Proper preparation improves graft survival and reduces complications for both FUE and FUT. Most steps are identical for both methods, with one key difference: FUE requires donor area shaving, and FUT does not. Start your preparation timeline 4 weeks before surgery.
Preparation Timeline
| Timeframe | Action | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks before | Stop smoking and all nicotine products | FUE and FUT |
| 2 weeks before | Stop blood thinners, fish oil, vitamin E | FUE and FUT |
| 1 week before | Stop alcohol consumption | FUE and FUT |
| 1 week before | Begin washing hair with prescribed shampoo if given | FUE and FUT |
| 3 days before | Stop caffeine (some clinics recommend this) | FUE and FUT |
| 1 day before | Wash hair thoroughly, no styling products | FUE and FUT |
| Day of surgery | Wear a button-up shirt, eat a full breakfast | FUE and FUT |
Medications to Stop
Blood-thinning medications and supplements increase bleeding during surgery, which can reduce visibility for the surgeon and lower graft survival rates.
Stop 7-10 Days Before
| Medication/Supplement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Aspirin | Thins blood, increases bleeding |
| Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | Anti-inflammatory that thins blood |
| Naproxen (Aleve) | Same blood-thinning effect as ibuprofen |
| Fish oil supplements | Omega-3 fatty acids reduce clotting |
| Vitamin E (high-dose) | Interferes with platelet function |
| Ginkgo biloba | Natural blood thinner |
| Garlic supplements | Reduces blood clotting |
Continue Taking (Unless Surgeon Says Otherwise)
| Medication | Notes |
|---|---|
| Finasteride (1mg daily) | Protects non-transplanted hair. 80-90% of users maintain existing hair |
| Minoxidil (topical) | Some surgeons pause 1-2 weeks before; others continue. Follow your surgeon's instructions |
| Blood pressure medication | Continue as prescribed |
| Thyroid medication | Continue as prescribed |
Always provide your surgeon with a complete list of medications and supplements during your consultation.
The Key Difference: Hair Length
This is the primary preparation difference between FUE and FUT.
FUE preparation: The donor area (back and sides of the scalp) must be shaved to 1-2mm so the micro-punch tool can access individual follicular units. Some clinics shave the entire head. Others offer "unshaven FUE" where only small strips of the donor area are shaved and covered by longer surrounding hair, but this adds time and cost.
FUT preparation: No shaving is required. The surgeon parts the hair along a strip line, removes the tissue, and closes the incision. The surrounding hair covers the suture line immediately. This is an advantage for patients who cannot take time off work or prefer to keep their procedure discreet.
For a detailed FUE vs FUT comparison guide, including recovery differences, see our main guide.
Lifestyle Changes: 4 Weeks Before
Stop Smoking
Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen delivery to the scalp. This directly impacts graft survival. Studies show smokers have lower graft survival rates and slower healing. Stop all nicotine products (cigarettes, vapes, nicotine patches) at least 2 weeks before surgery. Four weeks is better.
Reduce Alcohol
Stop alcohol consumption at least 3-5 days before surgery. Alcohol thins the blood and interferes with anesthesia. It also increases swelling during recovery. Some clinics recommend stopping 1 full week before.
Adjust Your Diet
No special diet is required, but good nutrition supports healing:
- Increase protein intake (supports follicle health)
- Stay well-hydrated (improves blood flow)
- Eat iron-rich foods (supports tissue repair)
- Avoid excessive sodium (reduces post-op swelling)
Pre-Operative Blood Work
Most reputable clinics require blood work 1-2 weeks before the procedure. Standard panels include:
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count (CBC) | Check for anemia or infection |
| Coagulation panel (PT/INR) | Confirm normal clotting |
| Metabolic panel | Assess overall health |
| Hepatitis B and C | Standard surgical screening |
| HIV screening | Standard surgical screening |
Blood work typically costs $100-300. Some clinics include it in the procedure price. See our FUE vs FUT cost breakdown for a full list of additional expenses.
Day-Before Checklist
Complete these steps the day before your procedure:
- Wash your hair thoroughly with the shampoo your clinic recommended (or a mild, fragrance-free shampoo)
- Do not apply any styling products, oils, or leave-in treatments
- Lay out a button-up or zip-up shirt for surgery day (you cannot pull shirts over your head after the procedure)
- Set out comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Prepare a travel pillow or neck pillow for the ride home
- Fill prescriptions if your clinic provided them early
- Charge your phone and download entertainment (the procedure takes 4-10 hours)
- Arrange transportation home (you should not drive yourself)
Day-Of Instructions
- Eat a full, balanced breakfast. You will be in the chair for 4-10 hours depending on graft count.
- Take any medications your surgeon specifically approved for surgery day.
- Arrive with clean, product-free hair.
- Wear the button-up shirt you prepared.
- Bring your ID, insurance information (if applicable), and payment.
- Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Know Your Stage Before You Prepare
Your graft count determines how long the procedure takes and how extensive your preparation needs to be. A 1,000-graft FUE session takes 3-4 hours, while a 4,000-graft session takes 8-10 hours.
Get a free Norwood stage assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to estimate your graft needs before your consultation.
FAQ
What should I stop taking before a hair transplant?
Stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil) 7-10 days before surgery. Stop alcohol 3-5 days before. Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before, as nicotine reduces blood flow and impairs graft survival. Continue finasteride and minoxidil unless your surgeon says otherwise.
Is preparation different for FUE vs FUT?
The main difference is hair length. FUE requires the donor area to be shaved to 1-2mm for the micro-punch tool to work. FUT does not require shaving because the strip is removed intact. All other preparation steps are identical for both methods.
How long before surgery should I start preparing?
Begin preparation 4 weeks before your procedure. Stop smoking at 4 weeks, adjust blood-thinning supplements at 2 weeks, stop alcohol at 3-5 days, and follow specific day-before instructions from your clinic. Most preparation steps are the same for FUE and FUT.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.