So imagine you have had a hair transplant operation. Everything goes well until suddenly after two or three weeks you start to see that your hair is falling out. Is that normal? Don’t stress out! It is completely normal, you are experiencing “shock loss”, also known as hair effluvium.
As it is widely known, hair transplant is an effective solution for those struggling with hair loss. The surgical procedure is clear: transferring healthy hair follicles from the donor area to another, the recipient area, where hair is thinning or balding. While hair transplant surgery is generally safe and successful, there is this common side effect known as shock loss that can occur during the recovery period.
In this blog post, we will explore what shock loss exactly is, how it happens, and what you can do to minimize its effects.
If you are experiencing hair fall after your hair transplant operation, this is all you need to know about shock loss!
Shock loss is a common occurrence after hair transplant surgery, so it is a completely natural part of the hair transplant recovery process. Although the results of the operation start being visible after three months, the whole hair transplant recovery process can take up to one entire year. As for all great things in life, getting your hair back is a lengthy process!
So, when does shock loss come into the equation?
Looking at the hair transplant recovery timeline, shock loss starts to happen from day 15 up to the fourth month, when it should slow down. Shock loss refers to the sudden yet temporary loss of hair after a hair transplant. It can happen both in the donor or recipient area. The hair may fall out in clumps or gradually over time.
Not every patient experiences shock loss after the surgery. The extent and duration of shock loss also varies from person to person, but it always resolves on its own.
There is a general belief that the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method for hair transplantation reduces the risks of shock loss compared to Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). However, shock loss can occur due to various factors, including trauma and stress.
The procedure involves making incisions in the scalp, which can cause temporary damage and inflammation to the scalp and the surrounding hair follicles. Consequently, the stress created in hair follicles can make them move into a resting phase, affecting the hair growth cycle. Additionally, the body may perceive the surgical procedure as a form of trauma, triggering a temporary hair loss response.
The loss of hair can also occur due to the interruption of blood supply to the hair follicles during the surgery. This is known as vascular disturbance. Due to this damage, hair follicles receive a reduced amount of oxygen and nutrients, causing a weak hair growth. This issue highlights the importance of selecting a high-quality clinic and surgeon for your hair transplant procedure, since it is the surgeon’s mastery that will reduce the risk of vascular disturbance.
While shock loss is a natural and temporary part of the healing process, there are ways to minimize its effects. Here are some tips:
Don’t panic! Shock loss is a common side effect of hair transplant surgery. It occurs as a natural response to the trauma or stress your scalp has gone through during the procedure. While it is a natural and temporary part of the recovery process, there are ways to minimize its effects, including following your doctor's instructions, protecting your scalp, being patient, staying healthy, and talking to your doctor. By understanding shock loss and taking steps to minimize its effects, you can ensure a successful and satisfying hair transplant experience. Even more so if you are in good hands, so select one of our high-quality clinics and get a free quotation!
