I'm still feeling immense pain on the back of my head when resting on my head?1 week post-op.

Question

Hi it's now the 5th day after my FUE hair transplant and I had 2,200 grafts to restore my hairline. Of an evening when trying to sleep I still can't rest the back my head on the pillow and have to make a cushion with bandages and cotton wool to ease the pressure on the donor area. It's constant sharp shooting pains in loads of different areas of the donor area. The donor area itself is pretty much healed and there is very minor redding on the area. Is this normal? How can I take this pain away? Thank you

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are having issues after surgery, especially with "pain" you should contact your doctor.  In general the pain should improve with each passing day.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

It is common for the donor area to still be sore at one week post-op.  We very rarely see patients at the two week post-op mark with donor pain. So the soreness should be diminishing within the next week.

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

Some mild discomfort is typical for up to a week or so after FUE. But if it's more intense like you're describing still at 5 days, that doesn't sound normal. I would recommend you to see a doctor in person to look at what's happening.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you have severe pain you should return to see your doctor and ask why you are having such pain. Pain, especially after FUE is rare

Amit Gupta, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for sharing the question.
The donor area pain can persist for a couple of weeks for which you can take painkiller off & on and you can even do warm compression with hot-water bag. That is usually sufficient to settle back pain and there should be no reason to worry, unless there is any infection. If you feel there is any infection then do fix an appointment with your plastic surgeon.
  
Regards, Dr. Amit Gupta

I'm still feeling immense pain on the back of my head when resting on my head?1 week post-op.

Answers (5)