Frequently Asked Questions

Hair transplant surgery at NHT typically takes 4-6 hours depending on the size of your procedure, with the day structured in four main phases: Typical durations: 2,000 grafts (20 cm² donor): Approximately 4 hours 3,500 grafts (35 cm² donor): Approximately 5-6 hours Your experience: You'll have breaks for snacks and restroom visits throughout the day. The procedure is surprisingly comfortable—many patients watch TV, listen to music, or chat with our team during surgery. → Learn more about the NHT surgical process

Proper preparation ensures optimal surgical conditions and healing. You'll receive detailed instructions after scheduling, but here's what to expect: 1-2 weeks before: Grow hair long: Allow hair at sides and back to grow at least 1 inch to conceal donor area post-procedure Scalp stretching exercises: Twice daily, 10 minutes each (improves scalp laxity for optimal donor harvesting) Stop certain medications: No aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, or herbal supplements (5 days before) Stop topical treatments: No Rogaine/minoxidil or other scalp chemicals (5 days before) Medical clearance: Obtain if you have specific health conditions Day before surgery: No alcohol (affects healing and bleeding) Arrange transportation if choosing Twilight IV sedation (cannot drive after sedation) Morning of surgery: Wash hair thoroughly (no hair spray or products) Eat a healthy breakfast Wear comfortable, button-down shirt (avoid pullovers) Bring lunch or snacks if desired If choosing Twilight IV sedation: You must arrange a ride home—we'll provide 1-hour advance notice when you're ready for pickup.

Yes, you remain awake and alert throughout the procedure—but completely comfortable and pain-free. Why you stay awake: Local anesthesia (nerve blocks and tumescent) numbs your scalp completely You can communicate with our team about comfort, positioning, or breaks No risks associated with general anesthesia Continuous vital sign monitoring ensures safety Your experience: Once anesthesia takes effect, you're free to watch TV, listen to music, chat with staff, rest, or take breaks. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable and relaxed the experience feels. Optional Twilight IV Sedation: If you prefer additional relaxation during the initial 10-15 minute numbing process, twilight IV sedation keeps you calm while remaining responsive. This does NOT put you to sleep—it simply relieves anxiety during injections.

Yes! You'll have a mid-procedure break and are welcome to bring food. Your mid-procedure break: After donor harvesting and recipient site creation, you'll have time for a restroom break and meal while our surgical technicians prepare your harvested grafts under microscopes. NHT provides snacks, and you're welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks. What to bring: We recommend eating a healthy breakfast the morning of surgery and bringing lunch/snacks for the mid-procedure break. During the procedure: You can have light snacks and beverages as needed throughout the day.

If you choose local anesthesia only: Yes, you'll remember the entire procedure clearly. You remain fully alert and conscious throughout. If you choose optional Twilight IV sedation: You'll remember most of the procedure but may have hazy memories of the initial 10-15 minute numbing process. Twilight sedation creates a relaxed, calm state during injections—not unconsciousness. Once it wears off (within 30-60 minutes), you're completely alert for the remainder of the procedure. Most patients find: The experience is much more comfortable and less memorable than anticipated—many are surprised by how quickly the day passes.

If you choose local anesthesia only: Yes, you can drive yourself home. The local anesthesia (nerve blocks and tumescent) does not impair your ability to drive safely. If you choose optional Twilight IV sedation: No, you cannot drive. Twilight sedation requires you to arrange transportation home—either a friend, family member, rideshare service, or taxi. Recommendation: Even if you choose local anesthesia only, many patients appreciate having someone drive them home after the procedure. You'll feel alert and comfortable, but having transportation arranged removes any stress.

You'll leave NHT feeling alert and comfortable with minimal to no pain. Before you leave, you'll receive: Post-operative care instructions (written and verbal) Prescription medications (pain reliever, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory as needed) Follow-up appointment scheduling (suture removal at 9-12 days for FUT 2.0) 24/7 contact information for any questions or concerns Bandaging: FUE 2.0: No bandages needed; you may wear a loose-fitting hat if desired FUT 2.0: Bandage around donor area removed after 24-48 hours; loose-fitting hat can be worn over bandage How you'll feel: The anesthesia continues working for several hours after your procedure. Most patients feel alert, clear-headed, and comfortable. Many enjoy a light meal and walk around comfortably before heading home. First night: Mild swelling and redness are normal. Sleep with head elevated (2-3 pillows) to minimize swelling. Most discomfort resolves within 2-3 days.