Pre-Transplant Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Surgery
Your hair transplant is booked—now what?
Proper prep is the secret to great results and an easy recovery. Follow this checklist to minimise stress, maximise growth, and ensure everything goes smoothly!
✅ 1. Confirm Your Medical Clearance
✔ Stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, supplements like fish oil) 1-2 weeks before (ask your surgeon).
✔ Manage chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) with your doctor.
✔ Avoid alcohol & smoking (both slow healing—quit at least 1 week prior).
Why? Bleeding risks go down, and graft survival goes up!
✅ 2. Arrange Your Ride Home
✔ You can’t drive after surgery (due to anaesthesia & bandages).
✔ Book a taxi, friend, or family member to pick you up.
Pro Tip: Bring a travel pillow to protect grafts in the car.
✅ 3. Prep Your Recovery Space
✔ Extra pillows (to sleep at a 45-degree angle for 3 nights).
✔ Button-up shirts (no pulling over your head!).
✔ Loose-fitting hats (only after Day 3—nothing tight!).
✔ Entertainment (books, movies—you’ll be resting for 48+ hours).
Bonus: Freeze meals ahead—you won’t feel like cooking!
✅ 4. Wash & Cut Your Hair (The Right Way)
✔ Shampoo thoroughly the night before (removes excess oils).
✔ Do NOT shave your head (the surgeon may need length for guidance).
✔ Avoid hair products (gels, sprays) on surgery day.
Note: Some clinics trim your donor area—confirm beforehand.
✅ 5. Stock Up on Post-Op Supplies
✔ Saline spray (to keep grafts moist).
✔ Baby shampoo (gentle cleansing for first 10 days).
✔ Soft-bristle toothbrush (prevents scalp strain when brushing teeth).
✔ Ice packs (for swelling—wrap in a cloth, don’t press on grafts!).
We provide most of it usually
✅ 6. Plan Time Off Work
✔ Minimum 3 days off (for intense redness/swelling to fade).
✔ If your job is physical, take 7-10 days (no sweating/bending).
✔ Prepare an excuse if needed (e.g., “minor medical procedure”).
Office workers? A hat can hide scabs after Day 5-7.
✅ 7. Avoid Caffeine & Blood Thinners
✔ Skip coffee/energy drinks 24 hours before (increases bleeding risk).
✔ No alcohol (dries skin, slows healing).
✔ Stop supplements (vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo—all thin blood).
Hydrate well with water instead!
✅ 8. Charge Your Devices & Download Entertainment
✔ Headphones + podcasts/movies (you’ll be resting a lot).
✔ E-reader/tablet (easier than holding a book).
Surgery can take 4-8 hours—stay comfy!
✅ 9. Trim Your Nails & Avoid Skincare Actives
✔ Short nails = no accidental scratching.
✔ Stop retinoids/acid skincare 1 week prior (irritates scalp).
Safety first!
✅ 10. Mentally Prep—Trust the Process!
✔ Hair sheds first (normal—new growth starts at Month 3).
✔ Swelling peaks at Day 2-3 (then fades fast).
✔ Final results take 12-18 months (but worth the wait!).
Deep breaths—you’re in good hands!
Final Checklist (Print This!)
Task Done?
Medical clearance confirmed ☐
Ride home arranged ☐
Recovery space prepped ☐
Hair washed (no products) ☐
Post-op supplies ready ☐
Time off approved ☐
Blood thinners/caffeine stopped ☐
Entertainment downloaded ☐
Nails trimmed ☐
Mindset: Patience mode ON ☐
Next Steps:
1. Pack a surgery-day bag (ID, snacks, comfy clothes).
2. Get a good night’s sleep before the big day!
Final Thought: Prep Now, Flaunt Later!
A little planning = smoother surgery, faster healing, and amazing results.
Your future self will thank you! ✨
