Pre-Operation Preparation: Smoking, Medication, and Nutrition
Pre-Operation Preparation: Smoking, Medication, and Nutrition
The success of a hair transplant operation is often attributed solely to the surgeon’s skill; however, at least 50% of this success depends on how the patient prepares their body for this surgical process beforehand. A hair transplant is a micro-surgical procedure that triggers your body’s healing mechanism. The flawless operation of this mechanism depends directly on the quality of your blood circulation and coagulation balance. Smoking, certain medications, and dietary habits can disrupt this balance, leading to graft loss or healing problems.
As the Görkem Kazan Hair Transplant clinic, we explain the critical preparation rules you need to pay attention to with their scientific justifications so that you arrive on the operation day in the healthiest and most prepared state.
This preparation process consists of medical necessities that are not just “recommended” but mandatory for the safety of the operation and the survival of the grafts. Following the rules is the most solid step you will take on the path to achieving the hair of your dreams.
1. Smoking and Alcohol: Why Must They Be Stopped At Least 1 Week Before?
This is the rule our patients struggle with the most, but it is the most vital one. Smoking and alcohol are the two biggest enemies of hair transplantation.
The Destructive Effect of Smoking (Vasoconstriction)
The nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels (vasoconstriction). Our goal in hair transplantation is for the newly implanted roots to be nourished by blood. When vessels constrict, the amount of oxygen and nutrients going to the tissues decreases dramatically. Studies published in the National Library of Medicine (NCBI) have proven that smoking delays wound healing and can lead to tissue death (necrosis). In patients who smoke, the graft survival rate decreases, and the healing time is prolonged.
Rule: Smoking must be completely stopped at least 7 days (ideally 2 weeks) before the operation.
Alcohol and Bleeding Risk
Alcohol has a blood-thinning effect. Consuming alcohol before the operation causes increased bleeding during the procedure. Excessive bleeding obscures the surgeon’s field of vision, makes placing the grafts difficult, and prolongs the operation time.
Rule: Alcohol consumption must be stopped at least 3-5 days before the operation.
2. Medications and Supplements: Managing Bleeding Risk
Some medications and seemingly innocent herbal supplements can prevent blood clotting and lead to serious problems during the operation. Therefore, it is very important to share your medication history with your doctor.
Blood Thinners (Aspirin, Coumadin, etc.)
Blood-thinning medications can cause bleeding that is difficult to stop during the operation. However, you must stop these medications or adjust the dosage strictly in consultation with the doctor who prescribed them and with their approval.
Multivitamins and Herbal Supplements
Supplements such as Vitamins B and E, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, and Omega-3 (Fish Oil) have strong blood-thinning effects. Additionally, green tea consumption should be limited during this period.
Rule: Blood thinners (with doctor approval) and all herbal supplements should be stopped 1 week before the operation.
3. Nutrition and Hydration: Preparing the Body
The pre-operative period is not the time for heavy dieting. Your body needs energy and building blocks for healing.
- Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in protein and vitamins supports tissue repair.
- Water Consumption: Body hydration is important for skin elasticity and graft health. Take care to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the operation.
4. Morning of the Operation Day: Final Checks
When the big day arrives, here is what you need to do:
- Breakfast: Do not come to the operation on an empty stomach. Have a light but satisfying breakfast. (If you are going to receive anesthesia with sedation, follow your doctor’s fasting instructions). Avoid very fatty foods at breakfast.
- Caffeine Ban: Do not consume coffee or caffeinated beverages on the morning of the operation. Caffeine can increase blood pressure and trigger bleeding.
- Choice of Clothing: To avoid touching your head and the transplant area after the operation, wear comfortable clothes that do not need to be pulled over your head, such as a button-down shirt or a zip-up cardigan.
- Hair Cleaning: Shower and wash your hair before coming to the clinic. Do not apply any chemical products like gel, spray, or fibers to your hair.
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) emphasizes the importance of pre-operative preparation in patient safety protocols and states that patients must fully declare their medical history.
The care you show for the pre-operative preparation process directly affects the comfort of the operation and the success of the result. As Görkem Kazan Hair Transplant, you can always reach us for any questions you may have during this process (for example, the status of a special medication you are using). Proper preparation is half the perfect result.
