hey guys - wanted to get your feedback on the FUE procedure.. reading up on it some more -it sounds like the most painful part of the process is the freezing of the donor and recipient areas.

I am looking at getting 2500 FUE grafts initially - and want to know what type of pain and discomfort to expect? How much swelling occurs and when should I be back to "normal"..

Thanks!

Not sure what you mean by freezing but the most painful part of the procedure is the anesthesia process. This is not by any means excruciating but you will feel pinches from the needle as the anesthesia kicks in. This is the same process as FUT and is considered less painful as you do not have a piece of tissue removed and stitches in that area. You will have some discomfort and pain for a few days, but nothing some pain killers can't handle. Swelling can occur in the forehead area at first, and it would start going downward toward your eyes and nose. This does not occur to everyone, but it is normal if it occurs. Some people react better to the medication the doctor provides beforehand which contains a steroid which helps with that process. You will have scabs develop in the recipient and donor areas which will fall off around 8 days post surgery where you would be able to return to work and look "normal". You will also still have some pinkness in both areas but that is not terribly noticeable, and you can use some cosmetics to mask that if you wish.

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I am a consultant for Dr. True and Dr. Dorin. These opinions are my own.

Dr. Robert True and Dr. Robert Dorin are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

thanks.. the anesthesia process is what i was referring to... what medicines are usually prescribed? i heard you have to sleep at a 45 degree angle as well? FUE is less invasive then the FUT treatment so assume the pain in the donor area is slim to none?

Medications such as vicodin are prescribed for pain, an antibiotic, and possibly a sleeping aid are prescribed for FUE patients. We do suggest sleeping upright for the first 3 nights but you don't have to be up as high as 45 degrees. Usually 25-30 degrees is plenty. This can be achieved by putting a few pillows behind your back and neck when you are laying in bed so you are not lying down and keeping yourself and your head elevated while still being comfortable. FUE and FUT are equally invasive in terms of extracting the grafts at about the same depth. The FUT simply removes more tissue than the FUE, the reason the pain is less with FUE is because the incisions are smaller rather than a sizable incision and stitches. The pain that is associated with both procedures always occurs in the donor area but again it's not terrible just sore and bit uncomfortable. Typically most patients experience very little to no pain in the recipient area because it will be quite numb for a few weeks, and you will still experience slight loss of sensation for 3-5 months.

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I am a consultant for Dr. True and Dr. Dorin. These opinions are my own.

Dr. Robert True and Dr. Robert Dorin are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

Hi there,

I honestly think the most painful thing for you is going to not be surgery but the fact you just do not appear eligible for FUE based on the demand.

Just get well informed on FUE and really truly understand it and its undeniable limitations.

Based on experience of dealing with many guys who have been down the road of mega session FUE just be careful.

Best Regards
Spex

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Best
SPEX

Consultant for Dr. Feller, Coalition Member and Dr. Lindsey, Coalition Member.

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own. "Research-Research-Research"

My Hair Loss Blog with Pictures

It doesn't hurt at all really...Oh my surgeon went past my scalp and dug in to my skull by accident that hurt like a mother trucker but he was a plonker that doesn't happen if you have a good surgeon. There is a lot of dizzyness when your head has been pressed down for 3 hours and you feel like passing out when you stand up but it doesn't hurt.

To conclude the operation it self is no problem but that night when you try to sleep straight after is quite harsh you'll need some good drugs for that.

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Bonkerstonker!

http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog/home-page.asp?WebID=1977

Started losing my hair at 19 in 1999
I've been using propecia and minoxidil 10 years
Had 4 hair transplants equalling 8460 grafts by way of strip & fue

From my experience, it doesn't hurt at all, but I will say that there is a lot of discomfort after the procedure. When the numbing wears off, your donor area will feel sore, especially if you wrinkle your head. Sleeping in a 45-degree angle in the first 4 nights was difficult for me. If you try to sleep with the back of your head against the pillow (even after two weeks), it feels extremely weird, like having a metal plate against your head. And you'll have minor soreness from pimples in the donor area. But note that I did not need to take any pain medication.
I'm in my 7th week, and I've just about recover from any kind of discomfort.

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http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com...asp?WebID=2294

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV7yX...Um9KyLhSwYG-Im

The operation itself does not hurt, I agree with what others have said, the initial injections are the most painful in terms of stinging.

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2968 FUE Dr Feriduni 20/21 October 2011
My HT story: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.co...-feriduni.html

I agree with Spex. You do not appear to be a good FUE candidate. You should talk to a reputable physician.

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Does the pain worsen after the procedure? And if so, how long did the pain last?