Does a hair transplant hurt? How it really feels, before, during and after
The most common worry before a hair transplant is pain. Here we honestly go through how it actually feels during anaesthesia, the procedure and healing.
By far the most common question we get before a hair transplant is: does it hurt? That is a completely reasonable worry, and the answer is reassuring, for the vast majority, a hair transplant is considerably less uncomfortable than they imagined.
Before the treatment
You are awake throughout the procedure. It starts with us anaesthetising both the donor area (back of the head) and the recipient area with local anaesthesia. The anaesthetic injections are the only step that can sting a little, much like at the dentist, and it passes within seconds. For those who are extra nervous we can offer a light sedative.
During the treatment
Once the anaesthesia has taken effect you feel no pain. What you notice is pressure and touch as we extract and place the follicles, but not pain. An FUE treatment takes 4-5 hours, DHI a little longer, and you lie or recline comfortably. Most people listen to music, a podcast or take a nap. We pause for lunch and to stretch your legs.
After the treatment
When the anaesthesia wears off, 2-4 hours later, you may feel mild tenderness, mainly in the back of the head where the follicles were taken. Most describe it as tenderness rather than pain, and an ordinary painkiller is usually plenty. The recipient area sometimes itches during healing, which is a sign it is healing. You receive medication and clear aftercare instructions.
Summary
A hair transplant is one of the gentler aesthetic procedures. Thanks to the local anaesthesia the treatment itself is essentially painless, and the aftercare is more about being careful than about pain relief. At a free consultation we go through exactly how your treatment will work, step by step.
Want to know more? Read about how a hair transplant works or book a free consultation.
