Alcohol consumption before FUE procedure?

Question

Hello, I had an FUE transplant around 6 months ago. The night before the procedure I completely forgot about the need to abstain from drinking and had 4 large beers. I’m starting to see growth, but I’m worried the beer may have compromised the transplant. The surgeon commented on how well the transplant had gone so I don’t think it caused complications for the actual procedure. Does the alcohol impact transplanted hair? (I don’t want to ask the Dr as he’ll be mad that I was drinking!)

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear Dazzling269854,

Thanks for your message! As per your question, it is imperative you understand why we recommend not to drink before procedure especially a day before, because Alcohol in your system will thin your blood. So your results are dependent on how much you bleed during the procedure as excessive bleeding can hinder visibility of the grafts to the doctor.

Regards,
TAS TEAM

Jeremy S. Wetzel, MD · Answer

I would try not to worry too much about this at this point. While different surgeons and different clinics will have varying guidelines on consuming alcohol before and after a transplant (this is because its never really been directly studied as far as I can tell, so its hard to say exactly what the effects might be, if any), its generally a good idea to avoid excessive alcohol consumption immediately before and in the weeks following any surgical procedure. The main reason for this is that excessive alcohol consumption (and tobacco use) is known to impact tissue healing negatively. After the body undergoes a stressful event, such as any surgery, it needs rest, fluids and plenty of nutrients to heal adequately. I would say that its probably more important after the surgery than before, but excessive drinking can have effects on the body and its immune system for much longer than just the few hours that the alcohol is in the body, particularly if the drinking is frequent. Another reason your surgeon might tell you to avoid excessive alcohol consumption prior to a procedure is that regular or excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with sedative medication that is sometimes given during the surgery. As for the growth of your hair from the transplant, if you're starting to see growth at 6 months that's good. Just remember that its going to take a full 12 months to see the end result. All of that is to say that while we can't know for sure what the effect of your 4 large beers the night before the surgery will have on the growth of your follicles, its more than likely that there will NOT be a significantly negative impact on your outcome directly related to that.

Wipawan Vathananai, MD · Answer

Alcohol consumption should be avoided at least 48 hours before hair transplant in order to decrease the bleeding during the surgery. However, it's already 6 months after your transplant so everything should be okay. The critical stage has already passed. I hope you're happy with your new hair.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. If it's been six months since your procedure and the doctor says he sees great results, I think it's ok.  What's done is done. Best of luck to you.

Dr. T

Alcohol consumption before FUE procedure?

Answers (4)

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