Local anesthesia in hair transplantation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Safe and effective use of local anesthesia is essential in hair transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To review the agents and techniques of local anesthesia as applied to hair transplantation. METHODS: Information was retrieved from texts, journal articles found by MEDLINE searches, and related references. RESULTS: Agents, vasoconstrictors, maximum dosages, toxicity, and techniques are discussed. CONCLUSION: Effective local anesthesia can be maintained throughout hair transplantation. Care must be exercised to minimize discomfort through proper technique and to minimize toxicity through judicious use of vasoconstrictors and nerve blocks and by monitoring total dosage. Constant monitoring for toxicity is required, as is early intervention in the unlikely event that warning signs should appear.