The most common reason patients delay a hair transplant is fear of pain. The reality is that a hair transplant, once the local anaesthetic has taken effect, is largely pain-free. Understanding exactly what the anaesthetic involves removes much of the apprehension.
What Anaesthetic Is Used?
Hair transplants are performed under local anaesthetic — the same type used in dentistry, minor surgery, and dermatological procedures. You remain fully conscious throughout the procedure. No general anaesthetic or sedation is required.
The solution typically contains lidocaine (the anaesthetic agent) and adrenaline (epinephrine), which constricts blood vessels to reduce bleeding and prolong the anaesthetic effect.
The Injection Phase: What It Actually Feels Like
The injections to numb the scalp are the most uncomfortable part of the entire procedure. Patients describe the sensation as a series of sharp pinches or stinging sensations around the scalp — similar to, or slightly more intense than, dental injections.
The injection phase typically takes 10–20 minutes. Once complete, the scalp is fully numb and the procedure itself is painless.
Clinics that use topical numbing cream applied to the scalp before the injections can reduce the initial sting of the needle entry, making the experience more comfortable.
Pain Vibration Devices
Many modern clinics use a vibration device (sometimes called a "Comfort-in" device) alongside the injections. The vibration stimulates mechanoreceptors in the skin, which compete with pain signals from the needle — a mechanism known as gate control theory. Patients who've experienced injections both with and without vibration consistently report significantly less discomfort with the device.
During the Procedure
Once numb, you will feel pressure and movement on the scalp — the sensation of the surgeon working — but not pain. Most patients find the procedure medially comfortable and many sleep during parts of it, particularly during the implantation phase which can take several hours.
If at any point during the procedure you feel pain, inform the surgical team immediately. Additional anaesthetic can be administered within seconds. Do not try to tolerate pain — it is unnecessary and counterproductive.
After the Procedure: When Does the Anaesthetic Wear Off?
The anaesthetic typically wears off 4–6 hours after the procedure. As it does, you may feel a dull aching sensation in the scalp — described by most patients as similar to a tension headache or sunburn-like discomfort. This is usually mild to moderate and well-controlled with paracetamol.
The first night is typically the most uncomfortable. Most patients report significant improvement by day 2.
Managing Post-Anaesthetic Discomfort
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) 1g every 6 hours is the recommended first-line pain relief. Avoid aspirin and high-dose ibuprofen (which were not prescribed) due to blood-thinning effects.
Your clinic will prescribe appropriate pain relief as part of your post-operative medication pack.
Sleeping in an elevated position on the first night both reduces swelling and tends to reduce pressure-related scalp discomfort.
Concerned about pain? Our team will walk you through exactly what to expect, step by step, before your procedure.