Hestanbul Pre-Op Guide for Hair Transplant in Turkey

Hestanbul Pre-Procedure Guide For Your Hair Transplant in Turkey

At Hestanbul, we perform a range of advanced hair restoration methods tailored to your unique needs, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) and Sapphire FUE. Proper hair transplant preparation is essential for optimizing blood flow, minimizing inflammation, and ensuring the survival of transplanted grafts. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each pre-op step and the science behind them.

1. Stop Smoking at Least 14 Days Before Surgery

Why?
Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues a process called vasoconstriction.  This impairs microcirculation in the scalp, which is crucial for graft survival post-transplant.

Scientific Insight:
Smoking increases levels of carbon monoxide , which binds to hemoglobin more strongly than oxygen, reducing tissue oxygenation. Poor oxygen supply to the grafts can lead to ischemia (tissue death), increasing the risk of graft failure .

Action Step:
Stop all nicotine use including vaping at least two weeks before surgery to allow vascular function to normalize.

2. Avoid Alcohol for 7 Days Before Surgery

Why?
Alcohol acts as a vasodilator and anticoagulant , thinning the blood and increasing the risk of bleeding during surgery. Excessive intraoperative bleeding can obscure the surgical field, making accurate graft placement difficult.

Scientific Insight:
Alcohol inhibits thromboxane A2 , a molecule involved in platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. It also reduces fibrinogen levels, impairing clot formation.

Action Step:
Avoid alcohol consumption for at least seven days before surgery to ensure optimal coagulation and reduce intraoperative complications.

3. Disclose All Medications and Supplements

Some medications and supplements interfere with blood clotting , immune response , or wound healing. Informing your surgeon ensures they can adjust or pause certain treatments safely.

Common Blood-Thinning Agents to Avoid:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
• Fish oil/Omega-3s
• Vitamin E
• Ginseng
• Garlic supplements

Scientific Insight:
NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are critical for producing prostaglandins involved in clotting and inflammation. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids , which reduce platelet aggregation.

Action Step:
Provide a full list of medications and supplements to your surgeon. Never stop prescription drugs without medical advice.

4. Treat Scalp Conditions Before Surgery

Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis , psoriasis , fungal infections , or scalp acne increase the risk of postoperative infection and compromise graft take.

Scientific Insight:
Inflammatory skin conditions elevate cytokine levels (e.g., IL-6, TNF-alpha), which can trigger an immune response against newly implanted grafts. Additionally, fungal infections like Malassezia disrupt the scalp microbiome and impair wound healing.

Action Step:
Treat any existing scalp issues under the guidance of a dermatologist before proceeding with surgery.

5. Protect Your Scalp from Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure causes UV-induced DNA damage , epidermal thickening , and sunburn , all of which delay healing and increase the risk of pigmentation changes after surgery.

Scientific Insight:
Ultraviolet radiation triggers the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) , leading to oxidative stress and impaired keratinocyte function. This weakens the epidermal barrier and delays re-epithelialization.

Action Step:
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least one week before surgery . Use a wide-brimmed hat or UV-protective scarf when outdoors.

6. Practice Daily Scalp Massage (10–15 Minutes)

Scalp massage improves microcirculation , enhances follicle viability , and increases donor area elasticity , facilitating easier graft extraction.

Scientific Insight:
Gentle pressure stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production , which dilates blood vessels and improves nutrient delivery to hair follicles. Regular stimulation also increases angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), supporting better graft survival.

Action Step:
Massage your scalp daily using circular motions with your fingertips. Focus on both donor and recipient areas.

9. Double-Check Your Travel Arrangements

Make sure your passport is valid, your flights are confirmed, and you’ve communicated your arrival time to our patient coordinator. Our team will handle your airport pick-up and hotel check-in, so having your details in advance helps us serve you better.

10. Hydration is Key

Start increasing your water intake a few days before your trip. Staying well-hydrated promotes healthy skin and prepares your body for the minor stress of travel and surgery.

