What Medical Tests Should You Have Before a Hair Transplant in London?

If you're considering a hair transplant in London, understanding your baseline health is the first step. A transplant isn’t cosmetic in the way a haircut is—it's a surgical procedure. It carries the same physiological demands and risks. At My Hair UK, we take patient safety seriously. That starts with preoperative screening.

The main reason for medical testing is to identify undiagnosed conditions that could make surgery unsafe. Conditions like undiagnosed diabetes, anaemia, or viral infections can interfere with wound healing, increase infection risk, or affect how well grafts survive. For example, poor glycaemic control has been associated with delayed wound healing and poor postoperative outcomes across many types of procedures. That matters even with a minimally invasive technique like FUE.

A typical preoperative screen will include a complete blood count to check for anaemia or infection. Liver and kidney function tests are essential to ensure the body can safely metabolise any medications prescribed post-surgery. If you're over 40 or have cardiovascular risk factors, an ECG should also be considered. Patients with arrhythmias or silent ischaemia need this picked up early. Where blood pressure is raised, this must be treated and brought under control before proceeding. Hypertension can increase bleeding risk during the extraction and implantation phases.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of male hair loss, but it's not the only one. Autoimmune disorders like lupus or thyroid dysfunction can also lead to hair thinning. Without blood work, these may go undetected. Thyroid function testing (TSH, T3, and T4) is worth considering in anyone with atypical hair loss or accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, cold intolerance, or weight fluctuation. Identifying a reversible cause of hair loss before surgery could save you from unnecessary procedures.

If you're taking regular medication, tell your surgeon and GP. Some drugs thin the blood—aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin—or increase bleeding risk by other mechanisms. Others, like steroids or immunosuppressants, impair wound healing. These must be reviewed before a surgical date is set.

Before your first consultation, we recommend a full health check with your local GP. It helps to have an independent medical overview before committing to elective surgery. In central London, consider registering with one of the following NHS practices if you're not already linked to a GP:

• Little Venice Medical Centre, 2 Crompton St, London W2 1ND
• The Abbey Medical Centre, 85 Abbey Rd., London NW8 0AG
• Islington Central Medical Centre, 28 Laycock Street, N1 1SW

Your GP can carry out routine blood work, arrange an ECG if needed, and confirm your medication history. This collaborative approach between general practice and our surgical team ensures your safety and gives us a clearer picture of what’s medically appropriate for you.

Hair transplants in London vary in cost. At My Hair UK, our pricing is clear and based on graft number. For example, 1000 grafts (equivalent to 2000 hairs) cost around £2,899, while 3000 grafts (roughly 6000 hairs) are priced at £4,499. These prices are fixed with no hidden fees. But remember, preoperative blood tests and GP assessments are not usually included in these costs and should be arranged separately.

A medically sound patient has the best chance of an excellent aesthetic result. A hair transplant isn't just about appearance—it's about biology, healing, and long-term follicle survival. Start by making sure your body is prepared. That begins in your GP's office, not the operating theatre.