Facial Plast Surg 2024; 40(02): 175-179
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776994
Original Article

Anesthesia Techniques for Harvesting via Follicular Unit Excision

Marco N. Barusco
1   Tempus Hair Restoration, Port Orange, Florida
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Follicular unit excision (FUE) is one of the established techniques for harvesting donor hair for hair transplantation. Traditionally, hair restoration surgery is performed using local anesthesia, although some surgeons use general anesthesia for the procedure. Normally, local anesthesia is coupled with light oral sedation to make the procedure more comfortable for patients. Techniques such as “ring block” or nerve blocks are common and effective for scalp anesthesia. Due to its simplicity, adequate pain control and safety, ring blocks are typically used for FUE donor harvesting, reserving nerve blocks only to patients who cannot be adequately anesthetized with the ring block. Using the correct technique for application of local anesthesia can dramatically decrease the pain associated with it and create a comfortable and easy experience for the patient.



Publication History

Article published online:
04 December 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA