Question:
what can i do/take preop to prevent or lessen anticipated hair loss?

   — betsy S. (posted on October 8, 2002)

October 8, 2002
Unfortunately, I don't believe there is anything to do to fully prevent or keep hair loss from happening. There are some things you can do to make it a little less, though. You can start by making sure you are getting your dosage of all neccessary vitamins. Start taking some protien drinks before surgery. Then after surgery, make sure and get your calcium (at least 100 MG a day) and protien (at least 50-60 grams per day) in. Take a chewable multivitamin also. Most hair loss is mainly caused by just the shock on your body from surgery. The good this is, however, you won't lose all your hair and it will come back. Hope this helps!
   — sammygirlwpc

October 8, 2002
Betsey, A friend of mine had surgery and she said she took "BIOTIN" before and after surgery. She said her hair did not come out. Also, my surgeon said lack of enough Protein can cause it..so as the prev poster said make sure you get your vitamins in. Nancy Poe
   — NANCY P.

October 8, 2002
Betsy, there's not much you can do pre-op. In fact, you may be one of the lucky ones who don't lose much hair. The idea is to not take anything you don't need. After my hair loss began to show up, I started taking biotin and zinc supplements (the hair-and-nails supplements). After about 4 months, my hair started to thicken up again. I used a gentle, color-protective (I do color my hair) shampoo and conditioner, and used anti-frizz stuff on the ends. I also shortened my hair, to make it look as thick as possible. Good luck to you, whatever you decide to do. Margie B
   — Marjorie B.

October 9, 2002
the previous posts are correct, but the other things you can do are get your hair as healthy as posible before surgery, good regular cuts, good conditioning treatments, if you color or perm get it done before surgery, not shortly after. Annesthesia does effect hair. I also use a clarifying shampoe every couple weeks, that helps to remove meds and hair treatment build ups. After surgery, keep your protein level up and eat as nutritious as you can. Hopefully, you won't loose much if you do loose. There is no way to tell if you will or won't ahead of time. But the previous was correct, it may get thin, but you won't go bald, and it will return.
   — Elizabeth K.