Is a Hair Transplant Done Under General Anaesthesia?

Typically, a hair transplant is not carried out under general anaesthesia. KSL Clinic uses local anaesthetics throughout our nationwide network of hair transplant clinics, which supports our focus on client comfort and the positive experiences we are known for. We do not expect anybody to remain in the clinic overnight and ensure the walk-in/walk-out procedure is completed efficiently and at your convenience.

We’ll clarify scenarios when healthcare professionals may recommend a general anaesthetic, but the key factor is risk. Although modern anaesthetics are well managed and administered with care, the reality is that undiagnosed conditions or underlying risk factors could mean that even the best quality general anaesthetic presents a risk to the client’s well-being.

Studies [1] have shown that mortalities associated with anaesthetics, exclusively linked to general anaesthetics, have risen, currently at a rate of 0.4 fatalities per 100,000 people. Although that by no means indicates that a general anaesthetic at a reputable healthcare facility is inadvisable, it also means that it should only be used when necessary.

Hair Transplant Anaesthetic: General vs Local Pain Relief

The main difference between general and local anaesthetic is that the former means the person is asleep and unaware during a procedure. This type of anaesthetic can carry risks, especially if there are any unknown underlying conditions affecting the person’s heart. It should only ever be administered under constant monitoring in a healthcare setting.

Surgeons and anaesthetists usually suggest general anaesthetic in specific circumstances [2] and as part of more invasive surgical procedures, where the treatment is expected to: 

• Take a significant period of time during which it would be difficult for a patient to remain stationary and calm.
• Require muscle relaxants or other medications that could impact the individual’s movement or breathing.
• Create large amounts of bleeding or potential blood loss, which is easier to control and manage when a patient is unconscious and not responsive.
• Affect the person’s blood pressure or heart rate.

Sometimes, people undergo a general anaesthetic when this isn’t medically necessary, but because they have a mental health condition, phobia or anxiety that means the risks of general anaesthetic are outweighed by the benefits.

General anaesthetic is also used within emergency surgeries or where the extent or cause of an illness or injury is unknown.

Local anaesthetic is considered safer [3] because it removes pain, aids in relaxation, and can enhance a feeling of calm. The side effects are substantially reduced, less severe, and less likely to occur.

Most KSL Clinic clients enjoy watching a film or two during their procedure and find the whole process comfortable; we’ll share some testimonials and reviews of real-world clients shortly to give you an idea of what to expect.

Risks Associated With General Anaesthetic

We’ve briefly mentioned the risks, which can become more serious for some people due to their health, medical conditions, or lifestyle—including allergies, those taking other medications, or those who have previously had poor reactions to general anaesthetic.

Minor side effects [4] can include:

• Nausea and vomiting which can last for up to around a day after the surgery.
• Feeling cold and shivering, which may continue for several hours.
• Memory loss and confusion, which is usually temporary and more prevalent in older people but can be long-lasting.
• Bladder issues and dizziness, treated with fluids.
• Hoarseness or a sore throat, normally where a tube has been placed into your throat or mouth to support breathing.
• Bruising and soreness, typically due to having been manoeuvred or where a drip or injection has been administered.

Severe side effects include anaphylaxis, [5] an allergic reaction, which can present as a life-threatening medical emergency. Fatalities and accidental awakeness, where an anaesthetic has not been administered properly, are extremely rare but also incredibly serious.

While most of these outcomes are unusual and well mitigated by undertaking a full review of a patient’s medical history, the precision and minimally invasive nature of a hair transplant means we prefer to use a high-quality local anaesthetic. This is far safer and ensures our clients are awake throughout and able to return home immediately after their hair transplant.

The Advantage of Hair Transplants Completed Under Local Anaesthetic

All the risk factors and possible concerns outlined mean that general anaesthetic should only be used when necessary and within a medical facility with a qualified, trained anaesthetist. Although the idea of being asleep during a hair transplant might seem appealing, local anaesthetic is also far preferable in terms of recovery.

We administer a local anaesthetic only to the target area, covering all donor sites and the location of hair loss or hair thinning. That ensures you can communicate, watch our wide-screen TV, talk with your surgeon and technicians, and let us know if you need anything.

Targeted local anaesthetic avoids a huge array of minor complications, such as damage to your teeth and mouth, which are common during anaesthetic because the person is asleep and cannot consciously control their movements.

It also means that when your transplant is complete, you are free to leave, whether you’re planning to head home or have arranged local accommodation to relax and recuperate for a few days after your procedure.

Rather than staying in the clinic or requiring ongoing monitoring to look for signs of adverse reactions, we verify that you are well and comfortable, apply gentle bandaging, and offer customised advice about pain relief, aftercare, and managing any residual swelling and redness over the next few days.

Client Experiences of Hair Transplants Under Local Anaesthetic With KSL Clinic

As a specialist private hair transplantation provider, the comfort and satisfaction of our clients are paramount, and we do everything possible to ensure your hair transplant is entirely pain-free.

Below, we’ve shared some anecdotes from our valued clients to showcase how a hair transplant completed under a quality local anaesthetic feels:

• Ashley underwent an FUE hair transplant and said, ‘My time with KSL has been brilliant. They really look after you while you have the procedure done, as well as afterwards. It’s been pain-free, and I’ve had no issues with the aftercare or regrowth. Everything that happened month by month, I was told about by the clinic beforehand. Easily the best in the business!’
• Ryan Cleary, influencer and reality TV star, reported, ‘Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel comfortable the moment I walked in. I watched Netflix and a couple of films – it was a really chilled day. All in all, the procedure went really smoothly, such an amazing team!’
• Jordan booked a hair transplant to correct a receding hairline. He notes, ‘ I cannot speak highly enough of the service I was provided at KSL. I cannot wait to see full results in 6-12 months’ time. The procedure was pain-free, and aftercare very comprehensive. Would recommend KSL to anyone!’
• Rob Wotton, Sky Sports Presenter, had a similarly relaxing experience, telling us, ‘Don’t consider it, just do it! It was brilliant. I was lying there thinking I’ve been meaning to get this done for years, and I can’t believe I’m actually getting it done now. I’m feeling great; I think I’ve completed Netflix—watching that all day was great! The guys were fantastic; they looked after me very well.’

You’ll find further client testimonials and celebrity stories, including video diaries and before and after photos, through our extensive collection of reviews.

Our Pain-Free, Minimally Invasive Approach to Hair Transplantation

As the above comments indicate, the use of entertainment, alongside local anaesthetic, is a great way to ensure your hair transplant is relaxing, with the anaesthetic to keep any pain at bay and the distraction of your preferred streaming service, movie or TV series an excellent way to give you something to focus on and pass the time.

XX clarifies, ‘Local anaesthetic is a trusted, proven way to relieve pain and discomfort, and is well suited to precise FUE hair transplants. 

KSL Clinic uses cutting-edge tools, equipment, and facilities to ensure your skin, scalp, and hair incur minimal disruption. This, alongside the standard of anaesthetic we administer, ensures your recovery is expedited without unnecessary pain or soreness during or after your hair transplant.

During your hair transplant, you are actively encouraged to let us know how you are feeling. Our skilled technicians are on hand to monitor your anaesthetic and administer any required top-ups—which usually apply only to more extensive grafts.

For more information about hair transplants, general and local anaesthetics, and our exacting hair transplant technique, you are welcome to contact your nearest KSL Clinic to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.