INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions apply only to patients who have had transplant done by THTC.

• A mandatory blood test for HIV at our clinic prior to the surgery is required. 

• Do not take any aspirin, vitamins, herbs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents or beta-blockers for 7-10 days before the surgery. You can continue taking your regular medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

• Avoid alcoholic beverages for 1-2 days before the surgery. 

• We advise not to get your hair cut prior to the transplant. Leave the hair long to provide better coverage.

• Please wear a loose-fitting, buttoned up top or shirt as you will not want to pull anything over your head after the surgery. 

• Have a full breakfast with no coffee before the surgery. 

• Inform the doctor of any drug allergies.

• Arrive at the clinic at the time specified.

• You must have someone drive you home after your transplant due to the relaxing medication that you will receive. 

• Notify the doctor if you have recently experienced any fever or sickness prior to surgery.

• Take special care not to hit your head. This often occurs while you are getting into a car.

• Do not touch the transplanted hair for the first 24-48 hours after the surgery since we want the grafts to adhere solidly during this time. You can comb and style your hair but do not allow the comb to touch the scalp. 

• You should neither exercise for 3-5 days, nor swim for 2 weeks after the surgery. 

• Take post-operative medications as prescribed by the doctor. 

• Return to the clinic for a hair washing the next day and everyday after the surgery up until your departure date. 

• A bandana / loose-fitting hat can be worn after your procedure.

• Wear a head band for 5-7 days to alleviate the swelling on your forehead that could occur in the next few days. The swelling should not cause any pain or affect the transplanted hairs and should subside in a week. 

• Be aware that slight bleeding on the donor or grafted area, which is normal, may happen and no treatment is required.

• Contact our doctor for a prescription if you develop folliculitis (pimple-like lesion) on the grafted site. 

• You may return to work 1-3 days after the surgery. 

• After the surgery, scabs will form at each graft site. Keep in mind that the scabs along with the accompanying hairs on the grafted area will shed; this will take place 2-4 weeks after the surgery which is normal.

• Contact us if you have any problem or concerns. 

• You need to wash your hair in the following manner for 14 days starting from the day after the surgery. Use only low pressure, mild temperature shower while washing your hair. Do not pick at or rub the scabs on the transplanted area during this period of time. 

• First, after wetting your hair, rub few drops of baby shampoo in your hands, then thoroughly apply it onto your hair. Be very gentle and avoid rubbing the transplanted area. Rinse off shampoo and pat dry with towel or blow dry with cool-temperature setting hair dryer.

• After 14 days, during your hair washing, start to moderately rub away the scabs with which you will see your transplanted fall out while the hair roots still remain. New hair growth will be visible in the next 3-4 months.

• If you experience any itchiness on the donor or grafted area, apply extra virgin olive oil onto the area 3-4 times daily.