The operation is done under local anaesthesia, and that is not a compromise. General anaesthesia is not standard for hair restoration: the patient needs to change position through the day, eat, and be awake at the end of it, and none of that is compatible with being put under for something that does not require it.
| Method | Role |
|---|---|
| Ring block | A band of local anaesthetic that numbs everything inside it |
| Tumescent infiltration | Fluid spread through the scalp; extends numbness and firms the tissue |
| Vasoconstrictor | Reduces bleeding and makes the anaesthetic last longer |
| Sedation | Optional adjunct for anxiety, not a routine part of the procedure |
Tumescent fluid does two jobs at once. Besides carrying anaesthetic, it swells the tissue plane and makes the scalp firmer to work against, which steadies both punch depth in the donor and site depth in the recipient area. It is part of the surgical technique, not only the pain control.
Assessment before the injection is the safety step. Cardiovascular history, current medication, previous reactions to local anaesthetic and blood pressure all change what is used and how much. This is the part of anaesthesia that happens before the day of surgery, and it is the part that matters most.
Related terms
For what the day actually feels like, see does a hair transplant hurt. For how to prepare beforehand, see hair transplant preparation.