Lifestyle Changes Before Hair Transplant Surgery Can Help Improve Results
The team at True & Dorin Medical Group has helped countless people in and around New York with their hair loss and restoration needs. We offer the latest hair loss treatments and techniques, with every procedure customized to the needs of the patient.
We can achieve many great results, but sometimes it's incumbent on the patient to help in the process. With that in mind, let's consider what patients can do before surgery with regard to lifestyle changes and certain habits.
Healing Begins Before the First Graft is Placed
It surprises many patients to hear this, but healing from hair transplant surgery begins before the procedure even starts. Patients can do a lot to improve the results of the procedure and boost chances for success by changing their lifestyles for the better. These lifestyle changes can improve general wellness, and in the process help prevent complications and reduce the severity of side effects.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Tobacco products are linked to a whole host of health problems, such as lung disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure. In addition, smoking can cause problems with blood flow to the scalp, which can lead to slower healing as well as an increased risk of infection. Be sure to avoid tobacco products in the weeks leading into surgery and to continue to abstain from smoking in the weeks after the procedure. You may find that this is a convenient excuse to kick the habit.
Avoid Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol can also have a negative impact on your healing and recovery. Be sure to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages before your hair restoration surgery. It's also a good idea to avoid having alcohol until you are totally recovered again.
Stop Taking Certain Medications
There are certain kinds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that people should avoid taking before they undergo any kind of surgery. Blood thinners, for instance, can have a negative impact on healing, making clotting and coagulation more difficult. Anti-inflammatory medications can similarly have a negative impact on surgery and recovery. Be sure to avoid taking these medications as your surgeon directs, and to refrain from taking these drugs until you have fully recovered.
Avoid Getting a Haircut
When taking hair grafts, there are bound to be visible sutures and staples visible in the donor site. It's a good idea to have roughly half and inch of hair to help conceal the donor area as you heal. Your surgeon may recommend that you avoid getting a haircut just out of convenience for you.
Don't Dye Your Hair
When selecting donor grafts, it's of the utmost importance that you avoid dying your hair for at least a few days to a week before your hair transplant surgery. This will allow hair restoration surgeons to better identify white hairs or gray/graying hairs.
Consider Your Emotional Needs
Surgeries of all kinds can take their toll on you, both physically and mentally. Because of this, it's important that you have a strong support group or close friends with whom you can discuss these matters. Getting in touch with your psychological needs will go a long way toward alleviating anxiety before surgery and improving your recovery experience.
Learn More About Hair Transplant Surgery
For more information about hair transplants and how they can help you have a full and beautiful head of hair, be sure to contact our team of hair restoration specialists today. The entire team here at True & Dorin Medical Group looks forward to your visit and helping you look your absolute best.
