Proper preparation for Sapphire FUE starts 2-4 weeks before the procedure and directly affects surgical conditions, graft survival, and recovery speed. The preparation requirements are the same as standard FUE because the extraction and biological processes are identical. This checklist covers every step from weeks before to the morning of surgery.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Pre-Op Timeline
4 Weeks Before Surgery
| Action | Reason |
|---|---|
| Stop smoking (cigarettes, vaping, cannabis) | Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the scalp and impairing graft survival and healing |
| Begin taking biotin supplements (optional) | May support hair and skin health during recovery; evidence is limited but risk is minimal |
| Confirm time off work (5-10 days recommended) | Ensures adequate recovery without pressure to return early |
| Arrange transportation for surgery day | You cannot drive yourself home after a 6-10 hour procedure |
Smoking is the single most impactful lifestyle factor. Patients who quit 4 weeks before surgery have measurably better healing outcomes than those who quit 1 week before.
2 Weeks Before Surgery
| Action | Reason |
|---|---|
| Stop herbal supplements (ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, St. John's wort) | These thin the blood and increase surgical bleeding |
| Stop fish oil and omega-3 supplements | Anticoagulant effect increases bleeding |
| Stop vitamin E supplements (high dose) | Blood-thinning properties |
| Begin stocking recovery supplies | Saline spray, neck pillow, button-front shirts, gentle shampoo |
1 Week Before Surgery
| Action | Reason |
|---|---|
| Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and NSAIDs | Blood thinners increase bleeding during extraction |
| Stop minoxidil (topical or oral) | Increases scalp blood flow, causing more bleeding |
| Reduce or stop alcohol | Alcohol thins blood and impairs healing |
| Confirm surgery details with clinic | Time, location, parking, what to bring |
Do not stop finasteride. Unlike minoxidil, finasteride does not affect surgical bleeding and should be continued without interruption before and after surgery.
Do not stop prescription blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel, apixaban) without explicit instructions from your prescribing physician. Your hair transplant surgeon should coordinate with your cardiologist or primary care doctor on this decision.
3 Days Before Surgery
- Stop alcohol completely
- Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night)
- Eat balanced meals rich in protein and iron
- Avoid strenuous exercise (elevated blood pressure)
- Do not cut or shave your hair (the clinic handles this)
Day Before Surgery
Evening Preparation
- Wash your hair thoroughly with regular shampoo (this is your last normal wash for 1-2 weeks)
- Do not apply any styling products, oils, or treatments after washing
- Set out your surgery day clothes: button-front shirt, comfortable pants, slip-on shoes
- Charge your phone/tablet and download entertainment (movies, podcasts, audiobooks) for the procedure
- Pack a small bag: phone charger, entertainment device, lip balm, reading glasses if needed
- Set your alarm to allow a full breakfast before your clinic arrival time
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep (take melatonin if needed; it does not interfere with surgery)
Morning of Surgery
What to Eat
Eat a full, balanced breakfast. You will be in the clinic for 6-10 hours and the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you need sustained energy. Good options:
- Eggs, whole grain toast, fruit
- Oatmeal with protein
- Balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats
Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks). Caffeine increases blood flow and can cause more bleeding during extraction.
What to Wear
- Button-front shirt: You cannot pull anything over your head for 7-10 days after surgery
- Comfortable pants: You will be seated or lying down for hours
- Slip-on shoes: Easy to remove without bending over post-surgery
- No hat: The clinic will provide head covering if needed post-procedure
What to Bring
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Phone and charger | Entertainment during the 6-10 hour procedure |
| Tablet or laptop (optional) | Watching movies during graft placement phase |
| Earbuds or headphones | Audio entertainment without disturbing the surgical team |
| Travel/neck pillow | For the ride home and first nights of elevated sleeping |
| Button-front pajama top | For changing after the procedure |
| Snacks | Some clinics provide meals, others do not; bring backup |
| Reading glasses | If you wear them for screen time |
| Photo ID and payment method | Administrative check-in |
| Printed clinic instructions | In case your phone dies |
What Not to Bring
- Tight-fitting hats or beanies (you cannot wear these post-op)
- Pullover shirts or hoodies
- Valuables (you will be in a clinical setting for hours)
Pre-Op Consultation Steps
Most clinics conduct the following steps in the first 30-60 minutes of your arrival:
- Vitals check: Blood pressure, heart rate. Surgery may be postponed if blood pressure is significantly elevated.
- Blood tests: Some clinics require same-day blood work (CBC, coagulation panel). Others require results submitted in advance.
- Consent forms: Detailed review of risks, expectations, and the surgical plan.
- Hairline design: The surgeon draws the proposed hairline on your scalp with a surgical marker. You review and approve in a mirror. This is the most important pre-op decision.
- Before photos: Standardized photographs from multiple angles for documentation.
- Donor area preparation: The back and sides are trimmed to 1-2mm. Some clinics offer unshaven FUE for an additional fee, where only extracted zones are trimmed.
Medications to Continue
Not all medications need to be stopped. These should continue as normal:
- Finasteride (oral): Continue before and after surgery
- Dutasteride: Continue before and after surgery
- Thyroid medication: Continue as prescribed
- Antidepressants/SSRIs: Continue as prescribed
- Blood pressure medication: Continue as prescribed (inform the surgeon)
- Antibiotics (if prescribed pre-op by the clinic): Begin as directed
If you are on any prescription medication, disclose the complete list to your surgeon at least 2 weeks before the procedure. Interactions between medications and local anesthesia are rare but should be screened.
For details on how different FUE methods compare in procedure and recovery, or to understand how your Norwood stage affects graft planning, review those guides before your consultation.
Not sure if you are ready for surgery? Get a free AI hairline assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to evaluate your current hair loss stage and estimated graft needs before booking a procedure.
FAQ
How do I prepare for Sapphire FUE surgery?
Stop blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs 7-10 days before surgery. Stop alcohol 3-5 days before. Stop smoking 2-4 weeks before. Continue finasteride and minoxidil unless told otherwise. Eat a normal meal the morning of surgery. Wear a button-front shirt. Bring entertainment for the 6-10 hour procedure. Arrange transportation home.
Should I stop minoxidil before Sapphire FUE?
Most surgeons recommend stopping minoxidil 1-2 weeks before surgery because it can increase scalp blood flow and cause more bleeding during extraction. Minoxidil is typically resumed 2-4 weeks after the procedure. Finasteride, by contrast, should be continued without interruption before and after surgery.
Can I drink coffee before Sapphire FUE?
Avoid caffeine on the morning of surgery. Coffee, tea, and energy drinks are vasodilators that increase blood flow and can cause more bleeding during the procedure. This makes extraction more difficult and can reduce visibility for the surgeon. Decaffeinated options are acceptable.