Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Pre-op Instructions for Hair Restoration
Serving the greater Chicago area from Oakbrook Terrace, Dr. Raymond Konior has helped patients who suffer from hair loss using the latest in surgical treatments. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) has proven especially effective at treating baldness, giving patients a healthy head of hair that grows and flows naturally.
To ensure the best possible treatment, it's important for patients to follow all instructions from their surgeon to the letter. Right now, we want to go over some general FUE pre-op instructions so you have a good idea of what the surgical process entails.
About Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Some basics about FUE before getting into those pre-op instructions.
FUE refers to the careful removal of small follicular units, which are tiny grafts of hair follicles that contain 1-4 individual hairs. These follicular units are harvested from a donor site and then placed along the balding hairline. The follicular units are staggered in order to create a realistic/natural-looking appearance.
Two Weeks Before Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
In the two weeks prior to an FUE procedure, patients will be asked to stop taking any blood thinners or beta-blockers. In fact, any sorts of medications that thin the blood should not be taken to avoid surgical complications. Some other medications or supplements that should be avoided in the two weeks prior to surgery include vitamin E, ginkgo, supplemental ginger, and ginseng.
Patients should also stop smoking and reduce their alcohol consumption at this point as these actions can affect the healing process. Excessive sun exposure of the scalp should be avoided at this point as well just to ensure the health of the donor area as well as the viability of the bald portion of the scalp to receive the follicular units.
One Week Before Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
In the week before a FUE procedure, patients will be asked to stop taking Rogaine and to avoid dying their hair. Patients should avoid cutting their hair at this point since the hair in the donor area should be a few centimeters in length for the best results.
Three Days Before Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
In the days before FUE treatment, vigorous exercise should be avoided, such as strenuous workouts and jogging. Patients should fill any and all prescriptions as needed and also prepare their home so that they can heal properly without worrying about errands that need to be run or other obligations that need to be met.
The Day Before Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Any and all hair products (e.g., gels, hairspray) should be avoided. The night before the FUE, patients should wash their hair thoroughly at the end of the night.
What to Consider the Day of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
On the day of the FUE procedure, patients should eat a light breakfast without caffeine at least an hour before the visit. Patients should make sure that their hair is clean and fully shampooed. It's ideal for patients to wear loose-fitting clothing to the practice, and that any aftershave and other products not be worn. Comfort is key on the day of the procedure.
Learn More About Hair Restoration Surgery
If you would like more information about follicular unit extraction and your many other options for advanced hair restoration treatment, we encourage you to contact our hair restoration specialists today. Dr. Raymond Konior will determine an ideal treatment for you and your needs based on the cause and extent of your hair loss.
