If you’re considering a hair transplant, one of the first questions on your mind is probably this:
“Will it hurt?”
It’s a completely normal concern. The good news is that modern hair transplant anesthesia is designed to keep patients extremely comfortable while avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how easy the experience feels once they understand how anesthesia works.
Knowing what to expect can remove anxiety and help you walk into surgery feeling calm, informed, and confident.
How Anesthesia Works in Hair Transplant Surgery
Unlike many surgeries, most hair transplant procedures are performed with the patient awake and relaxed. The goal is not heavy sedation. Instead, the focus is:
- Complete numbness of the scalp
- Long-lasting comfort
- Minimal impact on the body
- Fast recovery after surgery
This approach provides excellent pain control without the risks associated with being fully put to sleep.
Local Anesthesia for Hair Transplants
Most follicular unit excision (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) hair transplant procedures rely on local anesthesia. Medication is placed directly into the scalp to numb the treatment areas while the patient remains awake.
Benefits of local anesthesia
- The patient stays alert and breathing normally
- Only the scalp is numbed
- Recovery is quick
- Pain control lasts several hours
- Extremely safe when administered by experienced surgeons
What patients feel
Patients may notice a few brief pinches during the initial injections. Once numbness sets in, the procedure itself is painless. Many patients relax enough to watch movies, listen to music, or nap during surgery.
Dr. Marco Barusco’s Approach to Comfort
Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration—explains his approach to local anesthesia.
“The nerves in the scalp come up from the neck. There are specific nerve bundles that we numb around the treatment area. I use a ring block technique so the entire surgical area stays comfortable throughout the procedure.
“Lidocaine works immediately and lasts for hours. As the body absorbs it, we reinforce the area so numbness is maintained. The goal is continuous comfort from start to finish.”
Optional Relaxation Medication
Some patients benefit from mild relaxation medication before surgery. This is optional and used to reduce anxiety, not to put the patient to sleep.
These medications:
- Promote calmness
- Help nervous patients relax
- Allow communication with the surgical team
- Do not involve general anesthesia
Medication options evolve and are tailored to each patient. Your surgeon will recommend what is safest and most appropriate during consultation.
Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
For patients with severe anxiety, needle phobia, or difficulty remaining still during long procedures, deeper relaxation options may be considered. These are always paired with local anesthesia and customized to the individual.
Modern anesthesia protocols continue to evolve. Your surgical team will design a comfort plan based on current best practices and your specific needs.
Why General Anesthesia is Not Used for Hair Transplants
General anesthesia is typically reserved for hospital-based surgeries. It is not standard or recommended for hair transplant procedures.
Hair transplants are long surgeries. Extended time under general anesthesia increases medical risk without improving results.
Dr. Barusco notes:
“Modern hair transplantation allows patients to stay safe and comfortable without exposing them to the risks of general anesthesia. There is no benefit to putting a patient fully to sleep for this procedure.”
Modified Klein Solution for Body Hair Transplantation
In specialized cases where body hair is transplanted to the scalp, surgeons use an advanced anesthetic mixture known as a modified Klein solution.
This technique provides:
- Extended numbness
- Reduced bleeding
- Stabilized tissue
- Improved graft precision
- Greater patient comfort
Body skin behaves differently from scalp skin, so anesthesia must be adjusted accordingly. Advanced techniques allow safe harvesting while minimizing discomfort during recovery. Dr. Barusco discusses the details of this type of surgery in his video—“Transplanting Body Hair to the Scalp”—on his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice.
Pain management methods continue to evolve, and anesthesia plans are always based on current medical standards.
Choosing an Experienced Hair Transplant Surgeon
Anesthesia safety is not just about medication. It depends on surgical experience.
A qualified hair transplant surgeon designs a personalized anesthesia plan based on:
- Health history
- Anxiety level
- Procedure length
- Donor area selection
- Comfort needs
Every patient is different. Experienced surgeons prioritize safety and comfort because they directly affect surgical outcomes.
Why Patients Choose Tempus Hair Restoration
Dr. Marco Barusco is recognized for combining surgical precision with an artistic approach to hair restoration. Every consultation is conducted personally by Dr. Barusco, giving patients direct access to expert guidance.
Consultations are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Out-of-town patients traveling more than 100 miles to our Port Orange, Florida surgical center receive a complimentary two-night hotel stay to simplify their experience.
Wherever you are in your hair restoration journey, our team is here to help.