FUE Hair Transplant Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions
Follow these FUE Hair Transplant Pre and Post Operative Instructions for optimal results from your surgical procedure.
Please Read First
This page provides a condensed overview of how to prepare for your Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) hair transplant and what to expect during recovery.
For complete instructions—including detailed timelines, medication guidance, hair-washing steps, 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
FUE hair transplantation is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia, with the option of a mild oral sedative.
Most patients return to light activity quickly. Swelling, scabbing, and mild discomfort are expected during the first week, with full graft healing occurring over 2–3 weeks.
Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)
Eating & Drinking
- You may eat and drink normally before your procedure.
- Fasting is not required, since 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 once cleared by staff and stable at 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.
- Blood thinners should be managed according to your individualized plan.
- Notify us if you take:
- MAOIs (e.g., Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Emsam)
- Nitrates
- PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra)
- 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 can slow healing; any reduction is helpful.
- Reduce or avoid alcohol for 1 week before and after surgery to support healing.
Suggested Supplies:
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Baby shampoo
- Aquaphor
- Soft, clean towels
- Loose, non-compressive hat
Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)
Showering
- Days 0–2: Body-only showers; keep scalp dry.
- Day 3: Begin gentle “cup technique” washing.
- Day 7: Resume normal showering.
Donor Area Care
- Bacitracin/Polysporin once daily for the first 3 days.
- Switch to Aquaphor until scabs resolve.
Activity Restrictions
- Light walking: Day 3
- Strenuous exercise: Day 7
- Cardio & heavy lifting: Day 7–14
- Swimming, sauna, steam room, hot yoga: Day 14
Sleeping
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first 3–5 nights.
Hair Products
- Hair gel, mousse, hairspray: After Day 7
- Hair coloring or chemical treatments: After Day 14
Medications
- You may continue Rogaine/minoxidil before surgery unless otherwise directed.
- Pause after surgery and restart on Day 14.
- Use Tylenol for pain; avoid NSAIDs for 7 days.
Expected Symptoms
You may experience:
- Mild swelling
- Scabbing on the grafts
- Redness of the scalp
- Tightness or sensitivity in the donor area
- 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 4–12 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.
Ongoing Communication:
- Non-urgent: [email protected]
- Urgent: (808) 585-8855
- After hours: Physician Exchange (808) 524-2575
Appointments: Follow-up visits are essential for proper healing.
