NeoGraft Pre and Post-op Instructions
Conveniently located to serve Washington DC, Arlington, Bethesda
📋 NeoGraft Pre-Operative Checklist
Goal: Prepare your scalp and body for optimal graft survival.
- [ ] Stop Blood Thinners: Consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed blood thinners. Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), and Naproxen (Aleve).
- [ ] Limit Supplements: Stop taking Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic supplements, and Fish Oil, as these can increase bleeding.
- [ ] Alcohol & Nicotine: Avoid alcohol and stop smoking/vaping. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and can significantly hinder graft survival.
- [ ] Scalp Preparation: Do not sunburn your scalp. If you dye your hair, do it now, as you won’t be able to for 4–6 weeks after.
- [ ] Shower: Wash your hair thoroughly with regular shampoo. Do not apply hairspray, gels, or styling products.
- [ ] Breakfast: Eat a light, healthy meal. Avoid heavy caffeine.
- [ ] Clothing: Wear a button-down or zip-up shirt. Do not wear anything that must be pulled over your head.
🩹 NeoGraft Post-Operative Instructions
Goal: Protect the “new arrivals” and manage healing.
- Hands Off: Do not touch, scratch, or pick at the grafts. This is the most common cause of graft failure.
- Sleeping: Sleep with your head elevated at a 45-degree angle (use a recliner or 3 pillows) for at least 3 nights to minimize swelling.
- Swelling: It is normal for swelling to migrate down to the forehead or eyes. Apply a cold compress to the forehead ONLY—never directly on the grafts.
- Keeping Grafts Moist: Use the supplied spray bottle to gently spray the grafts every hour while awake
- You may remove the donor site dressing at 48 hours after the procedure
- Washing: Use a cup to gently pour lukewarm water mixed with baby shampoo over the area. Do not let the shower pressure hit the grafts directly.
- Drying: Pat dry very gently with a paper towel or let it air dry.
- Activities: No heavy lifting, bending over, or strenuous exercise. Keep your heart rate under 100 BPM.
- Scabbing: Tiny crusts will form. They will begin to fall off naturally around day 10. Do not pick them!
- Exercise: You may resume light exercise after day 7, but wait 14 days for high-impact sports or swimming (chlorine).
- Sun Protection: Wear a loose-fitting hat (like a trucker hat) if you are going to be in the sun. Avoid direct sun on the scalp for 3 months.Do not wear anything on your head till day 7.
What to Expect: “The Ugly Duckling Phase”
Important Note: Around 2–6 weeks post-op, the transplanted hair shafts will fall out. This is normal. The follicle remains healthy underground and will begin growing permanent hair in 3–4 months.
Important Note: Around 2–6 weeks post-op, the transplanted hair shafts will fall out. This is normal. The follicle remains healthy underground and will begin growing permanent hair in 3–4 months.
Your NeoGraft Hair Restoration will be performed in Dr. Praful Ramineni‘s surgery center located in Washington, DC.
Dr. Praful Ramineni
Plastic Surgeon in Washington D.C.
Dr. Ramineni is the founder of District Plastic Surgery. He is board certified and has over 20 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He started his career as one of the busiest surgeons at Medstar Washington Hospital Center with a focus on complex reconstructive surgery including cancer and trauma reconstruction, microsurgery and aesthetic surgery.
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