Hair loss impacts the vast majority of men. In fact, roughly 85% of men experience balding by the time they turn 50. Despite hair loss impacting mostly older men, younger men are at risk as well. Roughly one-quarter of men experience genetic-related hair loss before they are 21 years old. A hair transplant can restore your appearance and help you feel more confident. Below you will find helpful tips for preparing for your hair transplant.

Preparing for Your Hair Transplant

While you’ll be given a set of instructions to follow, consider the following tips for preparing for your hair transplant.

Avoid Smoking:

For the best results, it’s important to stop smoking at least 24 hours before surgery. Smoking has a terrible impact on your health and can have a negative effect on the healing process. You should also avoid smoking for a period of time after your surgery so talk with your doctor about their specific recommendations.

Avoid Alcohol:

Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 3 days before your surgery. Shoot for one week if possible as it can help reduce your risk of complications and impact the healing process.

No Haircuts:

Avoid getting your hair trimmed before surgery. Because you don’t have much hair to begin with, the donor area will need to have enough hair for the transplant. In addition, having longer hair can help cover the stitches post-surgery.

Implement Scalp Massages:

Massage your scalp for 10 to 30 minutes each day for a period of one month before your surgery. This helps soften the skin on your head, improve your skin tone, and increases blood flow to the area.

Medications and Supplements to Avoid:

You’ll need to avoid some medications and supplements before surgery. Avoid anti-depressants, beta-blockers, blood thinners, aspirin (or other anti-inflammatory medications), and multi-vitamins or mineral supplements at least two weeks before surgery. Talk with your doctor about what medications and supplements you take to ensure you avoid any complications.

Preparatory Medications:

If you have excessive hair loss you may need to take certain medications to reduce the rate of hair loss. Minoxidil is the most common medication patients need to take in advance. Minoxidil is most commonly known as “Rogaine.” Talk with your doctor about the severity of your hair loss and whether or not you need to take any medications in advance to preserve what hair you have left.

Preliminary Testing for Older Patients:

Patients over the age of 45 may need to undergo certain testing before the procedure. This often includes an ECG “electrocardiogram”) and/or blood test. This is done to ensure that there are no underlying health issues that will complicate the surgery.

Post-Surgery Recovery Period

The recovery period after hair restoration in Denver is smooth and fast. There is minimal care needed after surgery. The only exception is that you should avoid strenuous physical activity during the first week of recovery as it can help reduce your risk of swelling. You should also avoid the sun and wind as it can impact your recovery. Other than that, you can get back to your daily routine right away.

Hair Restoration Treatment

If you are unhappy with your aesthetic and want to restore your hair, hair restoration treatment is highly effective. Dr. Michael McCracken at McCracken Eye and Face offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, including hair restoration and facial cosmetic surgery in Denver. Many men are impacted by hair loss as it can make them feel less attractive and look much older. The first step in addressing your hair loss is setting up a consultation with Denver’s top surgeon. Contact the team at McCracken Eye and Face to schedule an appointment!