Please fill out our patient questionnaire and bring it with you to your appointment.
Two Weeks Before Your Procedure:
Avoid significant sun exposure to the scalp for at least two weeks before your procedure.
Discontinue Aspirin, Ibuprofen, all vitamins, and all nutritional supplements.
If you are taking prescription blood thinners, please inform our office so we may obtain clearance from your prescribing physician before temporarily discontinuing them.
Avoid foods, spices, or herbal products that may increase bleeding tendency, including turmeric or curcumin, curry powders, garlic, ginger supplements, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, fish oil or omega‑3 supplements, flaxseed or flaxseed oil supplements, and vitamin E.
100% pure protein powder without added supplements is acceptable.
One Week Before Your Procedure:
Please notify our office if you develop a fever (temperature of 101°F or higher) within 7 days before surgery.
If you have medical conditions such as an artificial joint, heart valve, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, or other conditions that require antibiotics before certain medical procedures, please notify us.
If you have a history of dandruff, shampoo your hair with Head & Shoulders® daily.
1-2 Days Before Your Procedure:
Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Pick up the medications prescribed for use after your transplant. You will be prescribed the following medications necessary after the procedure:
Tramadol (Ultracet) — for post‑transplant discomfort
Lorazepam (Ativan) — to help with relaxation and sleep during the first few nights
Dexamethasone (Decadron) — to help reduce possible swelling
Polysporin® ointment (over‑the‑counter) — to promote healing of the donor area
Haircut: For FUE procedures, hair in both the donor area (back of the scalp) and the recipient area should be trimmed as short as possible (military buzz-cut/no guard). If you do not obtain this haircut the day before your procedure, we will trim the hair on your surgery day.
Patients who dye their hair may do so one to two days before the procedure.
Morning of Your Procedure
Do not exercise.
Shampoo your scalp and hair the morning of your procedure. Do not use hairspray, styling gels, or other hair products.
Eat a large breakfast before your appointment (maximum one cup of coffee or tea). The oral medications used during the procedure must be taken on a full stomach.
Do not wear clothing that must be pulled over your head (T-shirts). Wear loose clothing such as a button‑down shirt and comfortable pants.
You may drive yourself to the clinic, but you will not be permitted to drive yourself home afterward due to sedative medications used during the procedure. You can arrange transportation with a friend, family member, ride‑share service, or taxi.
Immediately After the Procedure
You will leave the clinic with a wraparound donut‑shaped bandage placed around the donor area covered by a disposable surgeon cap. Patients typically look presentable, similar to a doctor wearing a surgical cap.
Please avoid bumping or hitting your head, especially when getting in and out of vehicles. If you have young children or pets, ensure they do not accidentally touch or bump the transplanted area.
First Night After Surgery
Once you arrive home, eat a full meal and take your first dose of Tramadol before the anesthetic wears off.
Continue taking Tramadol every four hours on a full stomach until bedtime.
Before going to bed, take Lorazepam (Ativan) as prescribed.
Sleep with your head elevated for the first three nights using the neck pillow provided.
If you awaken during the first three nights with discomfort, eat a full meal and take another dose of Tramadol.
Minor spotting or oozing from the donor area may occur the first few nights and may be visible through the bandage. This is normal and not active bleeding.
The Day After Your Procedure
Most patients experience minimal discomfort beginning the day after the procedure. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers may be used if needed.
Patients may resume approximately 95% of normal daily activities such as walking, driving, shopping, and computer work.
Avoid exercise, prolonged exposure to extreme heat or hot weather, and strenuous sexual activity for at least seven days after the procedure.
You may resume any medications or supplements that were stopped before surgery.
There are no dietary restrictions, but avoid alcohol for two additional days.
Begin taking dexamethasone on the morning of post‑operative day one to reduce swelling. This medication is primarily for cosmetic swelling reduction and may be skipped if swelling is not a concern; however, discontinue it immediately if hiccups occur.
Use the provided cold eye mask intermittently throughout the day to help reduce swelling.
Avoid leaning forward or lying flat for long periods during the first few days.
Small amounts of blood visible through the bandage, surgical cap, or pillow towel during the first two to three days are normal.
Persistent bleeding that does not stop is extremely rare. If significant active bleeding occurs, especially from the donor area, contact our office. Apply firm pressure with gauze for 20 minutes. If bleeding continues, apply pressure for another 20 minutes (This is extremely unlikely.)
