Having a hair transplant is not just about restoring hair. It is also about preparing your body for recovery and supporting the new grafts so they can grow properly. At My Hair UK, where Follicular Unit Extraction is the chosen technique, patients receive detailed advice about what to do before and after surgery. Two habits that can seriously affect your outcome are smoking and alcohol consumption. Both can slow healing and reduce graft survival, even when used in small amounts.

Smoking has long been known to damage blood vessels. Nicotine and carbon monoxide reduce the oxygen and nutrients reaching the skin, which is a major problem when the scalp is trying to heal. After a hair transplant, thousands of tiny grafts must form new blood supplies to survive. Research published showed that smokers experience slower wound healing and a higher risk of graft loss than non-smokers . Even light smoking can have this effect because the constriction of blood vessels from Nicotine happens almost immediately after inhaling.

Alcohol presents a different challenge. It can thin the blood and increase the likelihood of bleeding during and after surgery. This can make the early healing process more complicated. Alcohol also dehydrates the body, reducing its ability to repair tissue and balance electrolytes. After a transplant, when the scalp is already sensitive and inflamed, dehydration can worsen swelling and delay recovery.

At My Hair UK, patients are advised to avoid both smoking and vaping for at least a week before their procedure and for two weeks after it. Some continue longer and find that recovery feels smoother and faster. Those who stop smoking often notice better circulation and a healthier skin tone, which helps the grafts settle. Those who avoid alcohol usually report less swelling and discomfort in the first few days.

It may be tempting to believe that one cigarette or a single drink will not matter, but the first few weeks after a transplant are when the grafts are most vulnerable. Each new follicle must attach and form a blood supply. Anything that interferes with that process, including nicotine, alcohol or dehydration, can lead to fewer grafts surviving. This can reduce the final density of the hair.

A hair transplant is also a financial investment. We like to be transparent about costs at My Hair UK and they are fixed depending on the number of grafts. Procedures start from £2,499 for up to 500 grafts and go up to £4,899 for up to 3,500 grafts. Each package includes consultation, surgery and post operative care. Patients choose My Hair UK because of its reputation for natural looking results and honest advice. Protecting that investment means following the medical guidance closely.

It is also sensible to have a general health check before booking your consultation. Visiting your GP can help identify any issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure or circulatory problems that could affect healing. Your doctor can also help you stop smoking safely, perhaps with nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medication.

If you live in London, GP surgeries such as The Belgravia Surgery, The Phoenix Practice and Paddington Green Health Centre can provide pre surgical checks and support for smoking cessation. If you are elsewhere in the UK, your local NHS GP will offer similar help. These simple checks can make a real difference to how smoothly your transplant and recovery progress.

There is also a wider health aspect to consider. A hair transplant is often part of a larger effort to improve confidence and wellbeing. Patients who stop smoking or drinking during recovery often feel better in other areas of their lives too. They sleep better, recover faster and maintain a steadier mood. Many describe the process as a turning point, not only for their appearance but also for their overall health.

Smoking and alcohol may seem unrelated to hair, but the science is clear. Both interfere with blood flow and oxygen delivery to the scalp, reducing the chances of each graft surviving. Avoiding them before and after surgery is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your results.

Patients who take this advice tend to see stronger growth within a year and experience fewer complications. The first few weeks are crucial, and every decision during that time can make a difference. Preparing your body properly and giving it the best conditions for healing will help you achieve the most natural and lasting outcome from your hair transplant at My Hair UK.

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