Preparing for a Hair Transplant in Manchester: Clinical Considerations from a Doctor’s Perspective

Undergoing a hair transplant in Manchester is a medical decision that deserves the same level of preparation and clinical consideration as any surgical procedure. If you’re planning to restore your hairline, you should prepare not only physically but also medically and psychologically. This preparation starts well before the day of surgery and plays a critical role in determining the long-term success of your treatment.

The first and most important step is booking a health assessment with your GP. This should happen before you arrange a consultation with any hair transplant provider. While FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and is minimally invasive, there are still risks. Your GP will review your medical history, examine any current medications, and may run blood tests to assess for anaemia, thyroid dysfunction, or undiagnosed inflammatory conditions that may impair healing or graft uptake.

In Manchester, you can arrange an NHS appointment with the following GP surgeries:

• Bodey Medical Centre, Ladybarn Court, 28 Ladybarn Ln, Manchester M14 6WP
• The Wilbraham Surgery, 515 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0UF
• The Quays Practice, Ordsall Health Centre, Phoebe St, Salford M5 3PH

Your GP can also offer guidance on any medications you might need to stop temporarily. For example, if you’re on anticoagulants, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids, your doctor may recommend adjustments. These can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery or delay wound healing if not managed correctly.

Hair transplants using FUE involve the precise extraction of hair follicles from donor areas—typically at the back or sides of the scalp—and implanting them into areas affected by androgenetic alopecia. While the procedure sounds simple, the biological and technical demands are high. The survival of each graft depends on multiple factors, including the time the follicle spends outside the body, temperature control, and the vascular supply at the recipient site. You may be surprised to learn that even minor health concerns can impact graft survival. Poor glycaemic control in diabetic patients, low haemoglobin levels, or ongoing scalp inflammation can significantly reduce the success rate of the transplant.

In terms of cost, Manchester clinics typically charge around £2,899 for up to 1,000 grafts, increasing to approximately £4,899 for 3,500 grafts. These figures are on par with other UK cities. Always be cautious about extremely low offers. Clinics abroad often advertise surgeries for under £2,000, but these may involve unregulated conditions, limited medical oversight, and poor aftercare. What seems like a deal can turn into a revision surgery costing double the initial outlay - see advice from the BAHRS on surgery abroad.

Preparation also includes lifestyle changes. If you smoke, you must stop at least 7–10 days before surgery. Smoking reduces capillary blood flow and has been shown to impair wound healing and graft perfusion. The British Journal of Dermatology has published evidence showing that nicotine exposure reduces angiogenesis in healing tissue, which can compromise the integration of transplanted hair follicles.

Alcohol should also be avoided in the week leading up to the operation. It acts as a blood thinner and increases the risk of intraoperative bleeding. If you are taking herbal supplements such as ginkgo, ginseng or garlic extract, discuss these with your GP—they can also interfere with coagulation.

Psychological preparation is often underestimated. Results are not immediate. Transplanted hairs enter a resting phase (the telogen phase) and typically shed within 2–4 weeks post-surgery. New growth may not begin until month four, with final density taking up to 12–18 months to establish. It’s crucial to manage expectations and understand that while FUE can provide permanent and natural-looking results, no procedure can guarantee perfection or full density across large bald areas in a single session.

On the day of your surgery, arrive well rested, having washed your scalp with a mild shampoo and avoided any styling products. Wear comfortable clothing and plan for a quiet recovery period of at least one week. Avoid any physical exertion, swimming, or sun exposure during this phase. The formation of scabs is normal, but picking at them can dislodge grafts and reduce survival rates.

In summary, the decision to undergo a hair transplant should be approached like any surgical plan—with appropriate medical evaluation, evidence-based information, and a clear understanding of both limitations and benefits. Manchester is home to well-regarded clinics and experienced surgeons, but the responsibility for a successful outcome begins with you. By engaging your GP early, preparing your body and mind, and prioritising safety over shortcuts, you place yourself in the best possible position for long-term success.