Q43 Does a hair transplant hurt?
The operation is performed under local anesthesia. Pain is mainly associated with anesthetic injections; once anesthesia takes effect, pain in the treated area rapidly decreases substantially or disappears. Individual responses vary, and we do not promise a completely sensation-free operation.
All hair-transplant operations.
Nusbaum BP. Techniques to Reduce Pain Associated with Hair Transplantation: Optimizing Anesthesia and Analgesia. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(1):9–15 (PMID 14979739) identifies anesthetic selection, injection technique, regional blocks and timely supplementary anesthesia as key to reducing transplant pain.
Tightness, dull pain, donor-area numbness or itching may occur during the first 1–3 days. Persistent or worsening pain requires prompt reassessment.
Pain-management highlights: topical anesthesia plus ultrasound-guided scalp nerve blocks in three steps. Tell your doctor about any discomfort during surgery.