Is Hair Transplant Surgery Painful?
Many patients who come to our hair restoration clinics are eager to learn about their options for hair transplantation. The latest techniques in hair transplant surgery have allowed people suffering from different levels of hair loss to achieve a hairline that looks, feels, and grows naturally.
Of course, even with the many benefits of surgical hair loss, many of our patients wonder about pain and discomfort, both as a result of surgery and as a result of the surgical recovery process. Our New Jersey, Boston, and New York hair loss clinic teams would like to take a moment right now to look at the issue of pain and hair transplant surgery so you have a good understanding of what to expect.
About Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery involves the harvesting of follicles from one part of the scalp so that they can be placed in another part of the scalp that does not currently experience hair growth. This can be done by harvesting the individual follicular units or a donor graft/strip. Once these follicular units have joined with the scalp and fully healed, patients will be able to grow their own natural-looking and natural-feeling hair in that part of the scalp again.
During a consultation with our team, they will determine if New York follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a better option for your needs.
What the Actual Hair Transplant Surgery Feels Like
Many patients have said that the most painful part of the hair transplantation surgery process is actually the initial shot of local anesthetic into the scalp. It is often compared to the sensation of getting an injection of anesthetic at the dentist's office. Multiple shots in the donor area may be necessary, though each successive shot will be less noticeable to the patient as the anesthetic takes effect.
In general, the harvesting of the donor strip/follicular units and their placement will not be painful just given the use of local anesthetic.
What the Recovery Process Feels Like
As with any surgery, a certain amount of pain and discomfort is natural. This soreness of the scalp and tightness of the scalp will last for a few days and is a natural part of the healing process. Swelling of the scalp is also normal. You should speak with our New York hair restoration surgeons ASAP if you should experience any undue pain or discomfort during your recovery.
Is the pain and discomfort tolerable?
Generally the pain and discomfort felt after the surgery is tolerable. Pain medication may be prescribed or suggested to patients, though some find that pain relievers are unnecessary as they recover. Each patient has a different tolerance for pain and discomfort, however, and everyone's healing experience is different, so pain relievers may be required.
Are there pain-free alternatives to hair loss surgery?
There are many hair loss treatment options to keep in mind that are non-invasive and non-surgical. If you would rather avoid undergoing hair transplantation, we can discuss these with you in greater detail during your visit.
Learn More About Hair Restoration Treatments
To learn more about hair transplant surgery and the different alternatives available, be sure to contact our New York, New Jersey, and Boston hair loss centers today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you restore the appearance and density of your hairline.