Proper preparation for FUT surgery starts 2 to 4 weeks before your procedure date. The most important steps are stopping blood-thinning substances, arranging time off work, and following your surgeon's specific pre-operative instructions.
This checklist covers everything from medications to avoid, lab work you may need, what to do the night before, and what to bring on surgery day.
4 Weeks Before Surgery
Medical Clearance
If you have any underlying health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders), get medical clearance from your primary care physician. Your hair transplant surgeon may require a clearance letter before proceeding.
Lab Work
Some clinics require pre-operative blood work. Common tests include:
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count (CBC) | Check for anemia or infection |
| Coagulation panel (PT/INR) | Assess bleeding risk |
| Blood glucose | Screen for uncontrolled diabetes |
| Hepatitis B and C | Infection screening |
| HIV | Infection screening |
Not all clinics require labs. Your surgeon will specify exactly what is needed during your pre-operative consultation.
Scalp Laxity Assessment
FUT requires adequate scalp laxity to remove the donor strip and close the wound cleanly. Your surgeon will have assessed this during your initial consultation. If laxity is borderline, they may recommend scalp exercises (gently moving the scalp back and forth with your fingertips for 10-15 minutes daily) in the weeks before surgery to improve flexibility.
2 Weeks Before Surgery
Stop Smoking
Stop all smoking and nicotine products at least 2 weeks before surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the scalp. This directly impairs wound healing at the donor site and reduces graft survival in the recipient area.
This includes cigarettes, vaping, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum. If you cannot stop nicotine entirely, discuss this honestly with your surgeon.
Stop Blood Thinners
Discontinue all substances that thin blood or increase bleeding risk.
| Substance | Stop Before Surgery |
|---|---|
| Aspirin | 7-10 days |
| Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | 7-10 days |
| Naproxen (Aleve) | 7-10 days |
| Fish oil supplements | 7-10 days |
| Vitamin E supplements | 7-10 days |
| Ginkgo biloba | 7-10 days |
| Green tea extract | 7 days |
| Alcohol | 3-5 days |
If you take prescription blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel, apixaban), do not stop them without consulting the prescribing physician. Your hair transplant surgeon and prescribing doctor should coordinate.
Continue Medications (Usually)
Continue finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil as prescribed unless your surgeon instructs otherwise. Some surgeons ask patients to stop minoxidil 1 week before surgery because it can cause increased scalp bleeding, while others see no issue with continuation.
Continue all other regular medications (blood pressure, thyroid, antidepressants) unless specifically instructed to stop.
1 Week Before Surgery
Arrange Logistics
Plan the practical details that surgery day will require.
Time off work: Book 10-14 days off for desk work, 3-4 weeks for physical labor. The donor suture area needs protection from sweat, dust, and impact.
Transportation: You cannot drive yourself home after surgery. Arrange for someone to pick you up. Mild sedation and a long day in the procedure chair make driving unsafe.
Recovery supplies: Stock up on everything you need before surgery day:
- Prescribed medications (your clinic will provide a list)
- Travel/neck pillow for elevated sleeping
- Button-up shirts (avoid pulling shirts over your head for 7-10 days)
- Gentle, sulfate-free shampoo (your clinic may provide specific product)
- Spray bottle for saline misting
- Soft foods for the first 2-3 days (jaw movement can cause forehead discomfort)
Hair Length
Do not cut your hair short or shave your head before FUT. Unlike FUE, which often requires a full head shave, FUT only requires trimming the narrow donor strip area. Your surrounding hair should remain at its normal length to cover the donor scar immediately after closure.
If your hair is very long, your surgeon may ask you to trim it to a manageable length, but this is uncommon.
The Night Before Surgery
Evening Routine
Wash your hair thoroughly with your regular shampoo. This is your last normal hair wash before surgery. Do not apply any styling products, oils, or leave-in treatments.
Eat a normal dinner. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that could cause nausea if you receive sedation the next day.
Sleep
Get a full night of sleep. Anxiety is normal the night before, but fatigue makes the long procedure day harder to tolerate. If your surgeon prescribed an anti-anxiety medication for surgery day, do not take it the night before unless instructed.
Set your alarm early enough to complete your morning routine without rushing.
Surgery Day Morning
What to Eat
Eat a substantial breakfast. FUT surgery takes 4-8 hours, and most clinics provide only light snacks during the procedure. Include protein and complex carbohydrates. Avoid excessive caffeine, which can increase bleeding.
What to Wear
Wear a button-up or zip-up shirt. You will not be able to pull clothing over your head for 7-10 days after surgery without risking graft displacement. Wear comfortable pants and shoes you can slip on without bending over.
What to Bring
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| ID and insurance cards | Clinic check-in |
| Loose button-up shirt for going home | Cannot pull over head |
| Prescription medications | If already filled |
| Phone and charger | Entertainment during procedure |
| Headphones | Music/podcasts during surgery |
| Water bottle | Hydration |
| Light snacks | Energy during long procedure |
| Sunglasses and loose hat | Sun protection going home |
What Not to Bring
Do not bring valuables. Leave jewelry at home. Do not wear a tight hat or any headwear you will need to pull on.
Final Pre-Op Consultation
When you arrive at the clinic, the surgeon will review the surgical plan, mark the donor strip area and recipient hairline, take pre-operative photographs, and confirm the graft count estimate. This is your last opportunity to ask questions and adjust the hairline design.
Understand your Norwood stage and how it affects graft requirements so you can have an informed conversation with your surgeon during this final review.
For a comparison of how FUT preparation differs from FUE, see our FUE vs FUT comparison.
FAQ
What should I stop taking before FUT surgery?
Stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) at least 7-10 days before FUT surgery. Stop alcohol 3-5 days before. Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before. Stop minoxidil 1 week before. Continue finasteride unless your surgeon says otherwise. Always confirm with your surgeon before stopping any prescribed medication.
Can I drink alcohol before FUT surgery?
No. Stop drinking alcohol at least 3-5 days before FUT surgery. Alcohol thins the blood and increases bleeding during the procedure, which can reduce graft survival. It also impairs healing and increases swelling.
Should I shave my head before FUT?
No, do not shave your head before FUT surgery. Unlike FUE, FUT does not require a full head shave. The surgical team will trim only the donor strip area. Your surrounding hair should remain at its normal length so it can immediately cover the donor scar after closure.
Not sure if FUT is right for your hair loss pattern? Get a free AI hairline analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to determine your Norwood stage and graft requirements in under 60 seconds.