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The following instructions should be carefully followed before and after a hair transplant or scalp procedure. If you are unclear about any of the instructions, please contact our clinic.

This procedure will take a full day. The length of the procedure is determined by the amount of grafts.

 

 

Two Weeks Before Procedure

 

Stop taking any medications or vitamin and nutritional supplements that contain aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, etc.), herbs that increase blood flow or thin the blood (Echinacea, Ginseng, Garlic, Green tea), and Vitamin E for 2 weeks before the procedure. These medications increase your risk for bleeding, making it difficult for your newly transplanted grafts to take. Not following the pre-op instructions can lead to thin blood and increased bleeding during surgery, making it harder to execute a detailed hair drawing that maximizes density.

These patients also metabolize anesthetics faster, making it more difficult to maintain adequate anesthesia and prolonging the duration of the procedure. Check with a pharmacist before using any over-the-counter medications. Many, such as Alka-Seltzer, Bufferin, Excedrin, contain aspirin. Pain, cold, flu, and allergy medications often contain aspirin or ibuprofen. Tylenol or paracetamol is OK.

If you have symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or body aches, contact the clinic.

Stop using any topical hair treatment products that increase blood flow to the scalp.

 

 

One Week Before Procedure

 

Stop alcoholic beverages at least one week before and after the procedure. Alcohol increases bleeding risk.

Stop smoking and nicotine products at least one week before your procedure. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen to the surgical site.

Inform the clinic if you have a history of high blood pressure, allergy, asthma, chest pain, liver or kidney problems, sleep disorders, or shortness of breath.

Stop Rogaine/Minoxidil one week before surgery.

Avoid exercise and strenuous activity 3–7 days prior to surgery. Stop supplements for weight training or bodybuilding one week before.

If you color your hair, do so within one week of transplant. Avoid scalp hazards such as sun exposure or excessive hair pulling.

 

 

Preoperative Tests

 

Routine tests will be performed free of charge in the clinic. Having tests done before coming to Türkiye shortens your stay and prevents unnecessary travel if results indicate an obstacle.

Required tests:

Complete Blood Count (CBC), Blood Urea Nitrogen & Creatinine, Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin), Blood Glucose, HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV 1&2 (ELISA), PT, INR, aPTT, Bleeding Time / Platelet Count.

Additional tests based on age or health: ECG, Thyroid Function (TSH, T3, T4), Ferritin/Iron, Vitamin D, Zinc, VDRL/RPR, etc.

 

 

Night Before Procedure

 

Wash hair with mild shampoo. Do not wash or apply products on procedure day.

Prepare all medications and prescriptions.

 

 

On the Day of Procedure

 

Eat a light breakfast, avoid caffeine. Lunch will be provided. Inform staff of allergies.

Haircut will be done by technicians in the morning.

Light sedation may be given for relaxation.

Wear comfortable, front-opening clothing. Leave valuables at home.

Cell phones off except for listening to music.

No visitors allowed during procedure.

 

 

After Your Procedure

 

 

Wound Care

 

Apply ice pack over eyebrows for 15 minutes per hour (not on grafts).

Small scabs will appear and fall within 7–14 days. Do not pick them.

Keep head elevated 45 degrees to reduce swelling.

A dressing will be removed at follow-up visit on postoperative day 2.

Grafts may fall out within a few weeks; new growth starts after 4–6 months.

 

 

Activity

 

Avoid bending, lifting, and straining for 1 week.

Keep activity minimal. Bend at knees, not waist.

 

 

Medications

 

Take antibiotics as directed.

Take Medrol (methylprednisolone) if prescribed to prevent swelling.

Take pain medication if prescribed.

 

 

Folliculitis

 

If pimples appear at graft sites, apply a warm moist cloth 3 times a day. Call the clinic if no improvement after a few days.

 

 

Numbness

 

Temporary numbness may occur for 6–8 weeks; may last up to 1 year in small areas.

 

 

Special Instructions

 

Avoid direct sunlight or cold for 3 weeks using a loose hat.

Avoid alcohol for 1 week after the procedure.

Slight bleeding overnight is normal; use disposable towel provided.

Call the clinic if you have fever above 37.8°C, uncontrolled pain, redness, heavy bleeding, foul drainage, or unusual swelling.

 

 

Post-Operative Appointments

 

Day 2: In clinic

3 weeks: Online

5 months: Online

1 year: Online

 

 

Post-Transplant Hair Care (FUE)

 

 

Day 1

 

Shower body only, keep hair dry.

