Can I drive after my hair transplant?

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    Surveyed from the published FAQs of 10 hair transplant providers. The percentage on each highlighted claim is the share of surveyed providers who make that claim on their own sites — it shows how common a claim is, not that it is true. Hover to see who.

    Also asked as: “Can I drive after my procedure?” · “Can I drive after the procedure?” · “Can I drive after the surgery?” · “Can I drive home after surgery?”

    About half of providers advise that you do not drive immediately40%Stated by 40% of the providers we surveyed. Including Capital Hair Restoration, Hair Transplant Birmingham, My Hair MD. after a hair transplant due to potential tiredness or lightheadedness. Additionally, about half of clinics state that specific instructions regarding driving40%Stated by 40% of the providers we surveyed. Including Morgenstern Medical, Robert Kearney, MD, FACS, Capital Hair Restoration, and 1 more. will be provided before and after surgery.

    Some providers suggest arranging transportation with a friend, family member, or taxi30%Stated by 30% of the providers we surveyed. Including My Hair MD, Robert Kearney, MD, FACS, Capital Hair Restoration. post-procedure. This is often linked to the type of anesthesia or sedation used, as some clinics note that driving depends on the anesthetic or sedation30%Stated by 30% of the providers we surveyed. Including Dr. Kiran Chotaliya, Hair Transplant Birmingham, Capital Hair Restoration. administered and the patient's post-surgery condition. In some cases, about a quarter of providers claim that patients may drive the next day30%Stated by 30% of the providers we surveyed. Including Minor Surgery Center, Evolved Hair Restoration, Morgenstern Medical. if they feel well enough.

    The type of anesthesia is a significant factor in driving recommendations. Hair transplants are usually done under local anaesthesia, sometimes with a sedative. If you are given a sedative, do not drive that day; ask the clinic when you can drive. Even with lighter sedation, some clinics warn that medication makes driving unsafe20%Stated by 20% of the providers we surveyed. Including My Hair MD, Robert Kearney, MD, FACS..

    A minority of providers suggest driving is safe once anesthesia wears off10%Stated by 10% of the providers we surveyed. Including Aesthetica Trio Clinic. and no heavy sedation is involved. Some clinics advise waiting at least 24 hours10%Stated by 10% of the providers we surveyed. before driving after discharge. It's also recommended by a minority of providers to check with your surgeon10%Stated by 10% of the providers we surveyed. Including Dr. Kiran Chotaliya. for personalized transportation advice and to check your auto-insurance policy10%Stated by 10% of the providers we surveyed. Including Minor Surgery Center. if concerned about driving post-surgery.

    What clinics say

    Claims from clinics' own websites

    In their own words — the 9 clinics whose published guidance fed this answer.

    1. Unless the surgery was on or near your eyes or hands, you may drive yourself home.
      Minor Surgery Center Mississauga, CA
    2. In most cases, you may drive the next day.
      Morgenstern Medical Wayne, US
    3. We recommend that you do not drive yourself home after your hair transplant procedure.
      Capital Hair Restoration Manchester, GB
    4. Ask your surgeon about transportation after the procedure, as recommendations may vary depending on your treatment and any medications used.
      Dr. Kiran Chotaliya Pune, IN
    5. … used, medication given and how you feel after surgery. Follow your discharge instructions rather than assuming you can drive immediately.
      Hair Transplant Birmingham Birmingham, GB
    6. … you are given sedation medication during the procedure which may make it unsafe to operate a car.
      My Hair MD Oceanside, US
    7. Yes, once anesthesia wears off and no heavy sedation is used, driving is safe.
      Aesthetica Trio Clinic Peshawar, PK
    8. You will not be able to drive yourself home on the evening of the surgery.
      Evolved Hair Restoration Dhaka, BD
    9. No. Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia and you will not be able to drive yourself home.
      Robert Kearney, MD, FACS San Diego, US