Graft survival rates of 90-95% are the standard for FUE, FUT, and DHI procedures, but achieving the high end of that range requires attention to dozens of individual factors. This checklist covers every controllable variable across three phases: pre-procedure preparation, procedure-day factors, and post-procedure recovery. Print it, save it, and check off each item as you move through the process.
Pre-Procedure Checklist (4-8 Weeks Before)
Surgeon Selection
- Verified board certification (ABHRS in the US, or equivalent)
- Confirmed ISHRS membership or fellowship training
- Reviewed before/after photos of patients with your hair type and Norwood stage
- Asked about annual procedure volume (target: 150+ per year)
- Asked about transection rates (target: under 5% for straight hair, under 8% for curly)
- Confirmed who performs extraction and placement (surgeon vs. technician)
- Obtained independent AI assessment to benchmark graft count recommendations
- Consulted with at least 2-3 surgeons for comparison
- Checked for clinic warning signs
Health Optimization
- Stopped smoking at least 2 weeks before (4 weeks is better)
- Discussed blood-thinning medications with your doctor (aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin)
- Stopped all blood thinners under medical guidance (typically 7-14 days before)
- Stopped alcohol consumption at least 7 days before
- Informed surgeon about any chronic conditions (diabetes, autoimmune, thyroid)
- Completed any required blood work
- Started prescribed pre-operative medications if applicable
- Maintained regular sleep schedule (7-8 hours per night)
Medical Therapy
- Discussed finasteride with your doctor (80-90% halt further loss, 65% regrowth)
- Started finasteride if recommended (ideally 3-6 months before surgery)
- Started or continued minoxidil if prescribed (40-60% experience regrowth)
- Understood that medical therapy protects native hair, not transplanted grafts
- Accepted the 2-4% risk of finasteride side effects and discussed with doctor
Logistics
- Arranged transportation home after the procedure (you cannot drive)
- Planned 7-10 days off work (for FUE) or 10-14 days (for FUT)
- Purchased a travel pillow or wedge pillow for elevated sleeping
- Stocked up on easy-to-prepare meals (you will not want to cook on days 1-3)
- Arranged loose-fitting button-up shirts (no pull-over shirts for 2 weeks)
Procedure Day Checklist
Before Arriving
- Ate a normal breakfast (low surgery risk, but long day ahead)
- Wore a button-up or zip-up shirt
- Brought entertainment (phone, tablet, headphones) for the 6-10 hour procedure
- Did not apply any hair products
- Confirmed procedure time and arrival instructions
At the Clinic (Questions to Confirm)
- What graft storage solution will be used? (HypoThermosol or equivalent is superior to plain saline)
- What is the expected procedure duration?
- Who will perform each phase (extraction, site creation, placement)?
- What is the contingency if transection rates are higher than expected?
- Is PRP being applied at the time of transplant? (Boosts survival by 2-5%)
During the Procedure
- Stay hydrated (clinic should provide water and snacks)
- Report any unusual pain immediately (normal procedures use effective local anesthesia)
- Avoid moving your head unless instructed by the surgical team
- Take breaks if needed (most clinics schedule lunch and rest breaks)
Post-Procedure Checklist
Days 1-3: Maximum Protection
- Sleep at a 45-degree incline (prevents swelling, protects grafts)
- Take all prescribed medications on schedule (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, pain)
- Apply ice to the forehead only (never on the transplant zone)
- Do not touch, scratch, or rub the recipient area
- Avoid bending over (increases head blood pressure)
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily
- Avoid direct sunlight on the scalp
- Attend the professional first wash if offered by the clinic (day 1 or 2)
Days 4-7: Gentle Care
- Begin gentle washing as instructed (typically warm water with low-pressure application)
- Use only the shampoo provided or recommended by the surgeon
- Pat dry only (never rub)
- Continue medications as prescribed
- Continue sleeping at an incline (5-7 days total is recommended)
- No exercise beyond gentle walking
- No alcohol
- Attend follow-up appointment if scheduled at day 7
Days 8-14: Transition Phase
- Continue gentle daily washing
- Allow crusts to fall off naturally (do not pick them)
- Light cardio only (walking, stationary bike)
- No swimming (chlorine and bacteria risk)
- No sauna or steam room (heat and sweating)
- No hair styling products
- No hats or head coverings that press on the transplant zone
- Attend the 2-week follow-up appointment
Days 15-30: Early Recovery
- Resume normal washing routine with recommended products
- Begin light exercise (moderate weights, light jogging)
- Start or resume minoxidil if prescribed (some surgeons say day 14, others day 30)
- Continue finasteride daily
- Wear SPF 30+ on the scalp if exposed to sun
- No contact sports or activities that risk head impact
- Attend 30-day follow-up if scheduled
Months 2-4: Patience Phase
- Expect shock loss (transplanted hairs shed at months 2-3). This is normal.
- Do not panic about the temporary worsened appearance
- Continue all medications as prescribed
- Document progress with monthly photos from consistent angles
- Contact the clinic if you notice signs of infection (unusual redness, warmth, discharge)
- Resume full exercise routine by month 2
Months 4-12: Growth Phase
- First new growth appears around month 4
- Attend 6-month follow-up for density assessment
- Continue finasteride and minoxidil throughout this period
- Hair texture may differ initially (finer, lighter) and normalize by months 8-12
- Full results visible at 12-18 months
- Attend 12-month follow-up for final assessment
- Discuss any touch-up needs if survival rate or density is below expectations
Graft Survival Factor Summary
For a detailed breakdown of each survival factor, see our comprehensive graft survival rate guide.
| Factor | Impact on Survival | Your Control Level |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon experience | High (3-8% variance) | Full (surgeon selection) |
| Graft storage solution | Moderate (1-3%) | Partial (ask at consultation) |
| Out-of-body time | Moderate (1-2% per hour after 4h) | None (surgeon controls timing) |
| Transection rate | Moderate (directly reduces viable grafts) | Full (surgeon selection) |
| Smoking cessation | Moderate (2-5%) | Full |
| Aftercare compliance | Moderate (2-5%) | Full |
| PRP at time of surgery | Moderate (2-5%) | Partial (clinic availability, cost $500-$2,000) |
| Post-op medications | Low-moderate (1-3%) | Full |
| Scalp blood supply | Low-moderate (varies) | None (anatomical) |
| Hair type/curl pattern | Low | None (genetic) |
Track Your Progress
Get your starting Norwood stage and graft estimate at myhairline.ai/analyze. Use the same tool at months 6 and 12 to objectively measure your progress against the pre-surgery baseline.
FAQ
How do I find a reputable hair transplant clinic?
Use this three-step approach: First, verify board certification (ABHRS in the US). Second, review documented before/after cases matching your Norwood stage and hair type. Third, consult with at least 2-3 surgeons and compare graft count recommendations, aftercare programs, and pricing transparency. Independent AI assessment of your Norwood stage beforehand gives you a benchmark to evaluate each clinic's recommendation.
What credentials should a hair transplant surgeon have?
ABHRS board certification is the primary credential to verify in the US. ISHRS membership and fellowship training in hair restoration are strong secondary indicators. Ask about the surgeon's annual procedure volume (150+ is ideal), years of specialization, transection rates, and whether they personally perform extraction and placement or delegate to technicians.
How do I know if before/after photos are real?
Real clinical photos use standardized equipment with consistent lighting, angle, and distance. They show multiple views of the same patient. Legitimate clinics will often connect you with previous patients for verification. Warning signs of manipulated photos include inconsistent lighting between before and after shots, single-angle presentations, and digitally enhanced images.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon for personalized recommendations.