Weeks before: preparation checklist
Preparation starts at the assessment consultation. Dr Fátima Garcês defines the surgical plan, the donor area and the estimated number of follicles, and answers your questions. Between then and the day of the procedure, the goal is to keep the scalp healthy and the body in a state that reduces the risk of bleeding or infection.
- Complete the requested blood tests (full blood count, coagulation and any other tests indicated by the doctor)
- Tell the clinic about all your regular medication, allergies and surgical history
- Plan for 3 to 5 days off if your job is in person; remote work can resume the following day
- Arrange for someone to accompany you home, especially if light sedation is used
- Avoid hair dye, bleaching or chemical treatments in the two weeks beforehand
Medication and supplements to avoid before surgery
The main risk during a hair transplant is excessive bleeding, which makes extraction and implantation more difficult. Some medicines and supplements affect platelet function and should be stopped in advance — but always under guidance from the prescribing doctor.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen): stop 7 to 10 days beforehand, unless your doctor advises otherwise
- Oral anticoagulants: adjust with your treating doctor; never stop these on your own
- Supplements that increase bleeding: vitamin E, omega-3, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng and turmeric
- Alcohol: avoid for 48 hours beforehand, as it dilates blood vessels and increases bleeding
- Tobacco: ideally stop at least two weeks beforehand; nicotine reduces blood flow and delays healing
On the day of surgery
The procedure takes place on an outpatient basis, under local anaesthetic, and can last between 6 and 8 hours depending on the number of grafts. Being well rested and well fed helps the time pass more comfortably.
- Have a light breakfast up to 2 hours beforehand; avoid prolonged fasting
- Wash your hair in the morning with your usual shampoo, without gel, spray or styling products
- Wear comfortable clothing, preferably with buttons or a zip at the front, so nothing needs to go over your head
- Don't wear a watch, jewellery or accessories around the neck or head
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time for the pre-operative photo and preparation
Recovery timeline
Recovery is gradual and almost always complication-free when the aftercare instructions are followed. These are the most common stages:
- Days 1 to 3: small scabs on the implanted area, mild swelling on the forehead or around the eyes, minimal pain managed with simple painkillers
- Days 4 to 7: scabs begin to flake off; redness in the donor area fades; sedentary work can resume
- Weeks 2 to 4: most scabs have fallen away; the scalp already looks natural; light exercise is possible
- Weeks 2 to 6: shock loss occurs — the transplanted hairs fall out, but the follicle remains
- Months 3 to 6: new growth begins, gradual and finer in the first few weeks
- Months 12 to 18: consolidated result, assessed during Replace Clinic's follow-up consultations
Care during the first week
The first week is the most important for graft survival. Small habits protect the follicles and speed up healing.
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first 3 to 5 days to reduce swelling
- Don't touch, scratch or remove the scabs on the implanted area
- Wash your hair only using the technique and products advised by the team
- Avoid direct sun, saunas, swimming pools, the gym and any activity that causes heavy sweating for 10 to 14 days
- Don't wear caps, helmets or anything that presses on the transplanted area
When to contact the clinic
Most symptoms after a hair transplant are expected and resolve on their own. Contact Replace Clinic if you notice anything out of the ordinary:
- Fever or general malaise
- Bleeding that doesn't stop with gentle pressure
- Intense, disproportionate swelling, or swelling that worsens after the third day
- Redness, heat or intense pain in the donor or implanted area
- Signs of infection, such as pus or an unpleasant smell