Hair surgery is a great option for individuals who are dissatisfied with the fact they’re balding. Whether you’re a man or a woman, hair surgery could be the answer to gaining a full head of hair once again. If you’ve been researching your options, you may have come across the term “shock loss.” What is it and can it be prevented?
Shock Loss
A hair transplant takes follicular units from a donor site (typically the back of your head at the base of the hairline) and transplants it to the areas that are balding. This is a big shock to your scalp, as follicles are being moved around and inserted into new places. The result is shock loss. The hair that was coming out of the transplanted follicles will actually start to shed within two to four weeks after surgery. It may seem counterproductive, but it only lasts for a short while. After the loss, the scalp will heal and remain bald for just a short time, possibly up to three or four months. When the transplants have had a chance to truly heal, that is when the new hair growth will occur.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there aren’t any ways to prevent shock loss. It’s just how the cultivation process happens, but it’s only a temporary balding. During this time, your scalp may be painful and swollen, and simple pain medication can help you stay comfortable. When your hair does begin to grow in after the shock loss period, you can generally use minoxidil lotion to encourage the follicles to produce thick hair, though you should consult your doctor before trying any new products.
Hair Growth
When your hair begins to grow again, you may not notice it at first. It will be colorless, thin and sparse. Different areas may grow at different rates, making your head of hair patchy to begin with. A follicular infection could be possible as they begin to produce hairs once again, but that can be easily remedied with the help of a doctor. After as little as one year and up to two, the final desired result should shine through.
Contacting the Professionals
Whether you’re concerned about surgery because of shock loss or have recently had surgery and are experiencing that loss, contact a hair transplant doctor, like a hair transplant doctor in NYC, to answer all your questions. Hair surgery is a solution for many individuals to feel confident again, and you should always know just what you’re getting into before moving ahead with the procedure.
Thank you to the office of Dr. Robin Unger for their insight into what shock loss after hair surgery is.
