Hair transplant is a new and continuously evolving art, which has seen several advances, paving the way for more natural results for patients. As with any other surgical procedure, and these present a major challenge for the surgeon and the patient.
- Hypertension:( high blood pressure)
Hypertension is the commonest avoidable medical reason for hair transplant postponing surgery
- Hypertension effects:
increases cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular events and bleeding.
And for wounds to heal, they need a good blood supply, and any condition that impairs circulation and oxygenation will inhibit the healing process. High blood pressure (along with advanced age, diabetes, chronic lung disease).
- When should I cancel the procedure?
It has been recommended to cancel elective surgery like hair transplant procedure if the systolic blood pressure is 180 mmHg or higher or if the diastolic blood pressure is 110 mmHg or higher.
- The normal measure for blood pressure:
We prefer the number of blood pressure less than 130/80 mmHg at the time of surgery, especially in older persons.
- What should I do if I have Hypertension?
- Lose weight.
- Eat healthy foods. Eliminate fast food and eat foods high in fiber and rich in potassium.
- Get active. Even something as simple as going for a walk has been proven to lower blood pressure.
- Quit smoking. Nicotine temporarily increases blood pressure and heart rate with each use.
- Drink less alcohol. Alcohol increases blood pressure.
- Take your medication regularly as the doctor prescription.
- Diabetes: (high blood sugar)
Diabetes is the second commonest avoidable medical reason for hair transplant postponing surgery
- Diabetes effects:
- Infection after surgery (especially at the site of the hair transplant procedure)
- Healing more slowly
- When should I cancel the procedure?
The medical consultant for hair transplant procedure will ask you about the HBA1C test
What Is HB A1c Test?
The haemoglobin A1c test tells you your average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. It’s also called HbA1c, glycated haemoglobin test.
People who have diabetes need this test regularly to see if their levels are staying within range. It can tell if you need to adjust your diabetes medicines. The A1c test is also used to diagnose diabetes.
For people without diabetes, the normal range for the hemoglobin A1c level is between 4% and 5.6%.
for people with diabetes, (under control) the hemoglobin A1c level will be between 5.7% until 6.5%
More than 7% the doctor will cancel the procedure, and may cancel or delay surgery if your blood sugar is high when you arrive at the hospital for your hair transplant procedure.
- What should I do if I have diabetes?
treatment of diabetes may focus on lifestyle changes such as weight-loss, exercise, dietary changes, and anti-diabetic medications. The goal is to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent further damage to the body through blood sugar control.
- Patients who take blood thinners:
- What are blood thinners?
Blood thinners are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming. It’s important to treat blood clots, because clots in your blood vessels and heart can cause heart attacks, strokes, and blockages.
There are different types of blood thinners:
Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin).
Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel.
- What are the side effects of blood thinner for people who will have hair transplant procedure?
Bleeding is the most common side effect of blood thinners for the people who will have hair transplant procedure.
If you’re going to have hair transplant procedure or dental treatment, make sure your doctor or medical consultant is aware that you’re taking anticoagulants, as you may have to stop taking them for a short time.