Before Surgery

There are only some minor preparations that you need to make before your hair transplant surgery at Bernstein Medical.

One to Two Weeks Prior to Your Procedure

• We request routine blood tests prior to your hair restoration including a CBC, an HIV and a screen for Hepatitis. The test can be taken at our office or at a facility of your choosing.
• Do not take Aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior to your hair transplant as these may increase bleeding. Also avoid taking B or E vitamins for one week before your procedure (including multi-vitamins) as these may also increase bleeding.
• Smoking constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the scalp, predominantly due to its nicotine content. The carbon monoxide in smoke decreases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. These factors may contribute to poor healing after a hair transplantation procedure. You should abstain from smoking at least one week prior to surgery to two weeks after the procedure.
• Do not drink alcohol for at least three days prior to your procedure as this may increase bleeding.
• It is important to let us know in advance what medications you are taking on a regular basis. This will be indicated on the form you fill out during your consultation and will be updated by our staff prior to your hair restoration surgery. If you are taking medications, such as blood pressure medicine, you should continue to take it as prescribed right up to and including the day of your hair transplant surgery.
• For those having Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation, it is best not to cut your hair for at least two weeks prior to the procedure. Please leave your hair longer in the back and on the sides to cover the sutures/staples after your procedure. If you have any questions about its length, please ask us. It is better to leave your hair on the long side as we can trim it to the appropriate length the morning of surgery.
• Please do not dye your hair within one week of your procedure as this may make graft placement more difficult.

The Morning of Your Procedure

• Shower the morning of your procedure and wash your hair very thoroughly using your regular shampoo. Do not apply sprays, gels, or any other styling products to your hair. If you wear a hair system, please remove it prior to shampooing and do not wear again until after your surgery.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing which do not need to be pulled on over your head – this will prevent dislodging your grafts immediately after the hair transplant. You will be going home with a headband bandage and a bandanna. We will supply you with one, but you may bring your own if you like. The headband and bandana are to be worn until the next morning. Once you shower the next day, no further coverings are required.
• Eat breakfast the morning of your procedure. We will provide lunch and snacks. Let us know if you have special dietary needs. If your hair restoration surgery is scheduled for the afternoon, have lunch before you arrive.
• Do not drink coffee or any caffeinated beverages on the day of your hair transplantation procedure. These substances may increase your sensitivity to medications used during the hair transplant.
• Although the hair restoration is performed under local anesthesia, you may be receiving medications during the procedure that can make you drowsy. Because of this, you cannot drive yourself home following your procedure. Please arrange to have a responsible person drive you to your destination. If you are unable to do so, we will call a taxi for you. If you live far from our office, we will arrange for you to spend the night at a hotel near our facility.

Pre-op Instructions for Hair Transplant Surgery at Bernstein Medical