Why and when should I stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines before the hair transplant surgery?

Oct 3, 2019 | By Dr. Sangay Bhutia (Hair Transplant Doctor in Delhi, NCR, India)

Anti-inflammatory medicines are drugs that use to reduce the inflammation or swelling, which in returns helps to relieve the pain in certain body area. These are generally Acetyl salicylic acid(ASA) and Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAID). These drugs interfere with production and function of the platelets, thereby causing increased chance of bleeding during the surgery. Some of the most common anti-inflammatory medicines are Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and more. Effect of NSAIDs is dependent on its presence in blood and are reversible. Ibuprofen remain in blood for short period so it can be discontinued for a day or two before surgery, whereas other medicines with longer period in circulation needs to be stopped somewhat longer. Effect of ASA on the platelets remain for 7-10 days. So it is advisable to stop ASA around 7-10 before surgery.

We all know that increased bleeding is not desirable in any procedure and more so in hair transplant procedures. With bleeding the procedure time increases and it also leads to the popping out of grafts. This causes increase in handling and in turn decreases the chances of graft survival. All the medications which the patient is taking already needs to be discussed with the doctor who have prescribed them for stopping or modifying it.