Pain medication in the first 48 hours

What should you expect from pain in the first 48 hours after a hair transplant?

Local anaesthetic wears off over the hours after surgery, so the first evening is often when discomfort becomes noticeable, with the donor area typically the sorer site, particularly after strip surgery where the closure is under tension. Most people describe soreness, tightness and tenderness rather than severe pain, easing from day two or three.

How should you use pain medication well in the first 48 hours after a hair transplant?

Take pain medication on the schedule given rather than waiting for pain to peak, without exceeding the stated daily maximum, and check combination products for duplicate ingredients. Take it with food if it causes stomach upset, do not add over-the-counter painkillers, particularly anti-inflammatories, without asking, and avoid alcohol, which interacts with analgesia and worsens swelling.

• Take it on the schedule given rather than waiting for pain to peak
• Do not exceed the stated daily maximum, and check combination products for duplicate ingredients
• Take with food if it causes stomach upset
• Do not add over-the-counter painkillers without asking, particularly anti-inflammatories
• No alcohol, which interacts with analgesia and worsens swelling

Why is sleep disrupted in the first nights after a hair transplant?

Sleeping elevated is unfamiliar and the donor area is sore, so disturbed sleep is common in the first nights after a hair transplant. Elevation is worth persisting with because it also limits swelling, and any sleep aid should be checked with your clinic first, since it may interact with what you were prescribed.

What pain symptoms after a hair transplant are not normal?

Pain that increases rather than eases after the first days, severe pain on one side, which can indicate a haematoma, pain accompanied by fever, spreading redness or pus, and pain not controlled by the analgesia you were given are not normal. Any of these warrants contacting your clinic rather than increasing the dose yourself.

• Pain that increases rather than eases after the first days
• Severe pain on one side, which can indicate a haematoma
• Pain with fever, spreading redness or pus
• Pain not controlled by the analgesia you were given

Any of these warrants contacting your clinic rather than increasing the dose yourself.

The rest of the first week is described in our aftercare guide.

Sources

1. Bernstein RM, Rassman WR. Graft Anchoring in Hair Transplantation. Dermatologic Surgery, 2006;32(2):198-204. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16442039

This article summarises published research. It is general educational information, not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to start, stop or change any medication. Prescription drugs carry contraindications and interactions; discuss them with a doctor who knows your medical history.