Shock Loss After Hair Transplant
Shock loss is a temporary condition that occurs after a hair transplant and is usually observed within 2-8 weeks after the procedure. During this process, the transplanted hair falls out, but this does not indicate that the hair follicles have been damaged. Shock loss occurs when hair follicles transferred from the donor area struggle to adapt to their new environment. The lost hair usually starts to grow back within a few months and becomes permanent hair. Shock shedding is a natural part of the hair transplant recovery process.
The amount of hair loss during shock shedding can vary depending on the individual’s hair structure and the health of the donor area. Following your doctor’s recommendations for hair care after a hair transplant can reduce the effects of shock shedding. Supportive treatments such as PRP can also be helpful during this process.
What is Shock Loss?
Shock loss refers to the temporary loss of both the transplanted hair and the existing hair in the surrounding area after a hair transplant. Hair follicles undergo an adaptation process in the new region where they are transplanted, during which they lose their hair strands. Although this is often a cause for concern, it is a natural and temporary phenomenon. A temporary pause in the hair follicle growing cycle causes shock shedding. When the blood circulation in the transplanted area is re-regulated, the hair regenerates and grows again.
Why Does My Hair Fall Out After a Hair Transplant?
Hair shedding after a hair transplant procedure is part of a natural process known as shock loss. The transplanted hair follicles enter a dormant phase to adapt to their new environment, and in the meantime, the newly transplanted follicles lose their hair strands. Minor trauma to the surrounding tissues during surgery can also cause hair loss. With the re-regulation of blood circulation, the adaptation of the hair follicles to oxygen intake, and the start of their ideal nutrition, shock shedding stops. Hair begins to grow permanently.
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Shock Loss After a Hair Transplant?
As mentioned earlier, shock shedding is a natural process that is commonly observed, especially after FUT and FUE hair transplant procedures. However, this does not mean that every person will experience shock loss after a hair transplant. Individuals can reduce the risk of shock loss or reduce the amount of hair loss during this process by taking the following steps:
- Refrain from scratching and rubbing the scalp.
- Protect the head area against injuries.
- Avoid clothing and pillows rubbing against the transplanted area.
- Adopt a balanced diet.
- Avoid stressful situations.
- Do not smoke.
- Moisturize the scalp as recommended.
By following these steps, you may be able to mitigate the effects of shock loss or prevent it from ever happening. However, individuals who experience shock loss despite following these steps need not worry. Because after a period of hair loss, the hair will grow back in a healthy way. It should be remembered that the hair strands lost after a hair transplant procedure are the nape hairs found on the follicles transferred before the procedure. During shock loss, the hair follicles themselves do not fall out; instead, the hair shafts break off.
