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A hair transplant is a perfect solution for people who have been dealing with hair loss for a long time. When done right, it is precise and natural-looking, boosting confidence. However, during the recovery phase, one of the most asked questions is, “Does transplanted hair fall out?” The hair transplant shedding phase is a natural and normal process, called “shock loss.” So, there is no need to panic! Let us walk you through the shock loss after hair transplant.
Shock Loss after Hair Transplant – Why does it Happen?
Hair transplant operation entails relocating genetically resistant hair follicles from the donor area to the areas that are experiencing hair loss. During the process, the medical professional creates tiny openings and the extracted grafts are placed into these openings. This means that the scalp and the surrounding hair are exposed to some degree of trauma and the body responds to this trauma with a temporary hair shedding.
So, why does the body respond like this? What exactly causes the shock loss after hair transplant? Well, you may not know this but our hair has a growth cycle! The hair growth cycle consists of three stages:
- anagen,
- catagen
- and telogen.
During the anagen phase, hair actively grows and the catagen phase is the transitional phase where the follicles begin to shrink and the growth slows down. During the last phase, telogen, hair enters the resting period. This means the hair starts shedding, and then the whole cycle starts again.
So, when you have a hair transplant, the scalp is exposed to a trauma and the normal hair growth cycle faces a disruption. As a result of this disruption, the hair temporarily enters the resting phase and the shedding starts. You can interpret this as the body’s response to the stress or the trauma, it is a protective mechanism. The follicles go into “resting” so that they can recover from the trauma they faced.
Although, it may be concerning to see your hairs shed, fear not! Hair transplant shedding phase is completely normal and expected and over time the growth cycle resets itself and the transplanted follicles begin to grow. So, when does shedding start after hair transplant? The shock loss after hair transplant is expected to start around 2 weeks to 8 weeks after the operation. Within a few months, you’ll notice your hair starts growing back and you are achieving more density day by day! It’s a journey of patience.
Is Shedding of Non-Transplanted Hair Possible?
Some patients may observe that hair shedding after hair transplant is not limited to just the newly implanted follicles. This type of shedding may affect the hairs on the recipient area that weren’t transplanted. These non-transplanted hair can also experience the shock loss, triggered by the stress and the trauma of surgery. This situation especially occurs if the patient has a large number of thin or miniaturized hairs situated in-between the implanted hairs.
This can be observed around two weeks after the operation, however this can differ from person to person. Here’s the silver lining though: it’s distressing and requires patience but it often resolves on its own and it is a temporary setback during your journey! They will regrow eventually, completing the cycle, as long as the hair follicles remain healthy.
Navigating the Hair Transplant Phases
After gaining general information about the hair transplant shedding phase, let’s take a look at hair transplant phases in general to comprehend the journey from shock loss to the hair transplant 1 year later.
The hair transplant is a life-changing experience and because of the top-notch clinics, experienced professionals and high-technology getting a hair transplant in Turkey is becoming more and more popular. Let’s take a look at what expects you during this journey in a very brief way!
Just after the surgery, you will observe some swelling around the donor and recipient areas, which is totally expected. As the days pass, the healing dance will begin! You will notice some scabs and crusts but resist the urge to pick them or itch! You will need to clean the areas gently with special shampoos during the healing phase so that those precious grafts can flourish in an optimal way!
Around 2-4 weeks, the notorious hair transplant shedding phase kicks in! You will notice some shedding but don’t panic, hold on to your aftercare instructions as they will come back in time. Fast forward to 3-6 months, you will notice significant improvement although it is still in the early stage and the hair is not fully matured. By the time you reach 6-12 months, get ready to show off with your newly transplanted hair! Your hair will reach a great density and the implanted hair will blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Remember, for a year, you need to treat your hair like royalty! Shield it from the sun, use non-chemical products and stick to your surgeons’ instructions like it’s life or death!
MCAN Health is an internationally accredited, award-winner health tourism company based in Istanbul Turkey. Since 2015, it has been providing all-inclusive hair transplant operations in Turkey. The techniques include, FUE, DHI, Sapphire FUE, Needle-Free Hair Transplant, and the revolutionary Stem Cell procedure. With thousands of satisfied patients all over the world, we are proud to touch people’s lives and give them confidence! Please reach out to our medical experts now for a free consultation!
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