After FUT surgery, you will take 4-6 medications for the first 1-2 weeks: antibiotics to prevent infection, pain relievers for the donor incision, anti-inflammatory drugs to control swelling, and potentially finasteride and minoxidil to support long-term results. Here is the complete medication schedule, including what each drug does, when to start, and when to stop.
Standard FUT Post-Op Medication Schedule
| Medication | Purpose | Start | Duration | Typical Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic (cephalexin or similar) | Prevent donor site infection | Day 0 (surgery day) | 5-7 days | 500mg twice daily |
| Pain reliever (acetaminophen/codeine) | Manage incision pain | Day 0 | 3-5 days (as needed) | Per prescription |
| Methylprednisolone or prednisone | Reduce forehead swelling | Day 0 | 3-5 days (tapering) | Tapering dose pack |
| Proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) | Protect stomach from other meds | Day 0 | While taking steroids | 20mg once daily |
| Finasteride | Protect native hair from DHT | Pre-op or week 1-2 | Ongoing (long-term) | 1mg once daily |
| Minoxidil 5% | Stimulate blood flow to scalp | Week 2-4 post-op | Ongoing (long-term) | 1ml twice daily |
Note: This is a general guide. Your surgeon's specific prescription may vary. Always follow the medication plan provided by your medical team.
Antibiotics: Preventing Infection
FUT creates two wound sites: the donor incision and the thousands of tiny recipient channels. Both need protection from bacterial infection during the first week of healing.
What to Expect
Most surgeons prescribe a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic such as cephalexin (Keflex), amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin), or azithromycin (Z-pack). You will take this for 5-7 days starting on the day of surgery.
Important Notes
- Take the full course even if you feel fine. Stopping early increases antibiotic resistance risk
- Take with food to reduce stomach upset
- Avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics
- Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever above 38C (100.4F) at either the donor or recipient site
Pain Management: The First Week
FUT produces more post-operative discomfort than FUE because the donor wound is a sutured linear incision. Pain management follows a step-down approach: stronger medication for the first 2-3 days, then transitioning to over-the-counter options.
Step-Down Pain Protocol
| Days | Medication | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Days 0-2 | Prescribed pain medication (tramadol, acetaminophen/codeine, or hydrocodone) | Take on schedule, not just when pain peaks |
| Days 2-4 | Alternate prescribed and OTC medication | Begin spacing out prescription doses |
| Days 4-7 | Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) | 500-1000mg every 6 hours as needed |
| Days 7+ | As needed only | Most patients stop by day 7-10 |
Medications to Avoid
- Aspirin: Thins the blood and increases bleeding risk. Avoid for 2 weeks before and after surgery.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Also thins blood. Some surgeons allow it after day 3, others restrict it for 7-10 days. Follow your surgeon's guidance.
- Blood thinners (warfarin, etc.): Discuss with your surgeon and prescribing doctor well before the procedure.
Anti-Swelling Medication
Forehead swelling is one of the most common side effects after FUT, typically peaking on days 3-5. The swelling occurs because gravity pulls surgical fluid down from the scalp to the forehead and around the eyes.
Steroid Protocol
A short course of oral steroids (methylprednisolone dose pack or prednisone) dramatically reduces swelling. The typical protocol starts with a higher dose on day 1 and tapers down over 3-5 days.
Additional Swelling Prevention
- Sleep with your head elevated at 45 degrees for the first 5-7 nights
- Apply cold compresses to the forehead (not the transplanted area) during the first 48 hours
- Stay hydrated but avoid excessive salt intake
- Some clinics provide a headband to wear around the forehead to prevent fluid from reaching the eyes
Finasteride: Long-Term Hair Protection
Finasteride (brand name Propecia) blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the hormone responsible for androgenetic alopecia. It does not directly improve graft survival, but it plays a critical role in your overall results.
Why Finasteride Matters After FUT
Without finasteride, your native (non-transplanted) hair will continue to thin over time. This creates an unnatural appearance where the transplanted zone remains dense while the surrounding area progressively thins. Finasteride slows or stops this native hair loss, preserving the overall density framework around your transplanted grafts.
Common Concerns
Side effects affect approximately 2-4% of men taking finasteride 1mg daily. The most reported side effects include reduced libido, erectile changes, and decreased ejaculate volume. These side effects are reversible upon stopping the medication in the vast majority of cases. Discuss the risk-benefit profile with your surgeon.
Minoxidil: Accelerating Growth
Minoxidil (Rogaine) increases blood flow to the scalp and can accelerate the timeline for new growth after a transplant. Most surgeons recommend starting topical minoxidil 5% at 2-4 weeks post-FUT.
How to Apply After FUT
- Wait until your surgeon gives clearance (typically week 2-4)
- Apply 1ml to the recipient area twice daily using a dropper, not a roller
- Be gentle. Do not rub vigorously over the transplanted zone
- You may also apply to the donor area once the incision has fully closed
- Expect increased shedding when you first start. This is temporary and normal
Oral Minoxidil Alternative
Some surgeons now prescribe low-dose oral minoxidil (2.5-5mg daily) instead of topical application. Oral minoxidil avoids the hassle of twice-daily scalp application and may produce more consistent absorption. Side effects can include fluid retention, increased body hair, and changes in blood pressure. This option requires medical supervision.
Supplements and Supportive Care
Beyond prescription medications, some surgeons recommend nutritional supplements to support hair growth during recovery.
| Supplement | Suggested Dose | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Biotin | 2,500-5,000 mcg daily | Supports keratin production |
| Zinc | 15-30 mg daily | Involved in hair tissue growth |
| Iron (if deficient) | As prescribed | Low iron linked to hair thinning |
| Vitamin D | 2,000-4,000 IU daily | Supports follicle cycling |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 1,000-2,000 mg daily | Anti-inflammatory support |
These supplements are supportive, not essential. A balanced diet covers most nutritional needs. Get blood work done to check for actual deficiencies before supplementing.
Know Your Baseline Before Surgery
Understanding your Norwood stage helps your surgeon plan not just the procedure but also the post-op medication protocol. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get your personalized hair loss assessment.
For a comparison of recovery protocols across different transplant methods, see our FUE vs FUT comparison.
FAQ
What medications do you take after FUT surgery?
After FUT surgery, patients typically take antibiotics (5-7 days), pain medication (3-5 days), anti-inflammatory steroids (3-5 days to reduce swelling), and a proton pump inhibitor to protect the stomach. Many surgeons also prescribe finasteride to protect existing hair and recommend starting minoxidil 2-4 weeks post-op.
When can I start finasteride after FUT?
Most surgeons recommend starting finasteride (1mg daily) either before surgery or resuming it within 1-2 weeks after FUT. Finasteride does not affect graft survival but protects your native hair from continued DHT-related thinning, which helps maintain overall density around the transplanted area.
When can I use minoxidil after FUT?
Most surgeons recommend waiting 2-4 weeks after FUT before applying minoxidil to the recipient area. This allows the grafts to anchor securely and the initial healing to complete. Minoxidil can be applied to the donor area earlier if instructed by your surgeon.