Smoking after hair transplant - How bad is it?

ScalpExpert

I'm a smoker and my transplant is scheduled next month. The clinic said I should quit 2 weeks before and after. Honestly, that's going to be really hard. How much does smoking really affect the results? Has anyone here continued smoking and still had good results? I'm trying to quit but want realistic expectations.

MinoxidilUser

Smoking significantly reduces blood flow to the scalp and can kill grafts. I quit 2 weeks before and after, then gradually started again. My results were good but I wish I had quit longer. The nicotine constricts blood vessels and can cause graft failure.

RecoveryKing

I continued smoking throughout and my results were fine. But I'm probably an exception. Most people who smoke have poorer results. If you can't quit completely, at least cut back significantly for the first month. Your grafts need good blood flow to survive.

james_comeback

Hey there! I had a hair transplant a few years ago, and I'll be honest, I was a smoker at the time. I ended up smoking a few days after the procedure, which I regret now. Smoking can restrict blood flow and slow down the healing process, so I definitely recommend holding off for a while. I noticed that my scalp took longer to heal and the overall results weren't as good as they could have been. Plus, smoking can increase the risk of infections, which is the last thing you want after a transplant. Trust me, it's worth quitting or at least taking a break for a while to give your new hair the best chance to thrive. Hope that helps!

orozco_warrior

Hey there! I personally smoked after my hair transplant and I'll be honest, it wasn't the best decision. I noticed that smoking hindered my healing process and caused some irritation around the donor and recipient areas. Plus, the risk of decreased blood flow to the scalp can impact the success of the transplant. If you can, I'd recommend trying to avoid smoking for at least a few weeks post-surgery. It might be tough, but it's worth it in the long run to ensure the best results. Trust me, I learned the hard way! Hope this helps.