If it still does not stop and you cannot return to the clinic, go to the nearest emergency room after speaking with our staff.
48 Hours After the Transplant
Remove the disposable surgical cap and donut‑shaped donor bandage approximately 48 hours after surgery.
You will likely notice scabs and dried blood on the scalp. The safest approach is not to rinse the transplanted area for up to the first 10 days. Never use direct shower pressure on the grafts. If head rinsing is desired, gently pour lukewarm water mixed with Johnson’s Baby Shampoo using a bowl or cup.
Swelling around the forehead, temples, eyes, or nose bridge may appear around 48 hours after surgery and will resolve within several days.
You may begin wearing a hat after 48 hours. Clean hats are recommended. Baseball‑style hats are preferred; tight beanies should be avoided.
Start applying antibiotic ointment to the donor area only, using a thin worm‑sized line, and continue this daily for 10 days. Do not apply Polysporin, Minoxidil, or any topical products to the transplanted area for at least 10 days.
For the first 10 days, do not touch, don’t shampoo normally, do not towel dry, or otherwise manipulate the transplanted grafts. They must remain completely undisturbed.
Scabs will form over transplanted grafts during the first few days and will naturally fall off around day 10 once normal shampooing begins. Do not pick or scratch the scabs. Hair shafts within the scabs may shed during the first few weeks, which is normal and does not mean grafts were lost.
First 7 Days:
Avoid any exercise and strenuous sexual activity.
Light cardio may resume around day 7.
After 10 Days
Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise may resume.
Haircuts or shaving the head may resume after day 10.
May resume swimming pools, hot tubs, and whirlpools.
After 4 Weeks
Hair dyes or chemical treatments should wait at least four weeks.
Two Weeks Before Your Procedure:
Avoid significant sun exposure to the scalp for at least two weeks before your procedure.
Discontinue Aspirin, Ibuprofen, all vitamins, and all nutritional supplements.
If you are taking prescription blood thinners, please inform our office so we may obtain clearance from your prescribing physician before temporarily discontinuing them.
Avoid foods, spices, or herbal products that may increase bleeding tendency, including turmeric or curcumin, curry powders, garlic, ginger supplements, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, fish oil or omega-3 supplements, flaxseed or flaxseed oil supplements, and vitamin E.
100% pure protein powder without added supplements is acceptable.
One Week Before Your Procedure:
Please notify our office if you develop a fever (temperature of 101°F or higher) within 7 days before surgery.
If you have medical conditions such as an artificial joint, heart valve, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, or other conditions that require antibiotics before certain medical procedures, please notify us.
If you have a history of dandruff, shampoo your hair with Head & Shoulders® daily.
1–2 Days Before Your Procedure:
Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Pick up the medications prescribed for use after your transplant. You will be prescribed the following medications necessary after the procedure:
Tramadol (Ultracet) — for post-transplant discomfort
Lorazepam (Ativan) — to help with relaxation and sleep during the first few nights
Dexamethasone (Decadron) — to help reduce possible swelling
Polysporin® ointment (over-the-counter) — for use on the suture line
Haircut:
For FUT procedures, a preoperative haircut is generally not required. Hair in the donor area is typically left longer to help conceal the linear incision after surgery. Hair in the recipient area may need to be clipped or shaved, which can be performed on the morning of the procedure after reviewing options with Dr. Armani.
Patients who dye their hair may do so one to two days before the procedure.
Morning of Your Procedure:
Do not exercise.
Shampoo your scalp and hair the morning of your procedure. Do not use hairspray, styling gels, or other hair products.
Eat a large breakfast before your appointment (maximum one cup of coffee or tea). The oral medications used during the procedure must be taken on a full stomach.
Do not wear clothing that must be pulled over your head (T-shirts). Wear loose clothing such as a button-down shirt and comfortable pants.
You may drive yourself to the clinic, but you will not be permitted to drive yourself home afterward due to sedative medications used during the procedure. You can arrange transportation with a friend, family member, ride-share service, or taxi.
Immediately After the Procedure:
You will leave the clinic with a wraparound donut-shaped bandage placed around the donor area covered by a disposable surgeon cap. Patients typically look presentable, similar to a doctor wearing a surgical cap.
