Will You Need Anesthetic During Hair Replacement?

After your initial consultation with a hair replacement specialist, you may elect to have hair replacement surgery. Surgery is just that—surgery—and it must be performed by a fully qualified surgeon. Before surgery, the surgeon will let you know about the procedure and what to expect.


One common question: "Will I need anesthetic during surgery?" Others ask: "What type of anesthetic?"

For "traditional" hair replacement surgery, you will typically need a local anesthetic. You may be given a sedative before the surgery—to help you remain calm and still during the surgery. The local anesthetic will keep you from feeling anything on your scalp during the procedure.

However, some patients request a general anesthetic so they sleep through the entire procedure. If you don't want to be awake during the procedure, you can talk to the surgeon about your options.

What else can you expect during the hair replacement surgery?

The surgeon will look at your medical history to take into consideration potential limitations and predict your healing rate. Your surgeon will place your safety above all other considerations. Sometimes, follicles will not graft correctly and the surgeon may have to perform a "touch up" procedure.

Whether or not you have a local anesthetic, you will need to rest for at least two days after the surgery. The surgeon will tell you what to expect during the recovery.

Pain is extremely rare after surgery. The surgeon will remove the stitches 7-10 days after surgery so it's preferable to avoid any strenuous movements.

The question about anesthetic is a frequently asked question. The hair transplant surgeon can answer all questions about hair replacement surgery. Yes—there's a slight inconvenience during surgery and after surgery. But the potentially life-changing results are important to consider.

When you're ready to look into hair transplant surgery, schedule a complimentary scalp analysis at Mane Image.  There is no obligation and you can discover more about procedures during, before, and after surgery.