A hair transplant is a minimally invasive surgery, but just like any other surgery, it has some risks. For their management, you may wonder, “do you have to take medication after a hair transplant? The answer to that is yes, you do.

They will only help you with your recovery and prevent any severe complications from arising. It’s better if you know the kind of medications that you’ll need, so you can further discuss them with your doctor, depending on your circumstances. 

Tablets After Hair Transplant That You Need 

It should be noted that before leaving the clinic, your doctor will prescribe you these medications and also provide them. You need to take them as advised. It may vary depending on the medical history of the patient. 

Anti-Swelling Tablets 

Because patients commonly experience swelling after the hair transplant, and it can come in the way of normal functioning, anti-swelling tablets are prescribed. The tablets also help with the inflammatory response of the body (which’s one reason for swelling). 

You need to take these tablets. That’s because it will prevent the existing problem from worsening or stop it from developing in the first place. You will be given 4 tablets in total. Make sure to take them as advised by your doctor. 

Antibiotics

In an FUE hair transplant, you’ll have micro-wounds on your scalp in both the recipient and donor areas. Since they’re open for a while, until they heal and close, they’re vulnerable to invasion by microorganisms that can cause infection. 

A healthy immune system adequately responds to these foreign invasions. However, very rarely a person can develop an infection after a hair transplant. It can occur all over the scalp. 

To make sure that this doesn’t happen, your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to you. These medicines fight off harmful bacteria that may enter your body while you’re still recovering. 

Your surgeon will give you a bottle of these. You should take them until it finishes. Make sure to take these tablets on a full stomach. You may have to take 2 a day, one in the morning and one in the evening on a full stomach. Make sure to not drink alcohol for as long as you’re taking antibiotics.

Painkillers

Pain is a common side effect of the surgery and should go away in a few days. Once the anaesthesia wears off, you will start experiencing it. Until then, you can take painkillers to manage it. You can take them depending on how much pain you are in. However, do not take more than 3 tablets a day as it can give you an upset stomach. 

Other Medications 

If you have a health condition like diabetes, you should ask your surgeon how and when you can continue taking your medicines for it. You’ll have to get them on your own. Other than that, you should not take any sleeping pills after the surgery to sleep better. 

They can put you in a deep sleep state, which can increase the risk of you bumping yourself. To calm your nerves, you can consider doing some deep breathing exercises or drinking some calming teas. 

You will be given a medicated shampoo and lotion for washing your scalp after surgery. It is so that the scabs wash off and normal wound healing takes place. Make sure to use these as advised by your doctor. 

Some people also ask about using minoxidil and finasteride after hair transplant to improve density. You should not use them for at least 6 months as they can clog the pores, delaying recovery. 

Although not considered medications, some people want to start taking supplements for hair growth after a transplant. You should consult your doctor if you’re planning to do so. As long as you don’t have any nutritional or mineral deficiency, you may not need these. 

Concluding Remarks

You need to take some medications after a hair transplant. And it is important that you take them as prescribed to you by your surgeon. It will help ensure a normal recovery. They will help you recover without any delays. 

Some of the medications will be provided to you by your doctor. Others, you may have to get on your own. If you’re unsure about any of them, make sure to ask the doctor. 

Reviewed and Approved by Trichologist Yaprak Yazan