Please avoid bumping or hitting your head, especially when getting in and out of vehicles. If you have young children or pets, ensure they do not accidentally touch or bump the transplanted area.
First Night After Surgery:
Once you arrive home, eat a full meal and take your first dose of Tramadol before the anesthetic wears off.
Continue taking Tramadol every four hours on a full stomach until bedtime.
Before going to bed, take Lorazepam (Ativan) as prescribed.
Sleep with your head elevated for the first three nights using the neck pillow provided.
If you awaken during the first three nights with discomfort, eat a full meal and take another dose of Tramadol.
Minor spotting or oozing from the suture line may occur the first few nights and may be visible through the bandage. This is normal and not active bleeding.
The Day After Your Procedure:
Most patients experience minimal discomfort and a mild sensation of scalp tightness beginning the day after the procedure. The suture line may feel slightly uncomfortable when resting or lying down, especially when using the provided neck pillow. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used if needed.
Patients may resume approximately 95% of normal daily activities such as walking, driving, shopping, and computer work.
Avoid exercise, prolonged exposure to extreme heat or hot weather, and strenuous sexual activity for at least seven days after the procedure.
You may resume any medications or supplements that were stopped before surgery.
There are no dietary restrictions, but avoid alcohol for two additional days.
Begin taking dexamethasone on the morning of post-operative day one to reduce swelling. This medication is primarily for cosmetic swelling reduction and may be skipped if swelling is not a concern; however, discontinue it immediately if hiccups occur.
Use the provided cold eye mask intermittently throughout the day to help reduce swelling.
Avoid leaning forward or lying flat for long periods during the first few days.
Small amounts of blood visible through the bandage, surgical cap, or pillow towel during the first two to three days are normal.
Persistent bleeding that does not stop is extremely rare. If significant active bleeding occurs, especially from the suture line, contact our office. Apply firm pressure with gauze for 20 minutes. If bleeding continues, apply pressure for another 20 minutes (this is extremely unlikely).
If it still does not stop and you cannot return to the clinic, go to the nearest emergency room after speaking with our staff.
48 Hours After the Transplant:
Remove the disposable surgical cap and donut-shaped donor bandage approximately 48 hours after surgery.
You will likely notice scabs and dried blood on the scalp. The safest approach is not to rinse the transplanted area for up to the first 10 days. Never use direct shower pressure on the grafts. If head rinsing is desired, gently pour lukewarm water mixed with Johnson’s Baby Shampoo using a bowl or cup.
Swelling around the forehead, temples, eyes, or nose bridge may appear around 48 hours after surgery and will resolve within several days.
You may begin wearing a hat after 48 hours. Clean hats are recommended. Baseball-style hats are preferred; tight beanies should be avoided.
Start applying antibiotic ointment to the suture line only, using approximately a dime-sized amount, and continue this daily for 10 days. Do not apply Polysporin, Minoxidil, or any topical products to the transplanted area for at least 10 days.
For the first 10 days, do not touch, don’t shampoo normally, do not towel dry, or otherwise manipulate the transplanted grafts. They must remain completely undisturbed.
Scabs will form over transplanted grafts during the first few days and will naturally fall off around day 10 once normal shampooing begins. Do not pick or scratch the scabs. Hair shafts within the scabs may shed during the first few weeks, which is normal and does not mean grafts were lost.
Activity Restrictions:
Avoid all exercise and strenuous sexual activity for the first 10 days.
Light cardio may resume around day 10.
Suture Removal:
Sutures are typically removed approximately 10–14 days after the procedure, most commonly around day 12.
After 10 Days:
Haircuts or shaving the head may be performed one to two days after suture removal, typically around days 12–14.
May resume swimming pools, hot tubs, and whirlpools.
After 4 Weeks:
Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise may resume.
Hair dyes or chemical treatments should wait at least four weeks.
**Be extremely careful after leaving the clinic to avoid hitting your head** on car door frames or open cabinet doors, because your scalp is numb and you may not feel minor contact normally. Be cautious around children or pets to avoid accidental contact.
Take your pain medication with a full meal (no soup or cereal) every 4 hours until you are ready to go to bed.
Taking pain medication without a proper meal will likely result in nausea or vomiting.
The most noticeable discomfort typically occurs about 4 hours after leaving the clinic, as the local anesthetic wears off, typically between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
It is important to stay on schedule.
