A hair restoration surgery is normally safe and comfortable, as it is performed under local anaesthesia. However, most surgeons recommend certain medications to be taken after your hair transplant to keep you pain-free and protected from infection during your recovery. Furthermore, even after your healing period is complete, it is still a good idea to keep using hair growth treatments to prevent further hair loss in your transplant area. Find out all about the medications you may be recommended to use after your procedure, for increased comfort and excellent results.
This article provides a detailed overview of the medications surgeons most commonly prescribe after a hair transplant, both in the short and long term. It explains the purpose of each recommended type of drug, provides information on how and for how long they should be taken and warns about their potential side effects. It also reveals what happens should a patient choose to forego post-transplant medications or to pause them before the end of the treatment course.
Key takeaways
Yes, surgeons normally recommend several types of medications after your hair transplant. Some of these are meant to keep you comfortable and reduce pain, itching and swelling. Others are prescribed to prevent hair transplant infections (e.g. hair transplant folliculitis). Finally, once your scalp has healed, your surgeon will likely advise you to take hair growth medications to maintain your results and avoid further hair loss around your transplanted grafts (see below).
Everyone who has a hair transplant is advised to take at least some medication as part of their aftercare process. These recommendations are part of a protocol to ensure patients are safe and comfortable and have the best chance at optimal surgery results.
However, the exact substances prescribed can slightly vary from one surgeon to another [1], as well as from one patient to another. Aspects such as your age, health history, scalp condition, pain threshold and personal preferences will be taken into consideration when recommending your post-transplant medications [2].
It is entirely up to the patients whether they choose to follow the surgeon’s recommendations when it comes to taking medications post-procedure. Some will diligently follow their hair transplant aftercare instructions, some will only take one or two of the prescribed drugs, while others won’t take any.
The implications of refusing medications differ, depending on which ones you decide against using. Foregoing painkillers and antihistamines can lead to a more painful and uncomfortable recovery. However, unless you scratch or vigorously rub your transplant area for relief, this is unlikely to affect your hair transplant results.
Failing to take antibiotics as prescribed can have more serious consequences. It can increase your chance of developing an infection that could compromise your grafts. And deciding against using the recommended hair growth treatments can prevent your grafts from reaching their full potential and lead to additional hair shedding around them.
Of course, since hair procedures are generally safe, most patients don’t develop any serious complications that can lead to their hair transplant going wrong, even if they don’t take their medications. However, it is up to each patient to decide if the small risk associated with refusing antibiotics deemed necessary or hair growth medications is acceptable to them.
Your surgeon will normally take a detailed account of your health history and the medication you are already taking before clearing you for surgery [3]. This means that by the time your procedure is performed, they are fully aware of any drug interactions that they should avoid. This will help them adjust the list of recommended medications to be taken after your hair transplant to prevent any interference with your preexisting treatments.
However, if you feel your surgeon has not devoted enough attention to this matter or you have specific questions or concerns, do not hesitate to address this with them. Our friendly, patient-focused surgical team at the Wimpole Clinic will be happy to go over the recommended medication list with you. Upon your request, they will double-check it for any potential drug interactions and explain the prescribed drugs’ common side effects in detail.
While this list can slightly differ among surgeons and patients, here are the most common categories of medications recommended to be taken after a hair transplant, during the healing period (first 7-14 days after your hair transplant) [1][2]:
Our experienced surgeons at the Wimpole Clinic typically recommend paracetamol for pain control. This medication treats mild to moderate pain and can also be used to lower a fever [4]. Most patients experience some mild pain in their donor and transplant areas for 1-3 days after the surgery, but taking an over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol, can restore their comfort.
If, in rare cases, patients experience significant pain that is not relieved by paracetamol alone, our surgeons recommend a stronger combination of 2 painkillers – paracetamol and codeine – called Co-codamol.
Some patients are more accustomed to taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, for pain management. However, our surgeons recommend against using them during the first 4 days post-op, as they can thin out the blood and promote bleeding.
Paracetamol brand names: Disprol, Hedex, Medinol, Panadol
Recommended use: 1-2 tablets every 4 hours (without exceeding 8 tablets in 24 hours), only if you are in pain (if the pain persists after 3 days, ask your surgeon for guidance).
Corticosteroids are normally prescribed for a 4-day course, starting the day of surgery. They are used to reduce inflammation, swelling and itching of the scalp. Our surgeons recommend Prednisolone, as it is a safe and effective option [5].
Prednisolone brand names: Deltacortril, Deltastab, Dilacort, Pevanti
Recommended use: Normally, one tablet a day with food, for 4 days, starting the day of your surgery. Please observe the dispensary label for the exact dosage.
Some patients can experience significant itching on their scalp in the first days after a surgical hair restoration. If this happens, surgeons recommend that you use an over-the-counter antihistamine for 1-2 days post-surgery [1][2]. These medications relieve allergy symptoms, such as itching after your hair transplant. Cetirizine is a popular choice, as it does not make you drowsy or impair your ability to drive safely [6]. You can get them in any pharmacy; they come in tablet or liquid form, and they are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, any over-the-counter antihistamine that works for you is fine.
