WHAT IS SHOCK HAIR LOSS?
Contents
Shock loss after hair transplantation, occurs during the healing process and creates a partially bald and reddened head image, which is one of the main problems experienced by hair transplants, shows the transition of newly transplanted hair follicles to the resting phase. Since each hair follicle passes to the resting phase at different times, all the hair transplanted is not shed at the same time. Although a specific date cannot be given for shock loss, it usually starts at the 3rd week of hair transplantation and it depends on the person when it ends and how long it will last. Some patients experience this condition after more than three weeks. Shock loss could be intense in some people, it could be minimal in some people or there is no shock loss. After this process, also called fast hair loss or temporary hair loss, the hair will be stronger and healthier. Because of that, shock loss is not something to worry about.
Why is shock loss happen after hair transplantation?
The exact cause of shock loss after hair transplantation is not exactly known. It is thought to be relatable to blood flow in the area due to scalp trauma [1].
The hair follicles taken from the donor area within the scope of the transplantation are traumatized because they are separated from the body and under the influence of this trauma, they go to defense and put themselves to sleep. Hair loss, which is referred to as shock loss, occurs like that.
Hair follows the stages of anagen (growth), catagen (pause), and telogen (rest) during the development period [2]. In this cycle, the hair falls out several times and comes out again. The reason for the hair loss after transplantation is that these newly placed hair follicles want to start a new growth cycle. As the ducts opened to place the hair follicles begin to heal, that is, to close, the hair remaining on the skin is broken and shed, while the root part stays inside and continues the normal growth cycle. After hair transplantation, which pulls the development stage of the hair back, after the hair loss, the hair roots continue to grow from where they left off. This loss also allows quality hair growth after hair transplantation.
When does shock loss begin?
Shock loss usually starts in the 3rd week after transplantation. Sometimes it starts in later weeks, maybe in the second or third months. Sometimes it starts in the first week.
Although there is no clear timeframe for shock loss, it is observed that it generally takes place between the 3rd week and 3 months after the hair transplant operation.
How many days will shock loss take?
After hair transplantation, shock loss does not start suddenly, nor does it end suddenly. Since each hair follicle does not experience the hair shock loss phase at the same time, the completion of shock loss usually takes about 1 month for all hair.
When does the hair start growing after shock loss?
It may take up to 2 or 3 months for the hair that has passed through the sleep phase to grow again. Since this process is temporary, the hair will grow back in order. After 3 months, new hair will continue to grow permanently. Thin and curly hair at the beginning will thicken over time and will come out in its own form. Since it will take 1 year for the hair to reach a completely natural form after the hair transplant operations, patients should wait patiently.
Could shock loss be prevented?
Since hair loss after transplantation is a natural result of the hair transplantation process, the person cannot prevent it.
It is more beneficial for the person to have the process without stress since the hair will start to grow healthier after the shock loss. However, studies are stating that shock spillage is less experienced as a result of the use of various drugs. For example, in the study titled “Cyclical medicine for hair loss management and improved results in hair transplantation” performed over 500 people and followed for two years, it has been demonstrated that drugs such as amino acid, iron, calcium, zinc, minoxidil, and finasteride grow hair faster, It has also been reported to prevent shock loss[3].
Can shock loss be reduced?
It is said that during the hair transplant operation, methods such as collecting the hair roots by hand, holding the end of the root rather than the root at the time of transplantation, not keeping the root out too long, keeping it at the proper temperature (4-5 degrees) and in nutritious liquids while waiting, reduces shock loss after transplantation. These methods are thought to cause less trauma to the hair follicle. However, there is no proof that all these methods will be the definitive solution.
Most asked questions about shock loss
After the hair transplantation, people wonder what they will experience. The most important of these is the shock loss process that occurs after planting.
1. Does shock loss happen to everyone?
Shock loss is seen in most people who have hair transplantation. While some people experience less hair loss, some may not have hair loss at all.
2. What happens if shock loss does not occur?
Although almost everyone who has a hair transplant, experience the shock loss period, there are also people who have not experienced shock loss after transplantation. When shock loss does not happen there won’t be any damage to the newly placed hair follicles, so there is no need to worry. Depending on the person’s body, some may not experience shock loss after hair transplantation.
3. Does shock loss occur in the donor area?
Although the shock loss occurs in almost everyone after hair transplantation usually takes place in the transplantation region, shock loss after hair transplantation can be seen in the donor area, but it is rare. The hair loss that occurs in the donor area approximately 6 weeks after the operation also develops due to the decrease in blood flow during the operation. It heals spontaneously in about 3-4 months [4].
Things to be considered during the shock loss period
• Consumption of plenty of water,
• Eating healthy fruits and vegetables,
• Stopping alcohol, smoking and caffeine consumption,
• Avoiding movements that cause sweating,
• To continue using the shampoo recommended by the doctor,
Besides; Taking advantage of PRP and hair mesotherapy applications can also benefit the feeding of new roots, growing faster and healthier.
REFERENCES
[1] Dr. Erol Koç and Dr. Ekrem Civaş, ”Saç Ekimi Cerrahisine Giriş, Genel Bilgiler”, Turkey Clinics J Cosm Dermatol-Special Topics, 3 (4), 1, (2010). [2] Mukaddes Kavala and Others,”Sistemik Hastalarda Saç”, Journal of Göztepe Medicine,26 (3), 128, (2011). [3] Rajput J. Rejendrasingh, ”Cyclical medicine for hair loss management and improved results in hair transplantation”, Hair Transplant Forum International, (2016). [4] Murat Küçüktaş, ”Saç Ekimi Uygulamalarında Görülen Komplikasyonlar ve Hasta Yönetimi”, Turkey Clinics J Cosm Dermatol -Special Topics, 10 (2), 145, (2017).
