How to prepare for a hair transplant: steps to take before the procedure

Start with a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon

The first step is a consultation with an experienced doctor who specialises in hair transplantation. The doctor examines your hair and scalp, assesses the degree of hair loss and the condition of the donor area, and discusses what you expect from the procedure.

This is the right moment to ask every question you have. It is useful to prepare a short list in advance, for example:

• Am I a suitable candidate, and which technique would you suggest in my case?
• How many grafts might be needed, and is my donor area sufficient?
• What result is realistic, and when can it usually be judged?
• What should I stop or change before the procedure, and when?

Tell the doctor about any chronic conditions, allergies, previous operations and how your hair loss has developed. A transplant moves existing hair follicles; it does not treat the cause of hair loss, so the doctor may also discuss how to look after the hair you still have.

Discuss your medicines well in advance

If you decide to go ahead with surgical hair transplantation, your doctor will give you recommendations on how to prepare. These often include pausing certain medicines, such as aspirin or other drugs that affect blood clotting, for a period before the operation. Some supplements and herbal products can have a similar effect, so mention everything you take, even if it seems unimportant.

Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. If you take blood thinners or treatment for a heart condition, the decision is made together with the doctor who prescribed it.

Follow the doctor's advice on preparatory treatment

In some cases the doctor may recommend products to support the hair follicles before the transplant, for example treatments that stimulate hair growth or reduce inflammation of the scalp. Whether you need them is decided individually after the examination. Use them exactly as advised and bring the list with you on the day.

Stop smoking and avoid alcohol

If you smoke or drink alcohol, it is usually recommended to stop at least two weeks before the procedure and to stay off them during recovery. Smoking narrows the blood vessels and reduces the oxygen supply to the tissue, while alcohol can increase bleeding and swelling. Both can slow healing and may affect how well the transplanted hair grows.

If stopping completely is difficult, tell your doctor honestly. Even a significant reduction before and after the procedure is better than nothing, and the doctor can advise you on what matters most in your case.

Plan time for recovery

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure, and your body needs time to heal. Plan some days off work or free time after the operation so that you can rest and keep physical activity to a minimum. Most patients return to office work after a few days, but the exact timing depends on the technique, the size of the session and your own healing.

• Arrange for someone to accompany you home on the day of the procedure if possible.
• Avoid important meetings, photographs or events in the first weeks.
• Postpone intensive sport, saunas and swimming until your doctor allows them.
• If you are travelling for the procedure, allow extra days before the flight home, as advised by your surgeon.

Prepare for aftercare before the day of the procedure

Your doctor will give you instructions on caring for the transplanted area. These may cover the medicines to use, cold compresses to reduce swelling, avoiding strenuous physical activity and the correct way to wash your hair. Read them before the procedure rather than afterwards, and ask about anything that is unclear.

Practical things to have ready

• A loose shirt that buttons at the front, so you do not pull clothing over your head.
• A travel pillow to keep your head in a comfortable position while sleeping.
• The medicines and care products your doctor recommends.
• A loose hat, if your doctor confirms it is allowed after the first days.

On the day itself, follow the instructions you have been given about eating, washing your hair and taking medicines, and do not change your hairstyle or cut your hair unless the doctor asks you to.

Consultation at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre works with patients from other countries. The first consultation is free and can be held online: send photos of your hair and your questions via WhatsApp, and the doctor will assess your situation. The price is set by the doctor after this assessment and fixed in the contract. A personal coordinator stays with you from your first message until you have recovered. You can find out more about the procedure on our hair transplant page.

Frequently asked questions

How long before a hair transplant should I stop smoking?

It is usually recommended to stop smoking at least two weeks before the procedure and to stay off cigarettes during recovery. Smoking reduces blood flow to the scalp and can slow healing. If stopping is hard for you, discuss it openly with your doctor.

Do I need to stop taking aspirin before a hair transplant?

Aspirin and other drugs that affect blood clotting are often paused for a period before the operation, but only on your doctor's advice. Never stop a prescribed medicine yourself; the decision is made together with the doctor who prescribed it.

Can I drink alcohol before a hair transplant?

Most surgeons recommend avoiding alcohol for at least two weeks before the procedure and during recovery. Alcohol can increase bleeding and swelling and may slow healing. Your doctor will tell you what applies in your case.

How much time off should I plan after a hair transplant?

Many patients return to office work after a few days, but it depends on the technique, the size of the session and how you heal. Plan some free days after the procedure and postpone sport and important events until your doctor allows them.

What should I ask at the consultation before a hair transplant?

Ask whether you are a suitable candidate, which technique is suggested, how many grafts may be needed, what result is realistic and when, and what you should change before the procedure. Also tell the doctor about your health, medicines and allergies.