Cetirizine brand names: Allacan, Benadryl Allergy, Piriteze Allergy, Zirtek Allergy
Recommended use: Take a dose of cetirizine (as specified on the package) whenever your scalp itching becomes difficult to tolerate. It is generally available as 10 mg capsules/tablets and 5 mg/5 ml solution. The normally recommended dosage is 10 mg once a day. Do not exceed the recommended dosage mentioned on the package or the leaflet.
Not all patients are prescribed oral antibiotics post-surgery, only those where it is clinically necessary (e.g. they have an increased predisposition to infection) [1][2]. That is because frequent use of antibiotics can increase the risk of bacteria developing resistance to this medication.
However, whenever deemed necessary, patients can be advised to take a course of oral antibiotics to ensure that their grafts are safe from infection (don’t worry, antibiotics don’t normally cause hair loss). Co-amoxiclav – a combination of the antibiotic amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, which prevents bacteria from breaking down the amoxicillin – is often prescribed for post-surgical prophylaxis [7]. Alternatively (and more frequently), an antibacterial shampoo may be recommended.
Co-amoxiclav brand names: Augmentin
Recommended use: Take exactly as prescribed by your surgeon. Normally, co-amoxiclav is available as 375 mg or 625 mg tablets, which are taken 3 times a day with food. Prophylactic, post-surgical courses usually last 5-7 days after your hair transplant. Always complete the full course of antibiotics to reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Here are some of the most prescribed hair growth treatments for long-term hair transplant maintenance. They can help reduce further hair loss around the transplant area and promote the healthy development of your transplanted grafts.
This versatile medication works by dilating the capillaries in your scalp, so blood flow to your hair follicles increases [8]. This provides your grafts with the oxygen, vitamins and minerals they need to grow strong and healthy. Moreover, Minoxidil helps keep your follicles in the growth phase of the hair growth cycle for longer.
The most widely prescribed medication for male pattern baldness, Finasteride works by lowering the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your system. This male hormone binds with androgenic receptors in your hair follicles, causing hair miniaturisation and a type of alopecia known as androgenetic alopecia. Studies show Finasteride can effectively curb and sometimes reverse male pattern baldness [9]. It is, however, not recommended for premenopausal women, as it carries the risk of developing foetal malformations or hormonal imbalances.
While this treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not FDA or MHRA-approved for hair loss, it is often prescribed off-label for women with female pattern baldness [10]. This medication works by reducing the production of androgens, which can curb androgenetic alopecia in women. It is, however, not recommended for men (as it can cause hormonal imbalances) or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
You can start taking most of your post-transplant medications the day of or the day after your surgery, as your surgeon recommends. The exceptions are the topical hair growth medications (e.g. topical Minoxidil or topical Finasteride), which you need to wait 7-14 days before applying, to make sure the scalp is properly healed.
The only medications to be taken after your hair transplant that are not safe to discontinue before the end of their course are the antibiotics. If your surgeon has prescribed some and you have started taking them, failing to finish the prescribed course can result in developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can threaten your long-term health.
However, you can feel free to stop pain medication, antihistamines and corticosteroids at any time, without fear of harmful effects to your hair transplant or your health.
Stopping hair growth treatment is also safe at any time. However, its effects will also end soon after treatment cessation. This can have negative consequences for your hair growth and can result in non-transplanted hair loss around your grafts. While your transplanted hair follicles are generally safe from androgenetic alopecia, due to their reduced sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone, your pre-existing hair in the same area is not. And it will likely keep falling out over time if left untreated, leaving behind an island of healthy hair. This may require a second hair transplant to repair.
Most of the medication recommended after your hair transplant only needs to be taken for a few days, as your scalp heals. However, it is strongly recommended that you keep taking your hair growth treatment permanently. This will support and stimulate your hair graft growth (especially if Minoxidil is used) and reduce further hair loss in other areas of your scalp.
Every medication that works has some potential unwanted side effects. The drugs normally taken in hair transplant recovery and long-term maintenance are generally safe, as long as they are used as per the surgeon’s recommendation (or, respectively, as per the manufacturer’s instructions on the package). However, here are some of the common adverse reactions you might expect:
skin irritation or rash, dizziness, weakness, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing; very rarely, sexual dysfunctions (low libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction), depressive mood.
Can cause foetal malformations in pregnancy and hormonal imbalances in premenopausal women [16].
If you notice any of the following symptoms soon after taking any of the recommended medications after your hair transplant, do not hesitate to call an ambulance:
If, for any reason, you would rather not use hair growth medication, there are other things you can try to prevent further hair loss and promote healthy grafted hair growth. Here are some of the best, evidence-based options:
Getting PRP after a hair transplant has been shown to have numerous benefits. Researchers think it may help with the following [18]:
PRP hair treatment sessions often take a short time (about 30 minutes). For optimal results, it is recommended that you get 2-4 sessions a month for 3-6 months. However, it is a good idea to wait at least 14 days after your hair transplant before getting this therapy.
Some clinics offer hair transplant packages that include complimentary PRP sessions. For example, Wimpole Clinic patients who purchase a Premium or Platinum package benefit from 3 or 6 included PRP sessions, respectively.
