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Pre-Operative Instructions

Important Guidelines to Follow Prior to Surgery

You will be provided with comprehensive pre-operative instructions, both at your consultation and also on an information sheet when you book surgery with us.  These instructions include:

  • During the 7 days prior to and following surgery, DO NOT take or consume Aspirin, Alcohol, anti-inflammatory drugs, multi-vitamins/herbal remedies.
  • Reduce your caffeine – i.e. coffee and tea intake - to half a cup a day.
  • Patients are advised to stop smoking, nicotine patches and nicotine chewing gums completely with immediate effect.
  • Exercise and strenuous physical activity must be stopped 1 week pre-op and not resumed until 2 weeks post-op.
  • Bring along any medication(s) you may be taking including alternative medicinal preparations.  If you are on antibiotics, please telephone the Nurse prior to your surgery date.
  • On your surgery day, wear comfortable clothing, preferably a shirt/blouse which buttons down the front.  Do not wear a polo neck or similar.  You will be changing into a hospital gown, please wear undergarments.  It is recommended to leave valuables at home and remove all jewellery/watches.
  • Bring a clean oversized cap/bandana or similar head-covering for your journey home – a tight fitted baseball cap is not recommended.
  • Should you contract either a cold, temperature, sore throat or any flu-like symptoms when you are due for surgery, please telephone the Nurse in charge at the hospital as it may be necessary to postpone your surgery.
  • All our facilities are “non smoking”
  • Do not have your hair cut or coloured less than 1 week prior to surgery. Please leave your hair at least one half inch long. You can have a hair cut or colouring 4-6wks after your surgery.
  • Please wash your hair the morning of your procedure and do not apply anything to your hair like hair spray or hair gel.
  • You must inform the Nurse prior to surgery if you previously have had complications at the dentist or with local anaesthetic.
  • If you are using minoxidil, discontinue 48 hours prior to surgery.
  • Have a good breakfast or lunch prior to coming to surgery.
  • Following surgery, patients will need to recuperate before returning to work, and we generally advise a week’s leave.  Your surgeon will advise you of this on discharge from the hospital.
  • Your suture removal appointment will be approximately 10 days after your surgery day.

Additional Pre-Operative Instructions for Female Patients

  • Female patients may be required to produce additional medical test results prior to the procedure taking place.  This is in order for us to fully understand any underlying conditions that may be causing your hair loss.
  • These can be arranged at your local GP or medical centre and we will provide instruction as to the tests required and where to send them.
  • Notify us prior to your surgery day if you are pregnant.