Do not wash grafts for 72 hours.

Apply antibiotic ointment to donor area before bed.

Continue medications and wear provided hat outdoors.

 

 

Days 2–6

 

Itching is common.

Apply Bacitracin or Polysporin twice daily on donor site for first 3 days, then Aquaphor or Cetaphil from day 4 until scabbing resolves.

Begin gentle washing with mild shampoo after 72 hours using the cup method—pouring water gently over scalp.

Do not use hairdryer.

On night of day 6, apply antibiotic ointment again and wear paper cap.

 

 

Day 7

 

Remove ointment, apply warm compress for 10 minutes.

Shampoo normally with mild shampoo and conditioner.

Resume normal styling.

Continue washing routine and wear a hat outdoors for 3 weeks.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is Dr. Buhsem Hair Center?

A licensed international hair transplant clinic with over 25 years of experience, led by Dr. Ömer Buhşem.

 

2. Qualifications

Board Certified, member of American and Turkish Plastic Surgery Associations, authorized for international health tourism.

 

3. Cause of Hair Loss

Mainly hereditary androgenetic alopecia caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

 

4. Effective Procedures

Follicular Hair Restoration is a proven treatment.

 

5. Technique Used

Uses patient’s own hair from the back of the head via FUE and FUT methods with mini and micro grafts for a natural look.

 

6. Duration

6–10 hours depending on grafts and patient condition.

 

7. Pain Level

Mild discomfort; local anesthesia and optional sedation are used.

 

8. Number of Procedures

Depends on hair loss extent. Results visible in 4–6 months; final in 1 year.

 

9. Do New Hairs Fall Out?

No. Donor hairs are resistant to DHT.

 

10. Is It Permanent?

Yes, hair transplantation is the only permanent solution to baldness.

 

11. Work Downtime

Non-strenuous jobs: return in 24 hours. Strenuous work: wait one week.

 

12. Follow-up

Day after surgery in clinic, then 3 weeks, 5 months, and 1 year.

 

13. Cost

Determined after consultation based on individual needs.

 

14. How to Schedule

Contact clinic for a personalized consultation.

 

15. Is This Procedure for You?

Yes, if you desire your own natural hair with minimal downtime.

 

 

Things to Remember Before Hair Transplant

 

Do not exercise 3 days prior; stop bodybuilding or supplements 1 week prior.

Wash hair with Hibiclens night before; avoid sprays, gels, or waxes.

Wear comfortable clothing with open front.

Bring daily medications.

Hair coloring should be done within one week before procedure; resume after 4 weeks.

 

 

Things to Remember After Hair Transplant

 

Follow instructions to prevent graft loss.

 

1–4 Weeks: Swelling, scales, pimples, and graft hair shedding are normal.

1 Month: Numbness near grafts or suture line; resolves in 6–8 weeks.

2–4 Months: New growth starts, possible mild folliculitis.

4–6 Months: Around 20% of growth visible, hairs fine and thin.

6–8 Months: 80% of hairs emerge, visual results 50–60% complete.

8–12 Months: Final aesthetic result achieved.

 

Temporary thinning may occur but reverses by 6–12 months.

Full result in 9–12 months.

Additional sessions may be needed in future.

 

 

When to Resume Activities

 

Light exercise – Day 1

Aspirin – Day 3

Gentle shampooing – Day 3

Brushing non-grafted hair – Day 3

Normal shampooing – Day 10

Hair dryer – Day 10

Styling products – Day 10

Brushing grafts – Day 7

Hair coloring – Week 4

Intense exercise – Day 14

Swimming – 2–3 weeks

Hot rollers – Day 10

Propecia – Next day

Rogaine – 4 weeks (when scabs gone)

Avoid direct sunlight/cold – 4 weeks

Laser caps/combs – 4 weeks

LED derma roller – 6 months

Hair fibers – 10 days

 

 

Hair Growth and Care Products

 

Minoxidil (Rogaine®) – Applied twice daily, effective for 40% of women and 50% of men.

Finasteride – Oral 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, FDA-approved for men, prevents conversion of testosterone to DHT.

 

Dr. Ömer Buhşem Plastic Surgery & Hair Transplantation Clinic

FSM Bulvarı, Anı Sit A10, Nilüfer – Bursa, Türkiye

Mobile: +90 533 328 3209

Website: www.omerbuhsem.com

Email: buhsem@gmail.com

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