“Does it hurt?” is the question most people want answered before they book, and it deserves a straight answer rather than reassurance. The procedure is done under anaesthetic, so you should not feel the surgery itself; what you may notice is discomfort when the anaesthetic is given and tenderness afterwards. Here is what the health sources say, what we do, and what sedation adds.
Quick summary: The NHS says a hair transplant is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, so you are awake but should not feel pain, and the ISHRS says most patients report no more than mild discomfort afterwards. At Global Health Hair, local anaesthesia is part of every package, and comfort sedation given by an anaesthetist is an optional extra at €190. Dr. Merdan Çelik, MD personally performs the incisions, the extraction and the implantation.
Is a Hair Transplant in Turkey Painful?
During surgery, you should not feel pain. The NHS describes the procedure as usually carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, which means you will be awake but should not feel pain. MedlinePlus says you receive local anaesthesia to numb the scalp, and may also receive medicine to relax you. The ISHRS adds that most patients report no more than mild discomfort after surgical hair restoration. None of this is specific to Turkey: it is how the procedure is done in any country.
What Do You Feel and When?
- When the anaesthetic is given: a stinging sensation in the scalp for a short time, which is the part most people find the least pleasant. Tell the team if it is too much.
- During the procedure: pressure, movement and the sound of the instruments, but no sharp pain. You can ask for a break.
- When the anaesthetic wears off: tenderness and tightness in the scalp, usually for the first two or three days. Most patients manage this with standard over-the-counter pain relief, and the discomfort fades as the scalp heals.
- In the donor area: some soreness where the grafts were taken, which also settles within days.
Individual experiences vary, and we would rather tell you that than promise you will feel nothing. Our recovery timeline goes through what to expect day by day.
What Does Local Anaesthesia Involve?
Local anaesthesia numbs the area being treated. It is part of every Global Health Hair package, whichever technique you choose, and it is not an extra. If you are anxious about needles, say so at the consultation: the team can explain how it is given and take it slowly.
What Does Comfort Sedation Add?
Sedation is for patients who want to be deeply relaxed throughout. It is combined with local anaesthesia, given by an anaesthetist and carried out under continuous medical monitoring. It is optional and costs €190, which is one of the extras we publish openly. Ask your own doctor whether it is suitable for you, and tell us about any medication you take or health condition you have, because sedation depends on that.
Who Performs the Surgery?
Dr. Merdan Çelik, MD personally performs the incisions, the extraction and the implantation, working with a team of four specialists, and treats a maximum of three patients a day. He graduated from Trakya University Faculty of Medicine in 1997 and has treated over 20,000 patients. Whichever clinic you choose, ask who will operate and who will give the anaesthetic. See doctor vs technician for why it matters.
What Does It Cost?
The Premium package is €1,990 without flights (€2,175 with DHI), fixed whatever the number of grafts, with local anaesthesia included. Comfort sedation is an optional extra at €190. The full list of what is included is on the all-inclusive package page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hair transplant in Turkey painful?
You should not feel pain during surgery because it is done under anaesthetic. You may feel a stinging sensation when the anaesthetic is given and tenderness for the first two or three days afterwards. Experiences vary.
Is local anaesthesia included at Global Health Hair?
Yes. Local anaesthesia is part of every package. Comfort sedation is an optional extra.
How much is sedation for a hair transplant in Turkey?
Comfort sedation at Global Health Hair costs €190. It is given by an anaesthetist and carried out under continuous medical monitoring.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
With local anaesthesia you are awake but should not feel pain. With sedation you are deeply relaxed. Both are options you can discuss with the team before you book.
What helps with discomfort afterwards?
Most patients manage with standard over-the-counter pain relief, and the discomfort fades as the scalp heals. Follow the aftercare protocol you are given.
How can I start without committing?
Send photographs of your hairline and donor area on WhatsApp, and ask any question about anaesthesia or sedation. Dr. Çelik assesses them and you receive a graft estimate and a fixed all-inclusive price, with no obligation.
Related reading: Recovery timeline · All-inclusive package · FUE Sapphire · Is it safe? · Get your free assessment