What medications should I avoid before hair transplant surgery?

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    Surveyed from the published FAQs of 13 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: “Which medications should I stop before surgery?” · “Are there any medications that I need to avoid before surgery?” · “Do I need to stop taking any medications before surgery?” · “Do I need to stop taking medications (e.g., blood thinners) before surgery?”

    Most providers recommend you avoid blood thinners69%Stated by 69% of the providers we surveyed. Including Vita Estetic Hair Clinic, Young Hair Restoration Clinic, River Oaks Galleria Hair Institute, ForHair, Pure Line Clinic, Hair Garden Clinic, and 3 more. like aspirin, warfarin, and DOACs for 7-14 days before hair transplant surgery. They also advise you to consult your doctor before stopping54%Stated by 54% of the providers we surveyed. Including Minor Surgery Center, Rejoice Hair Transplant, Vita Estetic Hair Clinic, and 4 more. or starting any medication. Never stop a prescribed anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, prescribed aspirin) on your own or on a clinic's generic timetable. Stopping these drugs can cause a stroke or a blood clot. The decision and the timing belong to the doctor who prescribed them, who should coordinate with the surgeon.

    About half of clinics suggest you avoid anti-inflammatory medications46%Stated by 46% of the providers we surveyed. Including Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre, Young Hair Restoration Clinic, ForHair, and 3 more. such as ibuprofen, Advil, and Aleve in the week or two leading up to your surgery. Similarly, about half recommend you avoid vitamins and supplements38%Stated by 38% of the providers we surveyed. Including River Oaks Galleria Hair Institute, Rejoice Hair Transplant, Hair Garden Clinic, and 2 more. like vitamin E, omega-3s, and herbal remedies during this period.

    There is a contradiction in advice: about half of clinics emphasize not stopping or changing any medication based on a generic timetable but instead following an individual medication plan46%Stated by 46% of the providers we surveyed. Including Hair In Mexico | Trasplante De Cabello, Minor Surgery Center, Pure Line Clinic, and 3 more. agreed upon with your clinician.

    Some providers stress reporting any new medical conditions31%Stated by 31% of the providers we surveyed. Including Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre, Hair In Mexico | Trasplante De Cabello, ForHair, and 1 more. or medications to your doctor before surgery. They also advise you avoid using minoxidil23%Stated by 23% of the providers we surveyed. Including Rejoice Hair Transplant, Pure Line Clinic, Hair Garden Clinic. (Rogaine) starting one week before the procedure and resume it two weeks after.

    A minority of providers state you can continue taking finasteride15%Stated by 15% of the providers we surveyed. Including Pure Line Clinic, Hair Garden Clinic. (Propecia) before the procedure. They also recommend you avoid smoking and alcohol15%Stated by 15% of the providers we surveyed. Including Mediwell Hair Clinic, VIP Cosmetic Clinic. in the days leading up to your surgery.

    What clinics say

    Claims from clinics' own websites

    In their own words — the 12 clinics whose published guidance fed this answer.

    1. Unless otherwise instructed, you may continue your normal medications.
      Minor Surgery Center Mississauga, CA
    2. Avoid blood thinners, certain anti-inflammatories, vitamin E, omega-3s, and herbal supplements 7–10 days prior—only with doctor approval.
      Vita Estetic Hair Clinic Istanbul, TR
    3. If you are on anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, DOACs, aspirin above 81 mg), we typically ask you to stop them under the guidance of your prescribing physician at least …
      River Oaks Galleria Hair Institute Houston, US
    4. We advise our patients to stop all fish oils, Chinese herbs, Aspirin, Nurofen, Brufen, etc., as these can cause excess bleeding.
      Young Hair Restoration Clinic Sydney, AU
    5. Yes, u need to stop vitamins, minoxidil.
      Rejoice Hair Transplant Mumbai, IN
    6. Do not take Aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications 7-14 days prior to your procedure.
      ForHair New York, US
    7. … product, supplement, and herbal product you use, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet or anti-inflammatory medicines, finasteride, and topical or oral minoxidil.
      Pure Line Clinic İstanbul, TR
    8. One week before your procedure, stop taking: Aspirin or blood thinners, Anti-inflammatory medications, Vitamin B or E supplements, Herbal remedies, Ibuprofen.
      Hair Garden Clinic Istanbul, TR
    9. Smoking, alcohol, and heavy exercise should be avoided.
      Mediwell Hair Clinic Tottenham, GB
    10. You will be advised to stop taking certain medications and vitamins or herbal supplements that can contribute to excess bleeding 2 weeks prior to …
      Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre Austin, US
    11. Two weeks before surgery, stop taking medications that can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding.
      Hair In Mexico | Trasplante De Cabello Cancún, MX
    12. … days prior to surgery the patient must refrain from using any medications which might result in excessive bleeding.
      VIP Cosmetic Clinic Toronto, CA