Your AHI Procedure

Here are some instructions on what you will need to do both before and after your AHI procedure:

Before your Procedure
On the Day
What to Expect?
After your Procedure

Before the Procedure:

Wash the scalp daily with a medicated shampoo for 7-10 days prior in order to prepare the skin to be in the best condition possible for the procedure. Should you have psoriasis, eczema or any other scalp irritation this may interfere with results and we would ask you to pre-advise us of this in order to correct the problem accordingly.

We advise you to not take any Aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications. This is the same for vitamins B and E (including multi-vitamins).

A week before your procedure we ask you not to consume any alcohol.

If you have been prescribed or are taking any medication that you have started after your consultation please advise us not later than 10 days before the procedure.

If you are taking and prescribed medication, such as blood pressure tablets, you should continue to take it as prescribed right up to and including the day of procedure.

If you are taking a group of medications called beta blockers please let the doctor know as these might have to be altered.
Avoid very spicy foods for 3 days prior to the procedure.

On the Day of your Procedure:

Shower and wash your hair using your medicated shampoo.
Do not apply sprays, gels or any other styling products to your hair. If you are wearing a hair system, please remove it before shampooing and do not wear again until a month after surgery.
We advise you to wear loose, comfortable clothing and a front-fastening top. Not one you pull over your head as this will prevent the transplant hair becoming dislodged.
Avoid any caffeinated beverages such as coffee throughout the day, as these may increase your sensitivity to medications used during your procedure.
Eat breakfast as normal. Subject to the time of your procedure, we will provide your lunch and snacks. Please let us know if you have any special dietary needs.

What to Expect - in our Clinic

While having a procedure on your scalp can be a little daunting for most, you'll see very quickly that this is a simple procedure which is less invasive than going to the dentist.

We will give local anaesthetic to numb the area (the same anaesthetic as used by dentists), you will lie on your stomach for the follicle extraction. Most clients fall asleep at this point. Extraction takes between 1-2 hours usually and we'll then stop to provide you with lunch. Following lunch you be lying on your back in the dentist's chair position and are able to read, watch a movie or use a lap top.

The follicles are then placed and this is usually completed in approximately 1-2 hours.

After the Procedure:

We provide you with written instructions for the next few days. A small gauze is applied to the head for a few hours and antibiotics are prescribed for 3-4 days.

Full instructions are provided but It is important not to:

Sit in hot direct sunshine for one month without wearing a hat
Swim in a pool for 3 weeks, though swimming in the sea is fine after 7 days.- Exercise for 14-21 days depending on the type of exercise you plan on doing.
Drink alcohol for 3 days.
Smoke for 3 days.
Scratch the recipient area for 5 days.