Smoking Before Or After A Hair Transplant - A Guide
At My Hair UK, we understand the impact lifestyle choices can have on the success and recovery of your hair transplant procedure. One of the most significant factors in achieving the best possible results is avoiding smoking before and after your surgery. Smoking can negatively affect your body's healing process, leading to complications, poor graft survival, and a longer recovery time. This guide will explain why it’s essential to avoid smoking and provide best practice guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful hair transplant.
Can I Smoke Before a Hair Transplant?
1. Smoking and Blood Flow
No - We recommend avoiding smoking for 48 hours before your procedure. One of the primary reasons smoking is detrimental before a hair transplant is its impact on blood circulation. Nicotine, the active substance in cigarettes and other tobacco products, constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the scalp. Blood flow is crucial during a hair transplant because the grafts need a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients to survive and thrive in their new location.
Reduced blood flow means that the transplanted hair follicles may not receive the nutrients they need to establish themselves properly. The limited blood supply can reduce graft survival rates, affecting the success of the procedure. For the best possible results, it’s essential to avoid smoking in the days leading up to your surgery.
2. Smoking and Oxygen Levels
Nicotine also decreases the oxygen levels in the blood, which can further hinder the healing process. Oxygen is necessary for tissue repair and the successful integration of transplanted hair follicles. When oxygen levels are low, your body struggles to heal effectively, leading to slower recovery and increased risk of complications.
Preoperative smoking can therefore delay the recovery process, reducing the overall success of the transplant. To give yourself the best chance for optimal recovery, refrain from smoking for at least 48 hours before your procedure.
3. Smoking and Inflammation
Smoking also increases inflammation in the body, which can complicate the hair transplant procedure and the recovery process. Inflammation can lead to excessive swelling in the scalp, making the surgical site more prone to irritation and discomfort. This can delay the healing process and potentially interfere with the grafts’ ability to settle properly.
By quitting smoking before your procedure, you reduce the inflammation in your body, creating a more favourable environment for healing and promoting the success of your hair transplant.
Can I Smoke After a Hair Transplant?
1. Smoking and Healing
Whilst we realise telling a smoker not to smoke for several weeks can be pointless, we recommend smoking as little as possible and ideally not at all for the first 2 weeks post hair transplant surgery. The most important reason to avoid smoking after your hair transplant is smoking has a detrimental effect on the healing process. After the procedure, your body is working to heal the tiny incisions made during the transplant and to establish the transplanted follicles in their new environment. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which reduces the oxygen and nutrients delivered to the healing tissue, making it harder for your body to heal efficiently.
A lack of proper oxygenation in the healing tissues can lead to increased scarring, poor graft survival, and a longer recovery period. To ensure optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications, it is crucial to avoid smoking after the procedure, especially in the first few days following surgery.
2. Smoking and Graft Survival
After the hair transplant, the grafts are fragile and require careful attention to thrive. Smoking can reduce blood supply to the scalp, limiting the nutrients the newly transplanted follicles need for growth. The lack of blood flow to the area means the grafts may struggle to take root properly, leading to a lower survival rate for the transplanted follicles.
A study found that smoking can significantly decrease the survival rate of hair grafts and adversely affect the long-term results of hair transplant surgery. This highlights the importance of avoiding smoking during the recovery period to increase the chances of success.
3. Smoking and Increased Risk of Infection
Smoking weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. After a hair transplant, your scalp is healing and is vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections. Smoking impairs the immune response, slowing the body’s ability to fight off potential infections and prolonging the healing process.
By refraining from smoking, you help your body maintain a strong immune system, reducing the risk of infection and supporting a smooth recovery.
4. Smoking and Swelling
In the initial stages after a hair transplant, swelling is common as the body reacts to the procedure. Smoking can exacerbate swelling by increasing inflammation and restricting blood flow. Increased swelling can place unnecessary pressure on the newly transplanted follicles, potentially displacing them or preventing them from settling properly. This can result in a less successful outcome and a longer recovery period.
To minimise swelling and encourage the healing process, it is best to avoid smoking for at least the first week following your hair transplant.
Best Practice Guidelines for Smoking Before and After a Hair Transplant
Before Your Hair Transplant:
Stop smoking at least 48 hours before your procedure: This will help improve blood circulation and ensure that the anaesthesia works effectively.
Consider quitting for longer if possible: The longer you stop smoking before the transplant, the better the blood flow to your scalp and the more likely the procedure will be successful. If you're planning to quit, give yourself enough time to allow the benefits of improved circulation. Smoking has a negative effect on general hair health and can cause hair loss.
Consult your surgeon: If you're finding it difficult to quit smoking, speak to your surgeon or healthcare provider for guidance and support. They may provide additional tips or resources to help you manage the process.
After Your Hair Transplant:
Avoid smoking for at least 7-10 days after the procedure: During this critical period, the grafts are settling into place and your body is healing. Smoking can disrupt this process, leading to complications and a slower recovery.
Refrain from smoking for as long as possible: The longer you avoid smoking after your transplant, the better the chance your grafts will survive and thrive. If you can extend your smoke-free period, it will significantly enhance the outcome of the transplant.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: In addition to avoiding smoking, focus on eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. This will help your body heal and support the success of your hair transplant.
Smoking can significantly impair the success of your hair transplant by restricting blood flow, increasing the risk of complications, and hindering the healing process. At My Hair UK, we strongly recommend that patients avoid smoking before and after their hair transplant for the best possible outcome. By following best practice guidelines and allowing your body to heal without the interference of nicotine, you give yourself the best chance for a successful procedure and a smooth recovery.
If you have any questions or concerns about smoking and its effects on your hair transplant, or if you need guidance on quitting, don’t hesitate to contact the team at My Hair UK. We're here to support you throughout your hair restoration journey.
Get back to Great Hair
in 3 Easy Steps:
01
Arrange Free Consultation
Speak to one of our specialist consultants for expert advice on our range of different hair loss treatments
02
Book Your Procedure
Place a deposit to reserve a time slot at one of the My Hair UK clinics across the UK
03
Attend Your Surgery
Arrive on the day and our specialist surgical team will look after your every need
