Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions
Follow these Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Pre and Post Operative Instructions for optimal results from your surgical procedure.
Please Read First
This page provides a condensed overview of preparation and recovery guidelines for FUT (strip method) hair transplant surgery. For complete instructions—including medication guidance, hair-care timelines, incision care, and activity restrictions—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction document below. This serves as your primary reference for a safe and successful recovery.
Local Anesthesia Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions Video
What to Expect
FUT hair transplantation is performed under local anesthesia, with the option of a mild oral sedative. Because FUT uses a small linear incision for the donor area, most patients experience tightness in the back of the scalp for several days to weeks. Most return to light activities within a few days, with gradual resumption of full exercise over 1–2 weeks.
Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)
Eating & Drinking
You may eat and drink normally before your procedure.
Fasting is not required, as only oral sedatives—not IV or general anesthesia—are used.
Sedation & Transportation
If you plan ahead to take a sedative: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home.
If you decide mid-procedure to take a sedative: You may take an Uber/Lyft home if cleared by staff and stable upon discharge. If you do not take a sedative: You may drive yourself home.
Medications
Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve) for 7 days before surgery.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe.
Follow the plan discussed during your pre-op call if you take blood thinners.
Do not stop prescription blood thinners unless directed by our team.
Medications Requiring Special Handling
Notify us if you take any of the following, as they may interact with medications used during your procedure:
Certain antidepressants or psychiatric medications
Hair Preparation
Wash your hair the morning of surgery.
Do not apply oils, conditioners, or styling products.
Arrive with clean, dry hair.
Lifestyle
Reduce or stop smoking/vaping for 1 week before and after surgery for the best outcome. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the scalp and slows healing; even small reductions help.
Reduce or avoid alcohol for 1 week before and after surgery. Alcohol can increase swelling and delay recovery.
Suggested Supplies:
Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Aquaphor
Baby shampoo
Gauze pads
Loose, non-compressive hat
Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)
Pain & Medications
Use Tylenol for discomfort; avoid NSAIDs for 7 days post-op.
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
Incision & Donor Site Care
Apply Bacitracin or Polysporin once daily for the first 3 days.
Switch to Aquaphor 2–3 times daily until scabs resolve.
Avoid stretching or tilting your neck back forcefully.
Graft Care
Keep grafts completely dry for the first 48 hours.
Begin gentle “cup technique” washing on Day 3.
Do not rub, scratch, or pick at scabs.
Swelling
Ice the forehead (not the grafts) for 15–20 minutes, 4–6 times per day for the first 48–72 hours. Always place a thin cloth between your skin and the ice pack.
Sleep with your head elevated for the first 3–5 nights.
Activity
Light walking: Day 3
Normal showering and gentle circular washing: Day 7
Cardio & heavy lifting: Day 14
Swimming, sauna, steam room, hot yoga: Day 14
Avoid direct sun on grafts and incisions for 3 weeks
Hair Care
Hair gel, mousse, hairspray: After Day 7
Hair coloring or chemical treatments: After Day 14
Rogaine/minoxidil: Continue before surgery; pause after surgery and restart on Day 14
Expected Symptoms
You may experience:
Mild swelling
Scabbing
Redness
Tightness at the donor site
Temporary shock loss at 4–6 weeks: You may notice thinning or shedding of your natural hair near the grafts. This is normal and hair regrows over the following months.
Donor-site numbness for 6–12 weeks
These are normal parts of healing.
Follow-Up and Support
Urgent Concerns: Contact our office if you experience significant redness, warmth, drainage, fever over 101°F, or pain not relieved by medication.
Emergency Situations: Call 911 for difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Due to weather, our office is CLOSED today (Friday, March 13th) for all surgery and medspa-related services. We are still able to receive phone calls. Please stay safe and be on the looking for contact from our office on Monday to reschedule.
