The Impact of Smoking and Alcohol on Hair Transplant Success
Many people who want to have a hair transplant are curious about the points to be considered before and after hair transplantation. Among these points, alcohol and smoking differ from others. This is because alcohol and smoking play a role in the success of hair transplantation results. You should stop smoking and alcohol consumption before the hair transplant operation and should not continue after the operation. And why? Let’s learn together what problems alcohol and smoking can cause after hair transplantation and how these problems can affect the success of the treatment.
Why Stop Smoking and Alcohol Before Hair Transplantation?
Many surgeons emphasize quitting smoking and alcohol use before and after hair transplantation. This recommendation is based on the fact that the harmful substances in cigarettes and alcohol negatively affect the healing process. The body is naturally capable of repairing itself, but the harmful substances in cigarettes and alcohol can prolong this healing process. The hair transplant operation involves surgical steps involving the skin and tissues. Symptoms that may occur after a hair transplant include edema, bruising and swelling. These symptoms are part of the natural healing process. Smoking and alcohol use can delay the full healing process of the tissues and jeopardize the success of the operation. Not smoking, being a passive smoker and not drinking alcohol before and after hair transplantation is important for a healthier healing process and a successful operation.
The Effect of Smoking in Hair Transplantation
A scientific fact about the effects of quitting smoking before hair transplantation is that regular smoking significantly increases the risk of complications during the operation. The chemicals in cigarettes can cause changes in cell structure and functioning in the body. These harmful chemicals can accumulate in areas such as the respiratory tract and lungs, posing a major threat to health. By stopping smoking, the decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood improves and the carbon dioxide level decreases. Not smoking before the day of the operation helps to normalize the heart rhythm. Stopping smoking contributes to the return of blood pressure and circulation to ideal levels over time.
The effects of quitting smoking after hair transplantation have a positive effect on the immune system. After quitting smoking, the immune system begins to regulate itself, and a well-functioning immune system reduces the risk of complications. Smoking after hair transplantation can cause narrowing of the vascular pathways and slowing of blood circulation, leading to weak hair follicles and lack of growth. Therefore, it is recommended not to smoke within the first 10 days after hair transplantation. Hair transplant candidates should be aware of the negative effects of smoking and take the necessary precautions to ensure a positive outcome of the hair transplantation process.
The Effect of Alcohol Use on Hair Transplantation
The role of the foods we consume in the nutrition and growth process of hair is of great importance. Healthy nutrition, proper vitamin intake and selection of beneficial foods have a positive effect on hair development. However, alcohol and cigarette consumption can negatively affect this positive effect. Restrictions on alcohol and smoking are generally similar, but there are some differences. For example, alcohol consumption should be stopped one week before the operation. Because alcohol can cause unwanted complications during and after the operation due to its blood-thinning effect. The risk of post-operative bleeding may be higher in those who consume alcohol than others. Full hair growth may take between 2.5-4 months. In order for this process to continue successfully, it is important to take a break from alcohol consumption until recovery is complete after the operation.
How Long Should You Avoid Alcohol and Smoking After Hair Transplantation?
After hair transplantation, alcohol and cigarettes should not be consumed for at least 10 days after the operation. Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding and negatively affect the healing process due to its blood thinning effect. Smoking, on the other hand, can slow down blood circulation by constricting the vessels, which can prevent the nutrition of hair follicles and the healing process. It is important to avoid alcohol and cigarette consumption during this period to achieve a successful hair transplantation result.
What Can Smoking and Alcohol Cause After Hair Transplantation?
Smoking and alcohol consumption have many negative effects after hair transplantation. Smoking can reduce blood circulation by narrowing the vessels, which can prevent hair follicles from receiving adequate nutrition, slowing down the healing process. In addition, since the tendency for blood to clot increases in smokers, the risk of bleeding after the operation may also increase. Alcohol, on the other hand, can dilute the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding and negatively affecting the healing process. Both smoking and alcohol use can increase the risk of infection and generally reduce the chances of success of hair transplantation. Therefore, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption after hair transplantation is important for a healthy recovery and a successful outcome.
If you want to have a hair transplant and want to have a smooth recovery process, you should quit smoking at least 6 months before and not smoke at all after the operation. Esteworld expert team helps their patients achieve successful results by informing them about the points they need to pay attention to during the entire hair transplant process. You can contact us to get detailed information about hair transplantation and operation process.