This type of red light therapy for hair growth can seem too good to be true: it is normally pain-free, sessions only take 20-30 minutes, and you can even get it in the comfort of your own home, using a laser hair growth cap. However, science proves it can stimulate hair growth and increase its density. It works by improving blood flow to your hair follicles and optimising mitochondrial functions [19].
The Wimpole Clinic offers several complimentary low-level laser therapy sessions to patients who purchase a Premium or Platinum hair transplant package. You can start this non-invasive therapy a week to 10 days after your hair transplant. Normally, 2-3 sessions a week with medical-grade equipment will suffice, but you should use home devices 3-5 times a week for optimal results.
Some of the best essential oils for hair growth can yield results comparable to hair loss medication. For example, rosemary oil has been found to reduce male pattern baldness to a similar extent as Minoxidil 2% [20]. However, not all substances marketed as hair growth oils are effective. Here are some with proven effectiveness in promoting hair density and health:
Getting a gentle scalp massage for hair growth is not only relaxing, it can also help your grafts grow thicker and healthier after a hair transplant. Research shows that just 10-20 minutes of gently rubbing your head in a circular motion can improve blood flow to your hair follicles and help activate genes that make your hair grow thicker.
However, you need to wait at least 1 month after your hair transplant before starting to massage your scalp, to make sure your grafts are secure. And you need to use light pressure, with the flat parts of your fingers, as they are still sensitive. Some patients are afraid to perform their own head massage for hair growth after their procedure. That is why the Premium and Platinum packages at the Wimpole Clinic include several sessions of professional scalp massage.
The best way to determine the specific medication you may need to take after your hair transplant is to be examined by a professional. Book a free, no-strings-attached hair transplant consultation at the award-winning Wimpole Clinic. Our experienced surgeons will be happy to talk to you about your health history, current treatments and specific recommendations you can expect for your hair transplant recovery.
The Wimpole Clinic has been awarded Hair Transplant of the Year for 4 years running (2021-2024). And we take great pride in our second-to-none patient care. This means we don’t only provide excellent surgical results (as you can see in our hair transplant gallery), we also make a point of keeping you confident and well-informed at every step of your hair restoration journey.
If you still have unanswered questions, have a look at the answers to the following common queries:
No, if you are comfortable or your pain is mild and manageable without medication, you don’t need to take any painkillers. These drugs are only recommended to prevent post-surgical discomfort. However, hair transplants are not very painful, so some patients don’t feel that they need pain relief during recovery.
Most surgeons agree that topical Minoxidil treatment, NSAIDs and vitamin supplements (especially vitamin E) should be discontinued 7 days pre-transplant to prevent scalp irritation and excessive bleeding. Moreover, if you are taking anticoagulant or antiaggregant treatments, they should be paused 3-4 days before surgery [1].
Some studies show that some postmenopausal women can use Finasteride safely and potentially effectively in treating female pattern baldness [22]. However, it is best to get your surgeon’s recommendation (and off-label prescription) for this medication. They are familiar with your type of hair loss and your medical history and can determine whether it’s a good treatment option for you.
Approximately 2 weeks after starting Minoxidil treatments, some users notice increased hair shedding. This phenomenon has been dubbed Minoxidil dread shed and it is generally feared. However, there is no need to worry, as it’s a normal and temporary occurrence. It happens because the medication reduces the duration of the resting phase of your hair growth cycle, pushing more of your hair follicles into the shedding phase sooner. However, that hair was going to fall out anyway before it could reenter the growth phase. In 3-6 weeks, it will grow back thicker and healthier.
Yes, it is perfectly safe to resume hair growth medication after temporary treatment cessation. Unlike a permanent hair transplant, these drugs are only effective for as long as you are actively taking them. So if you want to experience their benefits, it is a good idea to resume treatment before your hair loss becomes too advanced. However, if you are using Minoxidil, depending on the length of the pause, you may undergo Minoxidil hair shedding once more.
Wimpole Clinic Services:
Hair Transplants, Beard Transplants & Eyebrow Transplants.
Talk to a specialist
Dr. Hisham Band (GMC 7550130) is a distinguished hair transplant surgeon with deep expertise in the most advanced techniques, including FUE, FUT, and DHI.
Beginning his career as a resident in Plastic Surgery, Dr. Band developed a keen aesthetic sensibility and meticulous precision – qualities that are evident in every procedure he performs
With a prolific portfolio of over 1,500 successful procedures, he specialises in complex repairs, crafting results that blend seamlessly with his patients’ natural contours and characteristics. His extensive medical background spans Internal Medicine, Major Trauma, and Plastic Surgery, culminating in a master’s degree in Burns, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery from the prestigious University College London (UCL).
His reputation attracts high-profile individuals and underscores his role in sports medicine, where he serves as a Level 3 English Boxing Association (EBA) doctor, providing top-tier care to elite MMA athletes, including those competing under the UFC banner.
At the core of his practice, Dr. Band prioritises the holistic well-being of his patients, ensuring each procedure enhances both physical and mental health. His patient-centric approach and meticulous craftsmanship continue to set him apart in the field of hair transplant surgery.
