What Kind Of An Anaesthetic Do You Need To Have A Hair Transplant?

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure but it is not invasive – it does not involve the inside of the body, just the skin on the scalp. It is therefore usual for a hair transplant to be done with a local anaesthetic than just numbs the skin of the scalp so that you don't feel any pain. Most surgeons also use a sedative to make you feel relaxed and drowsy, as there is a fair amount of tugging involved and it is less likely to be uncomfortable if you are relaxed.

A general anaesthetic may be used for more complex cases involving tissue expansion or flaps.

In both cases, it is likely that the operation is carried out during the day and you will not need to stay in hospital over night. It is important that you arrange for someone to drive you home and also, in the case of a general anaesthetic, stay with you for 24 hours, to be sure that you recover safely.