Overall, the risk for complications and side effects are small when it comes to a hair transplant. But there are still many things a prospective hair transplant client should consider when it comes to minimizing the risks and contributing to the best outcome possible. One of the most important factors in making sure that the hair transplant will be a success is honesty. The client should truthfully disclose any and all of their eating and drinking habits including drugs, pill and herbs because they can all affect the outcome of the surgery.
While it may seem unnecessary to disclose nearly everything about ones lifestyle, it is crucial when it comes to hair transplant surgery. There is no need to be ashamed about certain habits, such as smoking, because the doctor has most likely already met many clients with the same habit before, and will use the information solely to help the client reach the best outcome possible. Oftentimes the hair transplant doctor will give the client a chance to stop drinking, smoking and taking any drugs or herbs a couple of weeks prior to the surgery, which will reduce any risks significantly and have a positive effect on the clients health.
Excess drinking, meaning frequent intake of alcohol, can interfere with certain medications or lead to other complications, such as bleeding, during or after a hair transplant. Preferably, alcohol should be avoided a couple of weeks prior to surgery. Smoking cigarettes or any other kind of tobacco can also have a negative effect on the hair transplant and clients should, if they can, stop smoking in good time before the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the blood circulation or cause bleeding. Smoking can also diminish the blood vessels in the skin and reducing blood supply to the scalp, which can increase the risk that grafts that will not take root in their new location. In addition, smoking can impact the skins ability to heal properly. It is possible to undergo a hair transplant despite smoking and drinking, but these clients will need to understand that the results may not be as good as they could have been.
Any type of drugs can interfere with other medications that the doctor prescribes before, during and after the hair transplant, and can cause complications and side effects. Prescription medicines as well as over the counter medications, even aspirin, can also cause side effects, such as bleeding, and intake of any of these should be reported to the doctor. Vitamin supplements, especially vitamin E, and certain herbal products can also have a similar effect. And lastly, stress in the days and weeks after a hair transplant should also be avoided as stress is known to impair the body’s natural ability to fight infection and heal properly.
