball cap, or similar type of hat to wear home after surgery. If the cap is not clean or new, there is a possibility that an infection may occur.

• You will be given a sedative to help you relax through the surgery. It will still be in your system after surgery, therefore, you must arrange for someone to pick you up and drive you home after surgery.

• Prior to surgery, we recommend you have some ice packs or a gel flexible cold pack on hand. The gel flexible cold pack is preferred. These are to be used on the forehead after surgery.

• We have a selection of music you can choose from the day of surgery. Feel free to bring your own music if you like; otherwise, we provide a good variety of music you can listen to during your surgery.