II. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HAIR RESTORATION PROCEDURE

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

GOAL OF PREPARATION FOR YOUR FUE HAIR RESTORATION PROCEDURE

The goal of preparation is to reach your hair restoration goals as smoothly as possible and ensuring your recovery is quickly as possible while reducing the risks and complications. In addition to the health benefits, your state of mind is important and knowing you’re prepared for your hair restoration will reduce normal anxiety and optimize you and your body for the procedure and for the following healing period.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE FUE HAIR RESTORATION

-The Preoperative Appointment

You will be meeting with several members of the Hair 911 hair restoration specialists team at Imagine Plastic Surgery and Dr. Hardesty at the preoperative appointment.

-You will be provided with detailed written pre-operative instructions and recommendations. Following all of these instructions will help in reducing normal preoperative anxiety, ensure your comfort, optimize your recovery, and reducing and avoiding the common liposuction complications while speeding up your healing process.

-You will receive a list of medications to start.

-You should stop all blood thinning medications and over the counter pain relievers other than Tylenol. Specifically do not take aspirin or ibuprofen. These drugs interfere with the body’s normal blood clotting and increase bruising and hematoma (blood collection) complications.

-You should stop all female hormones or hormonal birth control pills. If you don’t stop there is a increased risk of blood clots which can dislodge and relocate to your lungs called pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE is a serious and can be life threatening.

-Mandatory: do not smoke or vape. The smoke actually reduces circulation, delays wound healing and prolongs recovery. Nicotine increases your chances of post-surgical complications. You will also need to continue to refrain from smoking for at least two week following surgery.

-Do not take or stop all herbal supplements, high dose vitamin E or fish oils. We highly recommend you stop taking all herbal supplements two weeks prior to surgery. Why? Supplements are not well regulated and may contain unknown components that are detrimental to surgery and recovery. Specifically several herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, green tea extract, ginseng, and garlic can interact negatively with anesthesia, bleeding, recovery and healing. EXCEPTION:The only herbal product we recommend using prior to or after your surgery is arnica and bromeliads cream. This plant-based product is often used to reduce inflammation, soothe muscle aches, and heal wounds

-Do take a daily multivitamin with only recommended daily allowances to ensure your healing compotbts are at optimal levels.

-a check of your blood level (hemoglobin) will be taken

-standardized photos will be taken.

-If required your preoperative evaluation clearance and additional lab results will be reviewed.

1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR FUE HAIR RESTORATION

-Do not shave the area to be treated.This will actually increase your risk of infection.

-Reduce and optimally do not drink alcohol. Alcohol thins your blood, which will prolong healing and increase bruising. Suggest instead drink water a or mineral containing drinks (example Gatorade like beverages) to hydrate and nourish.

-make final plans for coverage at work, child care, etc

3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR FUE HAIR RESTORATION

-You will begin with your twice daily (morning and evening) “bacterial decolonization protocol” which includes washing with a antibacterial wash and place prescription antibiotic ointment in your ears, nose and umbilicus (tummy button).

-You should have all your prescription medication filled

-You will also want to go shopping to have the following items on hand:

-purchase a plastic bag to place over your pillow then a older pillow case. Occasionally there is some minor oozing.

-Laxative or stool softener (narcotic pain medication may cause constipation)

-Comfortable detachable clothes (button down or zipper top) robe and/or pajamas

-Entertainment such as books, magazines, and movies to help keep you occupied while you rest

-clear liquids, soft diet foods and favorite liquids (non-alcoholic)

-Low sodium foods (salty foods can increase fluid retention and swelling)

-call Riverside Outpatient Surgical Center (ROSI) to verify arrival time

NIGHT BEFORE YOUR FUE HAIR RESTORATION

Finale antiseptic bath and antibiotic ointment placement in ears, nose and umbilicus (tummy button.

-no alcohol containing beverages night before.

-you can have a regular diet prior to your FUE procedure.

-If a friend of loved one is taking you to ROSI verify arrival times.

-write down any last minute questions

-Get a good night’s sleep. A sleeping aid has been prescribed. Don’t hesitate in taking if you can’t sleep.

DAY OF YOUR FUE HAIR RESTORATION YOUR FUE HAIR RESTORATION

The day had finally arrived!!

A few final steps that will conclude your preparation for your FUE hair restoration procedure.

-You may take your prescription medication with a sips of water.

-place anti nausea patch (scopolamine patch) behind your ear to lessen the chance of postoperative nausea

-if anxiety starts to set in you may take a Valium with sips of water

-You may brush your teeth

-Refrain and do not wear any: jewelry, makeup, contact lenses, hair pins and remove all piercings.

-Do wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not pull on over your head.

-Have your regular breakfast

-Bring your prescription medications to the surgicenter. The recovery room will review their usage and timing with you and your postoperative care provider.

-Bring electronic phones, tablets and ear phones to listen to during the FUE hair restoration procedure.

-Bring snacks, non alcoholic drinks of choice.

-Lunch will bd provided

YOUR FUE HAIR RESTORATION COMPLETED

Success!

-You will usually will be in the recovery area for 30 to before being discharged. The nursing staff will ensure you are eating, drinking, walking around, and comfortable prior to leaving.

-You must have arranged transportation to return home or recovery center after your FUE hair restoration. This does not include cabs, uber, or public transportation.

-You must be picked up when you are ready to be discharged. Please give our staff the phone number of the person picking you up, and they will call to advise when you are ready to be picked up.

-You may begin taking your oral painkillers and other medications when you arrive home.

-We will again provide you another copy of the same detailed pre-operative instructions given your before your surgery. Occasionally Dr. Hardesty and hair restoration specialists will also give you some additional instructions and recommendations. Following all of these instructions will help ensure your comfort, avoid complications, and speed your healing.

POST OPERATIVE CARE AFTER YOUR FUE HAIR RESTORATION

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CONCLUSIONS

The most important factor to consider is seeking the opinion and services of a skilled, experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who are experts in

the automated follicular unit extraction (FUE) and transplantation techniques. The Hair 911 hair restoration specialists at Imagine Plastic Surgery team uniquely provides not only a track record of success based on “state of the art” restoration technology thus filling our motto of “One Goal, Many Options”. For more information, call and schedule a consultation.

Since 2003 the Staff of Imagine Plastic Surgery has provided comprehensive Cosmetic Plastic Surgery services and procedures for the many communities of the greater Inland Empire, California including but limited to Riverside, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Corona, Upland, Chino Hills, Temecula, Murrieta, Clairemont, the High Desert Cities of Victorville and Apple Valley.