Medically reviewed & verified by Dermatologists at: Avrupa Hair Transplant Clinic
Written by: ClinicAdvisor
“Is numbness after hair transplant normal?” “Why can’t I feel my scalp after hair transplant?” and so many similar questions patients ask after hair transplant.
No! Numbing after hair transplant and nerve damage are not permanent. These are temporary side effects after hair transplant which last for a few weeks or sometimes it may take up to 6 months. After that your nerves will regenerate themselves and your scalp sensation will be restored. |
A more detailed answer:
Numbness is one of the very common side effects that patients might experience after hair transplant.
But should it cause any concerns? And is it permanent?
Let’s find out the answers to all these questions in this article.
What is Numbness After Hair Transplant?
Numbness after hair transplant is the inability to feel the scalp when you touch it.
This is one of the side effects that patients may experience after a hair transplant.
In a study that was conducted to analyze the complications in male patients who had a hair transplant it was found that 10.96% of 73 patients reported feeling numbness after hair transplant.
Numbness can affect the donor area where the grafts are taken from.
For example, many patients report that there is numbness in the donor area after hair transplant or even in the recipient site.
But the question that many patients ask is whether this numbness is normal after hair transplant or not?
The short answer is YES!
There is nothing to worry about when you start noticing that you can’t feel your scalp when you touch it.
The main reason why you feel numbness on your scalp is due to temporary nerve damage after hair transplant.
Some patients even report feeling tightness after hair transplant.
What Causes Scalp Numbness After Hair Transplant?
The main cause for hair transplant is because of temporary nerve damage that happens on the scalp.
As we know that the scalp goes through a lot of work for 7-8 hours and includes making incisions in the donor and recipient areas.
These incisions affect the nerve network which exist very close to the surface of the skin and cuts them off.
But the good news is that these nerves will soon regenerate on their own after a few weeks.
Is Head Numbness After Hair Transplant Permanent?
Head numbness which is caused by nerve damage is not permanent and it lasts for a few weeks.
It usually begins just a few days after surgery, when the anesthetics wear off. The area where the hair was transplanted and the donor area might feel slightly numb.
This numbness usually goes away after a few days, but it can last a few weeks.
But, in some case it may last up to 6 months or more. In such a case you must consult your doctor.
However, when you start feeling some burning sensation or itching of the scalp this is actually a good sign which means you’re restoring your feeling back.
How Long Does Numbness Last After Hair Transplant?
As we have mentioned above that numbness of head after hair transplant is not permanent and it will soon disappear.
It normally goes away within a few weeks but sometimes it may persist for 6 months or more.
In case this happens, we recommend you check with your surgeon to know the reasons and set a treatment plan.
Does FUT Cause More Numbness and Nerve Damage Than FUE Hair Transplant?
It’s believed that FUT hair transplant has a higher chance of temporary nerve damage more than FUE and that’s because a large skin tissue is removed.
But, regardless of the type of hair transplant, numbness and nerve damage are temporary and even if it sometimes lasts for 6 months the nerves will soon rebuild themselves.
How Can I Get Rid of Numbness After Hair Transplant?
The only way to prevent or reduce the possibility of nerve damage and numbness after hair transplant is by choosing an authorized and professional clinic/surgeon.
The knowledge of the surgeon or hair transplant specialist about the structure of the scalp will enable them to carefully conduct the operation and determine the depth of incisions.
If the extraction of grafts and opening the incisions are not controlled or done precisely, it may lead to some serious problems including necrosis.
Therefore, it’s very crucial to make an informed decision when selecting the clinic and surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for feeling to come back after hair transplant?After hair transplant you will most probably experience loss of sensation on the scalp and numbness which is completely normal and temporary. Numbness will last for a few weeks before it goes away but in some cases it may take up to 2-6 months. In this case you may need to check with your doctor. | Is it normal to have numbness after hair transplant?Feeling numbness after hair transplant is completely normal and should not raise any concerns. This is due to temporary nerve damage that happens during the operation. Your sensation will soon be restored and you will be able to feel your scalp again. |
Why is there numbness in recipient area after hair transplant?The main reason why patients feel scalp numbness after hair transplant is because of short-term nerve damage. During the operation the surgeon will make incisions ether in the recipient area or in the donor area while removing the grafts. These incisions will cut off the nerves network which is very close to the surface of the skin. As a result the sensation will be lost for a few weeks or may extend up to 2-6 months. But there is nothing to worry about since these nerves have the ability to rebuild themselves again. If you still can't feel your scalp after 6 months then you should definitely consult your doctor. | Does hair transplant cause permanent nerve damage?Normally nerve damage after hair transplant is temporary and should not last more than a few weeks or in some cases 6 months. However, if you still think that your sensation is not completely restored then you have to talk to your doctor to find out the reason behind that. |
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