PRE-OPERATIVE & POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

Gho Clinic gives standard pre-operative and post-operative instructions to all clients as a precautionary measure against possible complications. 

PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Patients with overseas package will receive detailed instructions. In general, the following pre-op instructions should be followed.

The donor area (ie: the back of your head) should maintain an adequate length of hair prior to the procedure, preferably at least about 2 inches. During the procedure, the donor area where follicles are to be extracted will be shaved. Maintaining about 2 inches of length on the back of your head will provide sufficient camouflage after the surgery.

Two to three weeks prior to the procedure, the patient should examine his scalp for any signs of scalp infection, psoriasis, acne in or around the scalp as well as any other scalp disorders that may affect the surgery. See your doctor or dermatologist and have the disorders treated. It is quite common for people to have minor infection or acne in and around the scalp. These can be easily treated with topical anti-biotics.  

Two weeks prior to the procedure, the patient should refrain from using the following:

Rogaine, Regaine or Topical Minoxidil.

Aspirin or any medications that contain aspirin. Tylenol is acceptable. 

Herbal or dietary supplements and vitamins, especially Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, and Vitamin E. 

Alcohol.

Three days prior to the procedure, the patient should refrain from using the following:

Propecia or Proscar.

Nizoral (Ketoconazole) shampoo. 

Cigarettes.

Do not exercise two days prior to the procedure.  

One day prior to the procedure, write down on a piece of paper bullet points of how the procedure is supposed to be executed in accordance to what was agreed upon between yourself and Dr. Gho during the consultation. Feel free to add to your notes any additional questions or refinements you may have about the procedure. Immediately prior to the procedure, Dr. Gho and his staff will go over the plan with you in details once more and your personal notes will serve to ensure that all important issues are covered before surgery commences.  

On surgery day:

Have a light breakfast. Your lunch will be provided by Gho Clinic, usually soup, salads or sandwiches. Patient will have about 30 minutes lunch break.

Do not consume any caffeinated beverages (eg: coffee or tea) in the morning. 

Try not to consume an excessive amount of liquids in the morning to avoid having to run to the bathroom constantly during the procedure. 

Wash your hair using your regular shampoo or anti-bacterial shampoo if you prefer. 

Although not necessary, it would be helpful if patient wears a button down shirt. A pull-over shirt is not recommended as the newly transplanted grafts as well as the donor area may be disturbed as the patient pulls the shirt over his head. 

The procedure usually lasts from 9am - 5 pm. So dress comfortably. Avoid tight outfits.

Patients are not required to wear any bandages at all after the surgery. Patients are welcome to bring a hat, bandana, scarf or baseball cap for camouflage purposes after the procedure as long as they are not tightly fitted to the scalp.

Gho Clinic offers a huge selection of videos for viewing during the procedure. Patients are welcome to bring their favorite VHS or DVDs if there are specific programs they wish to watch during the procedure.  

Dr. Gho and his staff will go over the plan in details with the patient before the procedure commences. This is the opportunity for any last minute questions or refinements to what was already agreed upon during consultation.  

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Patients with overseas package will receive detailed instructions. In general, the following post-op instructions should be followed.

Patients will be given the following medications after the procedure:

Erythrocine-ES (500 mg erytromycine) - oral anti-biotic to be taken three tablets a day for 7 days with meals. 

Fucidin (30 gram hydrofiele creme) - topical anti-biotic to be applied to the donor site once every day before bedtime. 

Pain reliever - use only when necessary. It is highly unlikely patients will have to use pain reliever. This is prescribed as a precaution. 

Do not use the following for at least 7 days after the procedure:

Rogaine, Regaine, or any Topical Minoxidil products.

Aspirin/ibuprofen or any medications that contain aspirin/ibuprofen. Tylenol is acceptable. 

Herbal or dietary supplements and vitamins, especially Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, and Vitamin E. 

Alcohol.

Patients can resume using Propecia or Proscar 2-3 days after the procedure. 

Do not engage in any strenuous activities or exercises for 2 - 3 weeks after the procedure. For example, patients should refrain from the following:

Weight lifting, running, cycling, swimming, and almost all kinds of sports. 

The amount of local anesthetic involved is minimal compared to traditional hair transplant procedures. In most instances, patients regain sensitivity of the scalp a few hours after the surgery. However, as a precaution, patients are advised not to drive until at least the day after the procedure. 

Scab or crust will form over the grafts soon after the procedure. This is normal. Do not attempt to pick or remove the scabs and crusts with your finger as this may cause infection. The scabs and crusts will start to fall out automatically in about 10 - 14 days. 

Avoid touching your scalp with your fingers. This is the most common reason how infection is caused.  

Keeping the scalp clean

Keeping the scalp clean will decrease the chance of infection. However, it is very important not to wash or disturb the grafts 2 - 3 days after the procedure. 

Patients can rinse the scalp gently with cool water the next day or 1 day after the procedure. Be careful not to disturb the grafts. Rinse with light water pressure or take a bath and cleanse your hair gently by immersing your scalp into the water. Make sure the water is not too warm.

In about 3 - 4 days after the procedure, patients can gently wash their scalps with a mild shampoo. Be careful not to rub the shampoo into your scalp. Instead, lather the shampoo in your hand and lightly apply the lather to the grafted areas and the donor site. Continue to cleanse your scalp with light water pressure.

The donor site usually heals very fast with Follicle Transplantation. If necessary, patients may start shampooing the donor site a day or two earlier as long as the recipient site is not disturbed during the process. 

Each time after shampooing or washing, pat dry gently with a thin towel. If you need to blow dry your hair, use the "cool" setting on the blow dryer.

Do not go to your barber for a haircut until at least 3 - 4 weeks after the procedure. Be careful that sometimes your barber's equipment may not be properly sterilized or cleaned. Where possible, shampoo your hair immediately after your haircut to avoid possible infection.

Unlike most traditional hair transplantation, Follicle Transplantation does not involve suture stitching. Instructions for suture removal and suture care are not applicable here.