Managing Pain During and After a Hair Transplant

Pain management in hair transplant surgery is a key component of patient care, both during the procedure and in the days that follow. At My Hair UK, we focus on the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method, a minimally invasive surgical technique. While the procedure is safe and well-tolerated by the majority of patients, understanding the pain pathway and planning appropriate analgesia is vital for a smooth experience.

The perception of pain in FUE surgery stems mainly from two points—local anaesthesia administration and post-operative scalp inflammation. During the procedure itself, patients are awake. We use a series of small, controlled injections to numb the donor and recipient areas of the scalp. Although these injections can be uncomfortable, the use of fine-gauge needles and a buffering agent to adjust pH levels significantly reduces the sting. Some clinics dilute lignocaine with bicarbonate to mitigate the burning sensation commonly reported by patients. Once the scalp is numb, patients typically report little to no pain throughout the extraction or implantation stages.

We adopt a layered approach to anaesthesia. This means injecting at both the superficial dermal level and deeper subcutaneous planes. By carefully targeting the sensory nerve supply of the occipital and temporal regions, the effects of lignocaine or bupivacaine can last throughout the day. Bupivacaine, in particular, has a longer half-life, allowing for extended analgesia during longer sessions such as 2500–3000 grafts. For larger procedures such as 3500 grafts, which may last up to 8 hours, top-up doses are administered cautiously to maintain safety limits. We calculate the maximum safe dose based on the patient’s weight and comorbidities, avoiding toxicity while maintaining comfort.

Intraoperative sedation is not typically required, though it can be offered in specific cases. Most patients find that watching television, listening to music, or simply resting suffices to keep them calm throughout the procedure. We discuss all available options during the pre-operative consultation to ensure individual needs are addressed.

After the transplant, patients may feel mild to moderate discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off, usually within 6–8 hours post-surgery. This is mainly due to localised inflammation and minor trauma to the skin. At My Hair UK, we recommend a regimen of paracetamol 1g four times a day as the first-line analgesic. For those who need stronger relief, we may advise adding ibuprofen 400mg three times a day, provided there are no contraindications such as peptic ulcer disease or renal dysfunction. We avoid prescribing opiates unless strictly necessary, as their side effect profile outweighs the marginal benefit for this level of pain.

Swelling in the forehead and around the eyes is another common complaint, especially after frontal hairline implantation. This is not painful per se, but can be distressing. To reduce this, we advise sleeping upright for three nights, using cold compresses, and in some cases, short-course corticosteroids such as prednisolone. Studies support the short-term use of corticosteroids in hair transplant patients to reduce oedema without increasing the risk of infection or delayed healing.

Infection is rare but must always be considered in patients with persistent or worsening pain after surgery. Signs such as increasing redness, warmth, discharge or systemic symptoms require urgent medical review. We educate all patients on how to recognise these signs and provide a direct contact for medical support during the recovery phase.

Pain tolerance varies between individuals. While most describe the experience as less painful than dental work, some find the first night particularly difficult, especially when trying to avoid pressure on the grafted area. This is why clear post-op instructions matter. We provide a medical aftercare pack with written and video guidance on how to sleep, wash, and manage discomfort. Patients undergoing 1000 or 1500 grafts often find the recovery easier than those opting for 3000 or 3500 grafts due to the smaller surface area involved.

The cost of a hair transplant at My Hair UK includes full pain management and aftercare support. Prices start from £2,899 for up to 1000 grafts, rising to £4,899 for up to 3500 grafts. These prices cover all medical aspects of the procedure, including anaesthesia, prescribed medication, and follow-up. There are no hidden fees or extra charges for pain relief, which we consider part of essential surgical care.

Patients often ask whether pain should influence their decision to proceed. My response is always based on honest clinical experience—pain is part of surgery, but in the context of FUE, it is short-lived and highly manageable. With proper planning, medication, and clear expectations, you are unlikely to find the experience distressing. Our team of doctors and nurses are trained to identify discomfort early and respond promptly, ensuring you feel looked after from start to finish.

Effective pain management in hair transplantation isn’t just about reducing discomfort—it’s about supporting healing, reducing stress, and helping you feel confident at every stage. This is the standard we aim for at My Hair UK.