When you are ready to go to sleep, take your sleeping medication (lorazepam).
Sleeping / Overnight
Sleep in a slightly elevated position by propping yourself up with one or two pillows and using the inflatable travel pillow provided around your neck.
Avoid pressure or contact with the transplanted area.
Use the disposable blue towel (chuck) provided and place it over your pillowcase to protect your sheets. Some oozing through the bandage during the first night or two is completely normal.
If you wake up during the night with discomfort, eat and take another pain medication if needed.
If you experience nausea or vomiting, this is most often due to taking medication without a full meal (no soup or cereal). Eat before taking any additional medication.
Do NOT touch, rub, or manipulate anything on your scalp, or remove or adjust any dressing, surgeon cap, or bandages that have been placed on your scalp.
Next Step
Please set your alarm for 8:55 AM in anticipation of Dr. Armani’s call, as the sleeping medication may make you groggy, so you are fully alert and able to understand the instructions that will be discussed.
Be ready for your 9:00 AM follow-up call with Dr. Armani.
Dr. Armani’s follow-up call, which typically takes 20 minutes, will include instructions for the next several days, including wound care, activity, healing, swelling, and answers to other important questions.
If you have not received a call by 9:20 AM, please call: (972) 2-ARMANI
After 10 days, you may shampoo your hair normally using your regular shampoo and begin removing the scabs. To loosen them, wet your hair thoroughly with warm water, then put on a shower cap for about 5 minutes to soften them, then gently use your fingertips to shampoo them away without forcefully picking at them. Do not be alarmed if you notice many of the transplanted hair shafts falling out as the scabs are removed—this is expected. The follicle itself has already embedded into the scalp and will continue to grow over time.
Topical medications, such as minoxidil or topical finasteride, may also be resumed at this time.
You may get a haircut 10–14 days after the procedure (for FUE, typically after 10 days; for FUT, usually about 2 days following suture removal, which is generally around 12 days post-operatively); however, chemical treatments (such as hair dyeing) are prohibited for four weeks after the procedure.
You may still experience mild redness in the transplanted area for a few weeks, and occasionally longer in some individuals. You may apply a skin-colored cosmetic concealer to camouflage this if needed.
If you experience dryness of the scalp after 10 days, you may apply a small amount of 100% pure coconut oil directly to the scalp at night and shampoo it out normally the following day.
It is common to notice small pimples in the transplanted and donor areas over the next few months (often related to ingrown hairs, as new hairs begin to grow). Depending on how oily your scalp is, you may use a deep cleansing shampoo such as Neutrogena T-Sal to reduce this.
Exercise may be resumed after 10 days. For FUE procedures, it may be fully resumed without restrictions. For FUT, light cardio and light exercise are acceptable after 10 days; however, heavy lifting or strenuous activity should be avoided for approximately four weeks to allow for proper healing of the donor scar area.
The donor area may take a few months to fully heal. During this period, you may notice bumpy or tender areas, as well as some scalp numbness. Some patients may also experience tenderness, particularly at night when resting the head on a pillow. A sensation of tightness may also be present, especially in FUT patients. In the transplanted (recipient) area, there may appear to be areas of poor growth, asymmetrical density, or temporary thinning in the coming months; however, these typically resolve completely over time.
Typically, there is little visible growth within the first three months. Around 4–6 months, early growth becomes noticeable, and by 6–12 months, approximately 50% of the final result may be seen. Final results are generally appreciated around 18 months; however, when transplanted within the crown, the follicles may take up to 24 months to fully grow. Keep in mind that everyone heals differently, and we cannot expect the same recovery or results for all patients.
Given this timeline, it is common for patients to feel somewhat disappointed or to question their decision within the first ninety days after the procedure. Since you have gone through the procedure itself, post-operative discomfort, privacy concerns, and the cost, your hair may not yet look significantly improved and, in some cases, may appear slightly worse than before. But do not worry—this is expected, and things will begin to improve steadily over time.
You are welcome to call or visit us at any time with any concerns. We typically recommend a follow-up evaluation at approximately 12 months to assess your progress, although this may not represent the final result. Follow-up visits for the first 36 months after your procedure are included at no additional charge.
Please remember that we care about your results as much as you do and want to hear from you!
