Hair transplant is a procedure that regrows the hair on your head after taking it from your donor area and then transplanting it to the balding area. However, one common concern of people about hair transplants is shock loss, which is the shedding of hair after the surgery. Why does it happen, and does the hair grow back?
The shock loss is temporary, and it happens after 2 to 8 weeks of the hair transplant surgery, either on the donor or the crown area. All the hairs come back after a few months.
Before we understand the science of shock loss in detail, including why it happens and how to manage it, let us introduce you to Asli Tarcan Clinic, a leading hair transplant clinic in the US. They offer advanced FUE hair transplant surgeries that offer natural-looking and everlasting hair. Contact them for a free consultation.
What Is Shock Loss?
Shock loss is a temporary hair shedding after a hair transplant that happens to natural hairs around the treated or transplanted area. It usually happens within the first few weeks after the surgery. It’s a natural response of the body after the surgery, which is triggered by the stress from the process, swelling, or disruption in the blood flow.
It’s not like the permanent hair loss where hair never comes back. It’s temporary, and the hair regrows after a few months. The shock loss after a hair transplant usually happens 2 to 8 weeks after the surgery. It’s a normal part of the recovery process that you shouldn’t be concerned about.
Causes Of Shock Loss After Hair Transplant Surgery
The main causes of hair shedding after hair transplant surgery include the extended surgery time, scalp incisions, and reaction to anesthesia.
Extended Surgery Time
Hair transplant is a long procedure that can last up to 12 hours. It puts continuous strain on the scalp and may push nearby follicles into shedding.
Scalp Incisions
The hair transplant surgery involves making cuts that can disturb the surrounding hairs. The nearby follicles may weaken or get “shocked” by surgical stress, causing temporary hair loss around the treated area.
Reaction to Anesthesia
The anesthesia is injected into the scalp to make the procedure pain-free. Sometimes, in some cases, it may impact the scalp environment, and the follicles may respond by entering the shedding phase. It’s a less common but still recognized cause of shock loss.
What’s The Science Of Shock Loss After Hair Transplant?
The shock loss, which is medically known as the telogen effluvium, is a hair-shedding phase after the hair transplant surgery. It happens after a hair transplant due to surgical trauma and changes around the follicles.
When the nearby hairs shift into the resting (telogen) phase earlier than usual, it causes temporary hair shedding. It’s considered a normal part of healing and not a complication. The shed hairs are replaced as follicles return to the growth phase. The regrowth begins within 3 to 6 months.
How to Manage Shock Loss After Hair Transplant?
You can manage the shock loss after a hair transplant by doing scalp care, taking finasteride, using minoxidil, and staying patient. These are all the instructions your surgeon gives you as well.
Scalp Care
Your surgeon gives you post-op instructions to keep your scalp clean and protected. Follow those and avoid scratching or touching the grafts, as it could cause infection and complications.
Finasteride
Taking finasteride helps you protect the existing hair from DHT damage. Also, it helps reduce further thinning. It should be taken under medical advice.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is usually prescribed by your surgeon after the surgery as it pushes follicles back into growth phases. Don’t use it until your surgeon or the doctor prescribes it.
Patience
Be patient and stay relaxed and calm. Shock loss is a normal part of the recovery process, and it may take several months for your hair to return. Trust the procedure and wait for the final results.
Conclusion
The shock loss is hair shedding, which happens after 2 to 8 weeks of the hair transplant surgery. It happens when the nearby hair follicles enter the resting phase earlier than usual, which causes the temporary hair loss that recovers after a few months.
It’s totally normal and part of the recovery from the surgery. Don’t worry about it and stay calm and follow the post-care tips given by your surgeon, including scalp care, taking finasteride, and minoxidil.
If you’re looking for an advanced and modern FUE hair transplant in the US, consider the Asli Tarcan Clinic.
