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Managing Pain During and After a Hair Transplant at My Hair UK

Hair transplant surgery using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique is routinely carried out at My Hair UK with a high level of patient comfort. Despite the surgical nature of the procedure, most patients are surprised by how manageable the pain is—both during and after the operation. With careful use of local anaesthetics, analgesia protocols, and structured aftercare, the discomfort is kept to a minimum.

Pain during a hair transplant is primarily linked to the administration of local anaesthetic. This is performed before both the donor and recipient areas are addressed. We use a tumescent anaesthetic solution—typically lignocaine with adrenaline and sometimes bupivacaine for prolonged effect. This provides reliable numbness for several hours. To reduce the burning sensation often reported with lignocaine, we pre-warm the solution and buffer it using sodium bicarbonate, which reduces the acidity. According to research published in the British Journal of Dermatology, buffering lignocaine significantly improves patient tolerance.

The sensation during anaesthetic infiltration varies depending on individual pain thresholds, but most patients report a mild stinging lasting under a minute. Once anaesthetised, the entire procedure is painless. Patients undergoing 2000 to 3000 grafts—often lasting 6 to 8 hours—remain comfortable throughout. Anaesthetic top-ups are used if sensation begins to return, carefully calculated to remain within safe dosage limits. For reference, the recommended maximum dose for lignocaine with adrenaline is 7 mg/kg, and this is always adhered to.

Unlike some surgical procedures, FUE does not require general anaesthetic or sedation. Patients are awake, can watch TV, listen to music, or take short breaks during the day. This interactive and relaxed environment helps reduce anxiety and indirectly lowers pain perception. At My Hair UK, we believe that a calm and informed patient is less likely to experience procedural distress.

After the anaesthetic wears off—typically within 6 to 10 hours—some mild aching, tightness or tenderness is expected. The donor area, where follicular units are extracted, may feel bruised or sore, similar to a mild sunburn. We provide patients with a full course of post-operative pain relief. Paracetamol is the first choice. In some cases, especially after higher graft counts like 3500, we prescribe a short course of ibuprofen to address inflammation. These medications are safe, widely used, and non-addictive.

There is no routine need for codeine or opioids. In fact, over-reliance on such drugs can lead to unnecessary side effects like constipation, drowsiness, and nausea. The British Association of Dermatologists notes that non-opioid regimens are sufficient for most minor dermatological procedures.

Swelling is another issue that can cause discomfort post-surgery. This typically affects the forehead or upper eyelids, especially after dense packing of the frontal hairline. It peaks around day two or three and resolves naturally. We use cold compresses and advise patients to sleep at a 45-degree angle for the first few nights to minimise this. In select cases, we prescribe oral corticosteroids for 2 to 3 days, which can significantly reduce swelling without delaying healing.

We pay close attention to infection control, as infection is one of the few causes of genuine pain post-transplant. All patients are given antiseptic spray and antibiotic ointment to use in the days following surgery. If symptoms such as pus, increasing redness or pain persist, we review the patient without delay. Prompt antibiotic treatment is rarely needed, but we remain prepared to act if necessary.

Pain also depends on the number of grafts. Smaller procedures such as 1000 or 1500 grafts involve shorter surgical time and less trauma. These patients tend to experience faster recovery and little post-operative soreness. Larger cases—2500 to 3500 grafts—require more donor harvesting and implantation, which naturally increases the chance of minor discomfort. That said, with structured medication, this remains well controlled.

Hair transplant costs at My Hair UK are inclusive of anaesthesia, prescribed pain medication, and detailed aftercare. The cost ranges from £2,899 for 1000 grafts up to £4,899 for 3500 grafts. There are no extra charges for analgesia or consultations related to pain management.

Some patients express concern about sleeping positions and discomfort on the first night. We provide a travel pillow, sleeping guide, and access to medical staff should any queries arise. Most patients sleep reasonably well after surgery. Pain is rarely more than a dull ache and does not usually require night-time medication beyond what we supply.

At My Hair UK, our goal is not just to perform safe and successful FUE surgery, but also to ensure that your entire experience—from anaesthesia to aftercare—is as comfortable as possible. Pain is a concern for many, but with a structured, evidence-based approach, we find it rarely limits patient satisfaction.