Hair transplants are almost always performed under local anesthesia with the patient awake — general anesthesia is not required.

Local Anesthesia

Agents such as lidocaine are injected into the donor and recipient areas. A brief pinching sensation may be felt for the first few minutes, after which the area goes fully numb.

Sedation Options

For patients with higher anxiety, mild oral sedation (anxiolytic) or, at some clinics, nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") may be offered. This doesn't induce unconsciousness — it simply promotes relaxation.

Post-Procedure Pain

Once anesthesia wears off, mild-to-moderate tenderness, tightness, or tingling is normal. Over-the-counter acetaminophen is usually sufficient; aspirin/ibuprofen should be avoided without surgeon approval due to their blood-thinning effect.

When to worry: Severe, worsening pain, high fever, or unusual swelling can signal infection and should be reported to the clinic immediately.