Do Hair Transplants Hurt?

One of the biggest fears people have before getting a hair transplant is simple — and very real:
“Will it hurt?”
If you’re worried about pain, you’re not alone.
At Buckhead Hair Restoration, we want you to feel fully informed and comfortable before making any decisions. Dr. Monte Slater, our double board-certified physician with over 30 years of experience, is dedicated to providing a hair restoration experience that’s not only highly effective — but also as gentle and stress-free as possible.
Let’s break down exactly what to expect, when you might feel discomfort, and why today’s modern hair transplant techniques are far less painful than most people imagine.
So…Do Hair Transplants Hurt?
The short answer:
No, most patients report that hair transplants are very tolerable and not nearly as painful as they feared.
During the procedure itself, local anesthesia is used to completely numb your scalp.
You’ll be awake — but you won’t feel pain during the harvesting or implantation of the hair follicles.
Most patients say the sensation is similar to feeling slight pressure, tugging, or vibration, but no sharp pain during the actual procedure.
Afterward, you may experience:
- Mild soreness
- Tightness
- Itchiness or sensitivity in the treated areas
However, discomfort is generally mild to moderate and easily managed with over-the-counter medications or short-term prescriptions provided by our team.
Have more questions? Book a private consultation with Dr. Slater to get personalized answers.
What to Expect During a Hair Transplant Procedure
Here’s a quick overview of what happens during your hair restoration treatment at Buckhead Hair Restoration:
- Preparation:
Dr. Slater carefully plans your hairline and harvest areas based on your goals. - Numbing:
A local anesthetic is applied to the donor and recipient areas to ensure you’re completely comfortable. - Follicle Harvesting:
Using advanced FUE or NeoGraft® technology, individual follicles are gently extracted — no scalpel or stitches needed. - Implantation:
The hair follicles are implanted one by one into the thinning areas following your natural hair growth pattern. - Recovery:
Most patients can resume light activities within 1-2 days and are fully healed in about 7-10 days.

Pain Timeline: Before, During, and After
✅ Before:
You may feel a tiny pinch when the local anesthetic is administered — similar to getting numbed at the dentist.
✅ During:
You should feel no pain, just pressure and movement sensations.
✅ After:
Soreness, swelling, or tightness may appear but usually fades within a few days.
Ice packs, gentle scalp care, and any prescribed medications help make recovery smooth and comfortable.
Why Today’s Hair Transplants Are Easier Than Ever
Hair restoration has come a long way.
Thanks to advancements like NeoGraft® FUE technology, today’s procedures are:
- Minimally invasive
- No stitches or staples
- No visible linear scarring
- Faster, easier recoveries
At Buckhead Hair Restoration, we specialize in the latest techniques to minimize downtime and discomfort while maximizing results.
Why Trust Buckhead Hair Restoration?
Choosing the right provider matters — not just for your results, but also for your comfort and experience.
✅ 30+ years of medical expertise with Dr. Monte Slater
✅ Double board-certified physician personally overseeing your procedure
✅ Advanced FUE and NeoGraft® techniques for less pain and faster healing
✅ Personalized aftercare to make your recovery smooth and stress-free
You’re not just a patient here — you’re part of our Buckhead Hair Restoration family.
Ready to learn more? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Slater today!
Cost of Hair Transplants & Financing Options
While insurance doesn’t typically cover hair transplants, we make it easier to move forward with flexible financing options.
We proudly offer financing through:
- Cherry Financing: No hard credit check required, quick approvals, flexible terms.
- CareCredit: Health-specific financing with special promotional rates available.
Want to find a plan that works for you?
Ask about our financing options during your consultation — we’ll help you customize the perfect plan for your budget.
Book a consultation and explore easy financing options today!
In Conclusion: Fear of Pain Shouldn’t Hold You Back
Hair transplants today are far more comfortable than people expect — and the confidence you’ll gain is truly priceless.
With the expertise of Dr. Monte Slater and the gentle, modern techniques used at Buckhead Hair Restoration, you can look forward to a life-changing transformation without unnecessary fear or discomfort.
⚕️ 30+ Years of Trusted Experience
Georgia’s Top Hair Restoration Expert
Schedule Your Private Consultation Now!


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