My Hair UK Sheffield Clinic

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Preparing for Your Hair Transplant in Sheffield

Choosing to undergo a hair transplant is not simply about addressing hair loss — it’s a decision that intersects with your health, appearance and self-esteem. At My Hair UK in Sheffield, we prioritise not just technical precision, but proper patient preparation. Being medically prepared for FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) surgery enhances both graft survival and long-term outcomes. If you’re planning your procedure, this guide will take you through the essential medical and practical steps involved.

The first step is a detailed consultation, carried out in person or virtually by a GMC-registered doctor. We assess the pattern of hair thinning using clinical history and scalp examination. Hormonal influences, nutritional status and family history are all considered, and if appropriate, a diagnosis such as androgenetic alopecia will be confirmed. The doctor will also explore whether any underlying medical conditions — such as thyroid disorders or anaemia — could be influencing your hair loss. These should be corrected before proceeding.

You will be asked about medications, allergies and previous surgical history. Drugs such as anticoagulants, NSAIDs, and certain supplements (e.g. ginkgo biloba or fish oil) may increase the risk of intraoperative bleeding and should be paused in discussion with your GP – please speak to your local GP surgery like Sheffield Medical Centre. We may also ask you to undergo blood tests, particularly if you have comorbidities, or if any concern is raised during history-taking. The most relevant tests usually include FBC, clotting profile, ferritin, TSH, and sometimes HbA1c in diabetic patients. A recent study in Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery emphasised the role of checking systemic health markers to reduce risk in elective aesthetic procedures (PMID: 30787784).

Pre-Surgery Considerations

In the week leading up to your procedure, abstain from alcohol and tobacco. Both delay wound healing and increase the likelihood of poor graft uptake. Nicotine, in particular, causes vasoconstriction, which compromises blood supply to the newly implanted follicles. Maintaining hydration, sleeping well, and reducing physical or psychological stress before surgery also matter. Cortisol can negatively affect post-operative inflammation and healing.

The day before your surgery, wash your scalp with a simple, non-medicated shampoo. Do not apply any styling products. You may eat as normal, but on the day of surgery, have a light breakfast — ideally something that won’t cause sudden changes in blood sugar. Avoid caffeine as it can increase bleeding and anxiety during the procedure. Wear a loose shirt or one with buttons to avoid disturbing the scalp when dressing afterwards.

The FUE surgery itself can take anywhere between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the graft count. You’ll be awake, but the area will be numbed using local anaesthetic. The extraction of follicular units is followed by implantation into areas of thinning. At My Hair UK, we often perform between 1,000 and 3,000 grafts in a single session. Each graft contains 1 to 4 hairs. Costs in Sheffield reflect graft quantity, with a starting fee of £2,499 for smaller procedures and £4,499 for larger sessions involving up to 3,000 grafts: view details.

Post Surgery Care

Aftercare is medically important. You’ll be advised to sleep semi-upright for the first few nights to reduce swelling. Avoid touching the implanted area. The recipient region will scab slightly over the next few days — this is normal. Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within three days, but we advise avoiding heavy lifting or intense physical activity for 7–10 days. Hair shedding, known as “shock loss,” is also common during the first 3–4 weeks. New growth typically begins after the third month, with visible results building steadily up to the 12-month mark.

If you live in Sheffield or nearby areas like Rotherham or Chesterfield, attending in-person follow-ups is straightforward. You’ll be reviewed post-operatively by your surgeon to check healing, ensure compliance with medical advice and answer any concerns. Early recognition of issues like infection or folliculitis improves outcomes significantly. As with any surgery, good communication and prompt reporting of symptoms are essential.

By approaching your hair transplant with the same seriousness as any medical procedure, you increase the likelihood of a successful and natural-looking result. The team at My Hair UK supports you not only during surgery, but from the first consultation through to long-term follow-up. Hair restoration is not cosmetic quick-fix — it’s a clinical process that depends on shared understanding, careful preparation and evidence-based care.