Although a hair transplant is classed as outpatient treatment, proper preparation and professional aftercare are vital. That is why you will receive detailed information with personal instructions from the team attending to you, both prior to the treatment and thereafter. In any case, you can expect the following guidelines:

Prior to the hair transplant

2 weeks prior to the hair transplant:

• Stop taking aspirin, Ibuprofen or other pain killers, as this increases the risk of bleeding during or after the transplant. The same applies to anti-depressants, beta blockers, blood thinners, multivitamins with vitamin B or E and nutritional or herb supplements such as Ginkgo.

1 week prior to the hair transplant:

• Stop taking Minoxidil, a drug against hair loss.
• In addition, try and stop the consumption of alcohol.

One day prior to the hair transplant:

• Make sure not to smoke on this day, as the use of nicotine can delay the recovery process.

On the day of the treatment:

• Properly wash your hair with an ordinary shampoo and make sure it is properly rinsed and dried with a clean, dry towel.
• After you have washed your hair, do not use any gel, spray, mousse or other hair products. In addition, there is no need to use any hair pieces, etc.
• Do not drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks and eat a light breakfast.
• Wear comfortable clothing that can be easily pulled off over your head. A shirt or blouse with buttons is easiest as it can be taken off without pulling it over your head.

After the hair transplant

After the hair transplant, your scalp will have tiny little wounds. After all, this is a medical procedure. You do not feel these wounds during the treatment thanks to the anaesthetic, yet afterwards, you may experience a feeling like wearing a very tight helmet. This sensation can last a few days but will disappear by itself. In addition, the skin will be reddish in the areas that have been treated. This too will disappear in a few days.

In order to give the grafts the best possible chance of bonding and to promote the recovery process, the following is important:

• After the hair transplant, we will prescribe painkillers. You must strictly stick to the prescription.
• During the first couple of days, prevent profuse sweating
  and do not touch the scalp in the treated areas.
• During these first couple of days, use a special shampoo to wash your hair. Again, stick to the instructions we give you. Note that you can only start washing your hair after approximately 3 days unless advised otherwise
• Take 1 or 2 weeks time off after the treatment, giving yourself ample time to rest and recover. By doing this, you promote the healing process and create the conditions for a better result.

Personal advice? Make an appointment

Different circumstances do, of course, apply, depending on the patient and perhaps additional or alternative instructions apply to you instead. For personal advice and instructions, you can rely on your team and the specialist attending to you. Would you like to meet them? Feel free to book an appointment at Dutch Clinic in Amsterdam.