FAQ s

#1. What time should I be there in the clinic?

You should be in the clinic no later than 8:15 AM.

#2. Do you have a list of items to bring to the center?

Don’t bring any valuable things you can bring audiobooks/ AirPods

#3. What are the medications I need to take?

Percocet for severe pain- take it the night after the procedure. Motrin for moderate pain- every 6 hours Medrol Dose Pack- for swelling- take as directed Duricef-antibiotics 2x a day for 5 days- Check the allergies first if you have any contraindications to any medications.

#4. What supplements/medications should not be taken before or after the procedure?

All supplements should be avoided 10 days prior to and 2 weeks after the procedure. 10 days before you can take Tylenol for pain., no aspirin-like (blood-thinning), and no Motrin prior to the procedure.

#5. When is a good time to take multivitamins after my procedure?

You should be avoided 10 days prior to the procedure and you can take 2 weeks after the procedure.

#7. When can I drink alcohol again?

Avoid Alcohol for 7 days after the procedure. Alcohol has a negative effect on the healing process.

#8. Do I need a haircut or shave my hair before the procedure?

Please consider shaving down the backside/donor area to zero/skin level 0.9mm using the machines and not blades before coming in. If you are not comfortable, our technician will shave the back donor area only.

#9. How long does it take for the donor area to heal?

The donor area heals very quickly. There is no visible scarring once they heal in about 7-10 days.

#10. Why am I experiencing an itchy scalp after the procedure?

This is due to the healing process your scalp goes through in order to repair itself following hair extraction and implantation. As part of this healing process, the scalp releases chemicals (histamines) that cause itching.

You can take Benadryl 25mg for itchy.

#11. What should I wear?

Wear a button-down shirt or something easily removable.
Avoid wearing any clothing that must be pulled over the head, to prevent any damage or dislodging of the grafts.

#12. Is the tingling sensation at the hair grafts is normal after 2 days of surgery/procedure?

Yes, it’s normal after 2 days. It is also normal to experience bruising, redness, itchiness, swelling, and/or soreness that may last from 3-5 days.

#13. When can I start to do exercise?

Weight Lifting and intense workouts should be done after 2 weeks. Avoid strenuous activities, vigorous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and swimming.

#14. How can I minimize the swelling?

To minimize the swelling on the forehead and around the eyes, apply the ice pack over the eyebrows for 15 minutes every hour, not on your grafts.
The swelling part is part of the normal healing process and will usually disappear after 7-10 days.

#15. When to remove the bandage?

You can remove the bandage 24 hours after the procedure.

#16. What kind of pillow do you recommend using?

You can use an airplane pillow for the first 10 days or more nights. To avoid any injury to your grafts we also recommend sleeping two pillows behind your back.

#17. Can I rub the scabs on my head?

These scabs will naturally fall off. Don’t be alarmed if there are short hairs in the scabs when they fall off. The hair bulb is inside the scalp.

#18. How can I wash my hair after the procedure?

Do not wash your hair or scalp for the first 3 days.
After the third day, lightly wet the hair with a cup of warm water, and mix the baby shampoo and warm water in a cup. Pour gently over your head. Do not rub, and do not submerge your head. Rinse lightly with a few cups of warm water to rinse out the shampoo.

#19. When can I take shower?

You can shower your body but should keep your head/scalp dry.
Spray the saline solution over the areas where the grafts were placed 4-5 times a day. Use the mist setting. You may stop when the bottle is finished.
(Saline solution will provide on the day of the procedure)
After the 10 days, you may take a normal shower with gentle water pressure
(no high pressure or massage setting). However, continue to use baby shampoo. Gently rub the scalp with the pads of your fingers (no nails)

#20. What types of shampoo do you recommend to use after the transplant and should I use the same brand every day?

Any baby shampoo that is free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, phthalates, and sulfates.

#21. Can I go swimming after the hair transplant?

Avoid swimming for 4 weeks, most swimming pools contain chlorine which should not come into contact with healing wounds. Once your scalp is fully healed, you can go swimming.

#22. When can I wear hats?

We normally suggest avoiding any headgear. You can wear hats with loose caps, not too tight after 2 weeks. (Baseball caps are not recommended) Wearing a hat runs the risk of the grafts being compressed, damaged, or displaced. We suggest waiting after 3-4 weeks.

#23. Can I use hair gel or use the hair dryer?

Do not use any hair products, hair dryers, or power showers. Your new follicles will remain vulnerable for a while after the procedure.
You can start to use it after 6 weeks.

#24. Why my hair has all fallen out after the hair transplant?

It’s normal, after the hair transplant it falls out a few weeks up to 4 months then start grows the baby hair. This is all part of the process and will eventually lead to your transplanted follicles sprouting rich, healthy new hairs.

#25. When do I use the Rogaine/Minoxidil?

After a month you can use Rogaine/Minoxidil.

#26. Can I continue taking Finasteride?

Yes, you can continue taking the Finasteride tablet.

#27. When can I color my hair?

Hair Coloring or straightening after 2 months.

#28. Can I contact Dr. Gartner r directly?

Certainly. If you still have any post-op questions please send a text message to (201) 351-8388, and Dr. Gartner will answer as soon as possible. Thanks!

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