You have decided. Gurgaon over Dubai. The cost savings are substantial, the surgical expertise is world-class, and multiple colleagues have already made the trip. Now comes the practical question: what do you actually need to do before you board that flight? This checklist covers everything from the blood work you should complete in the UAE to the medications you must stop, the timeline for your trip, and the aftercare arrangements that need to be in place before your surgeon makes the first extraction.
30 Days Before: Medical Preparation
| Action Item | Where to Do It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Book a video consultation with your surgeon | From UAE via clinic website/WhatsApp | Confirms candidacy; sets graft count expectation |
| Get blood tests: CBC, HbA1c, TSH, ferritin, HIV, HBsAg, PT/INR | Any UAE lab (Al Borg, Medlab) | Pre-operative clearance; identifies risks |
| Share trichoscopy photos (if available) | During video consultation | Helps surgeon plan donor zone and design |
| Stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) | Per surgeon instructions | Reduces intra-operative bleeding risk |
| Stop biotin supplements | 30 days before | Can interfere with lab results |
| Stop alcohol consumption | 14 days before | Reduces bleeding and improves healing |
14 Days Before: Logistics and Travel
Book your flights to arrive in Delhi or Gurgaon at least one day before surgery. Jet lag and dehydration from a three to four hour flight are manageable, but arriving on the same day as surgery adds unnecessary stress. Plan to stay in Gurgaon for a minimum of three days post-surgery. Day one is surgery. Day two is the first follow-up wash and assessment. Day three confirms healing is on track before you fly home.
Accommodation near Sector 65 in Gurgaon is recommended. House of Aetheria can provide a list of partner hotels within a five-minute drive of the clinic. Many UAE patients choose serviced apartments for privacy during the initial recovery phase.
“We have treated hundreds of UAE patients. The ones who have the best experience are the ones who plan properly. Arrive rested, arrive prepared, and the surgery is the easy part.”
— Dr. Rahul Jain, MCh Plastic Surgery, House of Aetheria
7 Days Before: Final Preparation
Stop minoxidil application if you are using it. The surgeon will advise when to resume post-operatively. If you are on finasteride, continue taking it unless specifically instructed otherwise. Begin reducing caffeine intake to minimise scalp bleeding during extraction. Arrange for a travel companion if possible. While not strictly necessary, having someone with you for the first 48 hours post-surgery reduces stress and helps with practical logistics.
Surgery Day: What to Expect
Arrive at the clinic freshly showered with clean hair. Wear a button-down shirt, as you will not be able to pull anything over your head for the first few days post-surgery. The procedure takes 6 to 8 hours depending on graft count. Local anaesthesia means you are awake throughout. Most patients listen to podcasts, watch content on their phone, or sleep during the procedure.
You will receive a post-operative care kit including saline spray, prescribed medications, a neck pillow for sleeping, and written aftercare instructions in English and Arabic.
Post-Surgery: Before You Fly Home
Day one post-surgery involves rest at your accommodation. Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Day two brings the first clinical wash at the clinic, where the team gently removes any dried blood and assesses graft placement. Day three is the follow-up assessment. Once cleared, most patients fly home on day three or four.
Flying after hair transplant:
Cabin pressure does not affect grafts. However, stay hydrated, avoid bending to pick up luggage, and continue saline spray application during the flight. Wear a loose cap provided by the clinic to protect grafts from accidental contact.
After Returning to the UAE
House of Aetheria provides remote follow-up care via WhatsApp and video calls. Photos at day 7, day 14, month 1, and month 3 are reviewed by the surgical team. PRP sessions can be completed at a partner dermatology clinic in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or scheduled during a return visit to Gurgaon.
The entire trip, from departure to return, typically takes five to six days. The cost savings compared to having the same procedure in Dubai range from 60 to 70 percent. The quality of care is equivalent or superior. The only variable is your preparation, and this checklist ensures that variable is covered.
Related Treatment
Hair Transplant (FUE / DHI)
Surgeon-led graft planning with donor preservation and natural hairline design.
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