The vast majority of clients who want to undergo a hair transplant are unaware of the postoperative period of this type of intervention.One of the most frequent errors that I hear in consultation is the belief that, once the hair is grafted, it settles and begins to grow immediately after the intervention.When I tell you that this may not be the case and that evenhair may fall out weeks later, many are surprised and discouraged.However, it is something completely normal and transitory that is calledshock loss.
In this article I want to clear up your doubts about thispossible side effectand give you some advice so that you do not get caught off guard and know how to handle the situation, as this does not have to mean that the operation has been a failure.
What is shock loss?
Shock loss, also called telogen effluvium or shedding, is atemporary hair loss after a hair transplant or graft.
We could also define it as post-traumatic hair loss, being a possible side effect of this type of intervention.
Usually occurs in week 1 or 2 after the operationand it can occur both in the receiving area of the hair and in the donor area, being more common in the former.
That this happens is something totally naturaland it happens to a large part of the patients who undergo this type of intervention.However, we should not be concerned, as it is not a sign that there is a problem.Is amomentary non-permanent hair loss, so the hair will grow back in both areas and even more strongly.
Even so, there are cases in which this fall can be definitive, but this is very rare.
Why does shock loss occur after a hair transplant?
Hair transplants follow a very well defined procedure.Because the hair on the back of the head is not affected by inherited hair loss,Professionals use this area as a capillary source that provides hair for transplantation..For this reason, part of the hair in this area will be extracted and grafted in the recipient area.
Then,Why does shock loss occur if the hair has been grafted?
Hair naturally follows a very specific growth cycle divided into three phases: growth, transition and rest (also known as the telogen phase).When the hair enters this last phase it falls out, giving rise to the restart of the cycle.
After the trauma that an intervention of this type entails for the scalp,the hair goes directly to the resting phase, thus producing thepost-transplant hair loss.
Factors such as the different incisions, the anesthesia administered and the disconnection of the blood supply to the hair follicle are a shock to the hair that makes it go directly to the telogen phase.
Errors during hair surgeriesAs thetransplantation of follicles too close to each other, incisions that are too large, or damage to healthy follicles, can also be the causes of post-transplant hair loss.To avoid these reasons, make sure you choose the clinic where you are going to have the operation well and always trust professionals.
How long does post-hair transplant effluvium usually last?
The most common is that the hairbegin to shed in week 1 or 2 post-transplant.However, the period of time can be extended until week 12.
After this phase of shock loss or shedding, the most common is that the hair grows back during the following 4 or 12 months.Hair may grow finer and weaker at first, butas time progresses, the hair will begin to thicken causing a better final result.
What can I do to help and speed up the recovery of my hair after a hair transplant?
Unfortunately, there is no treatment that prevents the appearance of shock loss after a hair transplant.Despite this, there areways to accelerate hair growth after this type of operationand even methods that protect against a more abundant fall.
TheminoxidilIt is a very interesting topical medicine in these cases and can be used by both men and women.Its composition, apart from slowing down baldness,stimulates the growth of hair that has fallen out due to shock loss.It should be applied to the scalp.
Another alternative is thefinasteride, a medicine that is taken by mouth and thatit is only recommended to men.Finasteride acts on the scalp reducing dihydrotestosterone levels and thus preventing hair loss in addition to thickening the hair.
Both minoxidil and finasterideshould be given twice a day and always under medical prescription.In the case of minoxidil, some professionals recommend starting to apply it even before the intervention.
Olistic, your great ally before and after transplantation
In addition to the two previous medications, I always recommend that my patients take vitamin supplements both before and after the intervention.In this way, the hair and hair follicles will receive all the nutrients they need andthey will face the intervention and post-transplantation much stronger, thus suffering a less intense shock loss.
In these cases, the100% natural formulaof accessories likeOlisticIt can be very interesting to face shock loss with strong and healthy hair and follicles, thus guaranteeing a better recovery.
Olistic is composed ofvitamins, minerals and active ingredients that comprehensively combat hair loss and weaknessin a non-aggressive way and with quality ingredients.
Shock loss is a side effect of hair transplantationwhich, in most cases, is impossible to avoid.However, it is usually transitory and we have tools to deal with it in the best possible way and reduce its duration.
Although suffering it does not have to be a symptom of malpractice,choosing the right clinic with an experienced and trained medical teamIt is the best way to avoid any possible mistakes during surgery that can lead to shocking and irreversible loss after hair transplantation.