FUE vs FUT: Which is more painful?
FUT hair transplants
are slightly more painful than FUE hair transplants
and may also lead to more scalp scarring. In one study, researchers observed that pain after a hair transplant surgery was significantly less severe in patients who had the donor site harvested by FUE compared to FUT. [1]
According to the study, the pain after hair transplant almost disappeared on day 3 in people who had an FUT, compared to only minimal pain lasting a day in those who had an FUE transplant. [1]
FUT isn’t as common of a procedure as it used to be but it still has it’s place. FUT is typically recommended for patients that don’t want to shave or cut their hair (mostly female patients) or that have a larger area of hair loss that needs covering but don’t have an overall thick donor area to be able to sustain an FUE procedure.
How to Reduce Post Hair Transplant Pain?
If you experience pain or soreness in your scalp post hair transplant, you can use the paracetamol that we provide you in your aftercare pack.
Some other tips you can consider to reduce any post-hair transplant pain include:
- Keep your scalp clean and avoid scrubbing the affected area. You can see our aftercare advice
for when to wash and how.
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights to minimise any discomfort.
- Avoid scratching the affected area, even if it itches, as it can slow down the healing process. You can use an antihistamine to help with this.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as a heavy workout, for at least 7 to 10 days post-surgery.
- Protect your scalp from direct sunlight, which can further irritate your scalp. However, do not use hats
in the first 14 days after hair transplant.
Other Hair Transplant Side Effects
While the risks associated with hair transplant are often minimal, you may experience side effects like: [2,3]
- Itching
- Swelling
- Scabbing or crusting
- Numbness or tingling
- Bleeding
- Folliculitis(inflammation of the hair follicles that appears as a red bump or pimple)
- Shock hair loss
- Infections (rare)
Although infections after hair transplants are rare, it is a possibility. [4,5] Infections are more likely to arise as a result of poor hygene post surgery or due to pre-existing medical conditions. [5]
Some signs that your scalp might be infected after a hair transplant include:
- Increased or persistent pain
- Excessive swelling
- Redness
- Pus or discharge
- Foul odour
- Warmth
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. You will be prescribed antibiotics, and if there is pus, your doctor will help you drain it.
Conclusion: Is a hair transplant painful?
Hair transplant surgery is relatively painless, thanks to the use of local anaesthesia, which helps numb any potential pain. Most patients report feeling little to no pain during the procedure. If you feel any discomfort, tightness, or pain after the transplant, it usually resolves within a week. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help you manage any pain you may feel after the procedure.
