Does a hair transplant hurt?

Does a hair transplant hurt

The 2 most common concerns an individual has when considering having a hair transplant prior to having a hair transplant, “Will my hair transplant look natural?” and “Does it hurt?” In this article we will focus on pain.

A hair transplant procedure is minor skin surgery where tiny follicular units containing 1-4 hair follicles are removed from the back of the scalp (donor area) and then pin size incisions in the top balding area (recipient area) are made for the grafts to be inserted. Due to the use of local anesthesia, which numbs the scalp during the surgery, the hair transplant procedure is not painful. However, patients may experience some discomfort during different stages of the procedure:

    1. The injection of the local anesthesia can be uncomfortable or slightly painful, but this is brief. Many surgeons will provide a sedative to relax the patient, minimizing this discomfort.
    2. Patients might feel pressure or tugging during the procedure, but it should not be painful. Many patients report falling asleep during parts of the procedure due to the sedative.
    3. Post-procedure, the anesthesia will wear off, and patients commonly experience tenderness and swelling in both the donor and recipient areas. Post-surgery discomfort typically peaks in the evening after your surgery.
    4. Mild discomfort may persist for 1-2 weeks, especially if you had a larger transplant procedure. The scalp might feel tender, and some patients have numbness to the scalp that may last for weeks or even months.

Pain management typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If pain persists or becomes more pronounced, it's important to contact your surgeon.

The discomfort is generally short-lived compared to the long-term benefits of the procedure.

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Common Side Effects of Hair Transplants

The hair transplant procedure is a simple, safe, in-office procedure that takes several hours, and the patient returns home to recover.  The following are some common side effects during the recovery process. The most frequently reported side effects include:

    1. Swelling is one of the most common side effects, especially around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks. This is normal and harmless and typically resolves independently within a few days.
    2. Patients may experience mild pain or discomfort in the donor and recipient areas, particularly in the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
    3. Itching can occur during the healing process, usually between one week to several months post-surgery. This is a typical symptom of healing.
    4. Minor bleeding may occur at the surgical sites, particularly in the donor region. This is usually just spotting on a pillow. Patients are advised to cover their pillows with a pad provided by the office for the first week.
    5. Some patients experience temporary numbness of the scalp around the surgical sites.
    6. Crusting and scabbing are normal parts of the healing process and typically resolve within a week to 10 days.
    7. Due to vascularization, the scalp may appear red and inflamed immediately after the procedure.
    8. Shock hair loss of existing hair where the hair grafts were placed is possible but usually resolves within a few months. Also, it is normal for the hair grafts to shed their hairs in 2-3 weeks and to resume hair growth in 8 to 12 week after surgery.
    9. While rare, there is a small risk of infection at the surgical sites. This can be easily treated with antibiotics. It is important that the patient notifies the doctor if they suspect there is unusual inflammation or infection.

Most of these side effects are temporary and resolve within a few days to weeks with proper aftercare. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to consult with your hair transplant surgeon.