11. Start with a Light Breakfast

Make sure to eat a light breakfast the morning of your hair transplant. This helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure. The lunch will be provided by the clinic.

12. Avoid Green Coffee & Green Tea

Do not drink green coffee or green tea before your procedure. These drinks can act as natural blood thinners, which may increase bleeding during surgery and affect your healing process.

How Your Hair Transplant with Hestanbul in Turkey Will Work

Hestanbul ensures a seamless experience from start to finish:

1. Initial Consultation – Online form or WhatsApp chat
2. Doctor Evaluation – Personalized treatment plan
3. Treatment Scheduling – Coordinated travel and stay
4. Arrival in Istanbul – VIP airport transfer
5. Rest Day – Acclimatize and relax
6. Hairline Design & Graft Count – Customized planning
7. Surgical Procedure – Performed by expert team
8. Post-Op Care & Departure – First wash and safe transfer home

What’s Included in Our Full Package

When you choose Hestanbul, your package includes:

• Hair Transplant Surgery (FUE, DHI, or Sapphire)
• VIP Airport Transfers
• Luxury Hotel Accommodation
• 24/7 Translation Support
• Medical Kit (shampoo, ointments, medications)
• Life Guarantee Certificate
• PRP Session for enhanced recovery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Hair Transplant Preparation

1. How long before my hair transplant should I start preparing?

Ideally, you should begin preparing at least 2–4 weeks before surgery . This includes quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, managing medications, and improving scalp health for optimal graft survival.

2. Why do I need to stop smoking before a hair transplant?

Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues due to nicotine-induced vasoconstriction and carbon monoxide exposure. This can impair healing and reduce graft survival rates.

3. How does alcohol affect hair transplant results?

Alcohol thins the blood and increases bleeding during surgery. Excessive bleeding can interfere with graft placement and increase swelling, delaying recovery and affecting final outcomes.

4. Can I take painkillers like ibuprofen before my hair transplant?

No, you should avoid NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin) for at least 7–10 days before surgery as they act as blood thinners , increasing the risk of intraoperative bleeding.

5. Do I need to treat existing scalp conditions before surgery?

Yes, untreated conditions like dandruff, fungal infections, or eczema can lead to post-operative infections and poor graft take. Your surgeon may prescribe topical treatments or delay surgery until your scalp is healthy.

6. Is it safe to expose my scalp to the sun before a hair transplant?

Excessive sun exposure can damage the skin barrier and cause inflammation or burns, which may delay healing. It’s best to avoid direct sun and wear a hat or scarf when outdoors.

7. What supplements should I avoid before a hair transplant?

Avoid supplements that have blood-thinning effects such as:

• Fish oil / Omega-3
• Vitamin E
• Garlic
• Ginseng
• Ginkgo Biloba
  Always consult your surgeon before stopping any supplements.

8. Should I massage my scalp before a hair transplant?

Yes, daily scalp massage (10–15 minutes) improves blood circulation, enhances donor area elasticity, and boosts follicle viability, helping ensure better graft extraction and implantation.

9. Can I dye or chemically treat my hair before surgery?

It’s best to avoid hair dyes, perms, or chemical treatments for at least two weeks before surgery , as they can irritate the scalp and increase the risk of inflammation or infection.

10. What if I forget to stop smoking or drinking before surgery?

Inform your surgeon immediately. Depending on how close it is to your surgery date, they may reschedule your procedure to ensure your safety and maximize graft success.

Conclusion: Maximize Your Results with Proper Hair Transplant Preparation

Your journey toward regaining confidence starts with the right preparation. Each restriction and recommendation before surgery has a strong scientific basis aimed at improving graft survival , healing time , and natural-looking results .

At Hestanbul Clinic in Istanbul, we combine advanced techniques , international expertise , and personalized care to deliver life-changing transformations. By following our scientifically backed hair transplant preparation protocol , you’re setting yourself up for success right from the start.

Ready to begin your transformation?
👉 Book a Free Consultation
📞 Contact us directly on WhatsApp at +90-539-336-9600