Will I be awake for my FUE Hair Transplant?

In my practice I do not offer any type of IV sedation as I feel it is unnecessary risk to a patient.  We use local anesthetic, patients are awake watching a movie, or on their computer or iPad. If you are having this done and the doctor does want to do any IV sedation, make sure it is done at an accredited surgery center with an Anesthesiologist present in the clinic while you are being sedated.

FUE is an outpatient surgery. You have the option for light sedation (depending on the doctor).  FUE is NOT performed under general anesthesia.

You would be hard pressed to find a doctor that allowed you to be put to sleep for your hair transplant surgery. Many doctors only use a local anesthetic to numb the head, myself included, while others may include the use light sedation that probably won't put you to sleep, but instead make you feel relaxed. Honestly, with hair transplant the cons of general anesthesia do not outweigh the pros.

Hair transplant surgeons have the option of using light sedation such as a group of mediations called benzodiazepines (Lorazepam, Diazepam). These make patients feel relaxed and may induce a light sleep. But FUE is not typically done with sedation like other procedures. This adds a degree of risk that most feel is unnecessary. A hair transplant should be a well tolerated enjoyable day. 

At our center we use a light sedation and local anesthetic combination. If you are planning on sedation during your procedure make sure your provider is in a certified surgery center. Be well, Dr. M