AHI Clinic in London understands how you might be feeling when you look in the mirror and notice your hair becoming thin or lost. We know how it can change your overall appearance, and we recognise that not all of you will be happy that this is happening.
If you’re someone who is affected by thinning hair / hair loss and you’re reading this blog, then you’re probably already considering undergoing a hair transplant procedure. It’s important to do your research and gather as much information as possible to fully understand if this is the right solution for your concerns.
AHI will always advise any potential patients to visit a reputable clinic and talk face-to-face with an experienced surgeon, such as our very own Dr Waqas Chaudhary. The consultation is the first stage of our treatment process, and will greatly help to prepare you for the procedure. Dr Chaudhary is an experienced hair transplant surgeon and has many years experience in this field. By talking with him, you can gain a full understanding of the procedure; how it’s carried out, the potential risks involved, and what results are to be expected.
Having the opportunity to discuss your concerns in person enables the surgeon to outline the right approach for you, based on your situation. And, for you as a patient, you can meet the surgeon and start to build a trusting relationship. This session also provides the opportunity for you to ask questions and talk about any aspect of the procedure that may be worrying you. We’ll also allow you some thinking time, so you can absorb all the information that’s been given to you and consider your options in full.
If you’re thought to be a suitable candidate, and you’ve decided you do want to undergo the hair transplant procedure, we’ll need to have written consent. We can then make the necessary arrangements and book you in at a time that’s convenient for you.
There are a number of other considerations to factor in before we proceed. Firstly, you’ll need to arrange some time off work, and we’d recommend a minimum of 7 days – although many patients allow for 10-14 days. In the run up to your appointment, a range of pre-treatment instructions will need to be followed to enable the surgery to go smoothly, and help achieve a successful result. This can include:
- Head massage – this can begin 2 weeks before your procedure, and 20 minutes each day will help to stimulate the follicles and improve elasticity of the scalp. Our team will demonstrate the technique you should use, and should not be undertaken for several weeks after the transplant procedure.
- Stopping medications – we will discuss your medical history at the consultation which includes details of any medication you’re taking. You will need to stop taking any that will thin the blood (such as aspirin, ibuprofen or tylenol) 1 week prior to surgery as this will reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. You will also need to stop taking any hair restoration medication such as minoxidil. Dr Chaudhary will let you know the medications that are safe to carry on with.
- Avoid sun exposure – areas of thin hair / hair loss are vulnerable to damage from UV rays, or sun burn. This can cause the skin to be more sensitive, which in turn can lead to increased discomfort during the procedure. And, we want the scalp to be in a healthy condition. If you do want to spend time outside in the run up to your hair transplant, stay under some shelter.
- Stop smoking – with any surgical procedure smoking poses an increased risk of excessive bleeding, and may slow down the healing process. We know that many smokers will find it difficult to stop, and AHI will provide support where necessary. We advise you to avoid smoking 2 weeks before surgery, and up to 3 weeks post surgery.
- Avoid alcohol – you should not drink alcohol for 1 week before your hair transplant. Having alcohol in your system will dilute the blood which can cause more bleeding. There is also a risk that the anaesthetic will not take full effect.
These pre-treatment instructions are typical for all patients. As your concerns are unique, and the procedure is tailored to you, there may be other instructions that apply.
Whilst AHI Clinic does all it can to ensure you are fully prepared for a hair transplant, our support extends through every part of the treatment process. Take a look at our website to learn more about our Patient Journey.
