Numbness of The Donor Area After Hair Transplantation

Hair transplantation is a safe out-patient procedure. It is done in an in-office setting and no hospitalization, general anesthesia or IV medication is required. The process of strip method hair transplantation involves the removal of a strip of hair from the back of the scalp. During this process, the nerves running through the scalp are cut and the site is sutured. As a result, it is expected that there would be some numbness that can last 5 to 6 months after the procedure.

Usually sensations are regained and patients are not bothered. Less than 1% undergoing hair transplantation may have minimal numbness lasting more than one year. Usually people are not concerned by it, but are instead pleased about their new hair.

During a talk on scalp hair loss Los Angeles, The use of a new technique called Follicle Unit Extraction (FUE) has reduced this post operative change. Follicle Unit Extraction is the individual removal of each hair follicle from the back of the scalp. There is no cutting of a strip of scalp in this procedure. Instead, the back of the donor area is shaved. It is numbed, and then using very small circular punches of 0.75mm, each individual hair follicle is removed. This way the nerves are not cut and there is minimal to no abnormal sensation. The punches are so small so the scar is hardly seen.

Overall, numbness/lack of sensation may occur at the donor area after hair transplantation. Usually, it is not bothersome and is temporary. Very rarely does it last over 6-9 months. At Dermatology and Hair Restoration Specialists, we are one of few centers that focus on Follicle Unit Extraction which does not involve the cutting of the strip and eliminates this issue. Dr. Sean Behnam puts in the time and effort to make sure you get an excellent result that you are happy with.

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