Hair loss is a problem that affects both men and women. Once you start noticing the thinning, and the shower floor is coated with your hair after each shower, you'll want to take matters into your own hands to stop the loss. That's where hair transplantation comes into the picture. Through hair transplantation, you can stop the loss and regain a full head of hair. If you've decided to undergo hair transplant surgery, now's the time to start preparing for the procedure. Here are some steps you can take to help make the procedure more successful.
Start a Smoking Cessation Program
If you're going to be undergoing hair transplant surgery, you need to stop smoking as soon as possible. Smoking reduces blood flow to your scalp, slows down the healing process, and can increase your risk of post-operative infections. To avoid those risks, you should stop smoking prior to surgery. If you can't stop smoking altogether, be sure to avoid smoking for at least the 24 hours prior to your scheduled surgery. Don't resume smoking until your scalp has fully healed, and your doctor has given you the go-ahead.
Give Yourself Daily Scalp Massages
Good blood flow and circulation are crucial to successful hair transplantation. One way to ensure that you've got both is to give yourself daily scalp massages. As soon as you know that you'll be undergoing hair transplant surgery, start giving yourself scalp massages at least once a day. Twice a day – once in the morning and once at night – is optimum for good blood flow and circulation. Make sure your massages last at least 15-minutes each, and that you massage your entire head.
Avoid the Last-Minute Haircut
If you're thinking about having a haircut right before your transplant surgery, don't do it. First, you'll want to make sure that there's plenty of hair to use for the transplant. Second, longer hair makes it easier to conceal any stitches and redness following your surgery.
Spend Some Time at Home After Surgery
Once you've had hair transplant surgery, your head will be sore for at least a couple of days. There may also be some swelling and a bit of bleeding from the transplant sites. To reduce the chance of post-operative complications, and to give yourself time to recover, be sure to spend some time at home after surgery. If you work, arrange to take your vacation time, so you have plenty of time to recover comfortably at home.
