Hair Transplant Smoking

One of the most renowned clinics you can choose from is Dr. Cinik Hair Hospital, where the reputable Dr. Emrah Cinik will ensure you receive the best possible care.

However, if you’re a smoker, you need to be aware of hair transplant smoking effects. Smoking greatly affects hair loss, to begin with, and it can have negative effects on your hair transplant surgery as well.

The Risks Of Smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of many serious health conditions. It negatively affects your respiratory system, making it harder to breathe after prolonged use. It can also increase the risk of many types of cancer, as well as cause cardiovascular disease.

According to the latest statistics regarding smoking, smoking accounts for about 20% of deaths from heart disease in the US alone.

But how can smoking affect the loss of hair? It negatively affects blood circulation, preventing your hair follicles from getting enough oxygen, thus causing them to die. That’s because nicotine constricts your blood vessels, and carbon monoxide additionally decreases blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

It’s all very alarming when it comes to transplanting hair. If you smoke cigarettes, your hair transplant area will suffer a lack of oxygen, which will prolong the healing time. This increases the risk of infection after surgery.

So, should you avoid smoking before the procedure? Should you stop smoking after the surgery? If you can start smoking after a hair transplant, how long do you need to wait? Is it dangerous to start smoking after you’ve undergone the procedure?

Take a look at the answers to all these questions, so that you can increase your chances of having a successful hair transplant.

Can I Smoke After Or Before The Hair Transplant?

Since smoking negatively affects the circulation of blood, it is highly recommended that you don’t smoke both before and after transplanting your hair.

Surgeons advise that you avoid cigarettes about a week before the procedure, and two weeks after the surgery. However, you will experience much better results if you abstain from smoking several months before and after your hair transplant.

What Happens If You Smoke?

If you decide to continue smoking before or after the procedure, you may not get the results you want. You would compromise the circulation of your blood, so your newly transplanted hair wouldn’t get the oxygen it needs to grow properly.

Your implanted hair grafts need the oxygen and all the nutrients it carries. They simply cannot get these nutrients if you allow the nicotine and other toxins from cigarette smoke to constrict your blood vessels. Therefore, smoking can impede the healthy growth of your transplanted hair.

This lack of oxygen can also extend the healing and recovery process after your surgery. If the surgical incisions take longer to heal, the risk of developing an infection becomes higher. That’s why you should seriously consider refraining from smoking both before and after hair transplantation.

When Can I Smoke Again After The Hair Transplant?

No one can stop you from smoking if you don’t want to. Given the possible risks, you should avoid them, but the final decision is completely up to you.

If you decide to smoke again after your hair transplant, you should wait at least two weeks to do so. That will give your transplanted hair grafts and surgical incisions just enough time to heal so that you don’t increase your chances of infection.

It’s advisable that you don’t smoke for several weeks after the treatment to ensure your full recovery but, again, that decision is yours and yours alone.

What Do I Have To Pay Attention To?

You need to pay attention to your diet, which should completely exclude coffee and alcohol. Avoid strenuous activities for about a week, don’t touch your hair grafts until your doctor says it’s okay to wash your hair, and don’t lie with your face down. Also, avoid sun exposure and sunbathing for at least three months.

If you have any further questions about hair transplant smoking effects or anything related to the surgery, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us today for a free consultation!