FUE Hair Transplant - How to heal the stabbing pain in the donor area? (Photos)

Question

I got a FUE hair transplant done 8 days back. Day 3 onwards, once the anesthesia started wearing off I've had a lot of pain in donor area and been consistently taking 2 tablets of Ibuprofen everyday to get through the day. The pain is kind of a shooting and stabbing pain which occurs at any of multiple different points in the donor area. 1) Is my healing okay? Uploading photos of 8th day 2) Will it get better on it's own or I need to do something? Massages have had no major effect.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Personalized medical treatment advice on the Internet without a good history and examination is inaccurate and may lead to confusion and misinformation.It is best to contact your surgeon for post surgery issues and care since all doctors have slightly different instructions.

Sara Salas, MD · Answer

FUE post op pain is unusual. In my opinion it should resolve after more time. If this is affecting you daily you need to consult with your surgeon.

William Woessner, MD · Answer

Such pain after an FUE transplant is a bit unusual. You should consult your surgeon and have an examination if possible.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

We see this occasionally, and it will often respond to a course of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent such as ibuprofen taken around the clock for two weeks.  However, it is unusual, and though I don't see anything alarming on the photos you provide I would strongly suggest you visit your surgeon for assessment and treatment.

Daniel Danyo, MD · Answer

Pain after FUE is not uncommon.  Your symptoms are likely related to nerve irritation and it will continue to improve likely over the next two weeks and not be permanent.  I would not massage the donor site, since this will only irritate it.  Taking a warm shower and allowing the water to hit the donor site can often give some pain relief by relaxing the underlying scalp muscles which can also get irritated.
From a medical standpoint, I can only say what I have have offered my patients - Neurontin (Gabapentin) for one week can reduce nerve irritation, Medrol dose pack to relieve inflammation and even acupuncture which I am certified to perform.  Narcotics are not effective and I typically do not write them for this issue.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You should return to speak with your surgeon and ask your surgeon about your pain and what he could do to help you

FUE Hair Transplant - How to heal the stabbing pain in the donor area? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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