Hair transplantation is a life-changing procedure; for most patients, however, the shedding phase after surgery is quite worrisome. Naturally, one may wonder whether this is a sign of something having gone wrong. But learning what to expect will help ease anxiety and ensure a smooth recovery.
Why Does Shedding Happen After a Hair Transplant?
Shedding of hair after a hair transplant is a normal and expected phenomenon during the period of recovery. It is also known as shock loss, a condition resulting from the temporary resting of hair follicles post-transplantation. The trauma of the surgery makes the hair shafts fall off while the follicles remain underneath the skin. It usually starts two to four weeks after the surgery and may continue for weeks altogether.
What’s Normal Shedding?
Timing: It generally begins in the first month and can last for eight weeks.
Amount: Patients can shed a reasonable amount of the transplanted hair. This is assuredly not a failure of the grafts.
No Pain or Irritation: The normal shedding should not be associated with excessive redness, puffiness, or pain beyond what was experienced in the healing period.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While post-transplant shedding is to be expected, there are a few signs that something may be amiss:
Prolonged Shedding: If hair continues to shed beyond three to four months, consult your doctor to ensure proper follicle growth.
Excessive Redness or Inflammation: Some mild redness is normal, but persistent irritation could signal an infection.
No Growth Beyond a Few Months: By the fourth or fifth month, new hair should start to grow. If you find no such signs of growth, it would be better to follow up with your clinic.
How to Handle Shedding to Promote Hair Growth
Follow Post-Operative Care: This includes avoiding harsh shampoos, keeping your scalp clean, and not fiddling with it too much.
Be Patient: Hair growth takes time. Full results are usually seen after 9 to 12 months.
Keep your lifestyle healthy, which includes a good diet, proper intake of water, and avoiding stressors. All these can help to boost the growth process.
At Estevitalya, we accompany our patients through every stage of their hair restoration journey. If you are concerned about post-transplant shedding, take the time to speak with our professional team for your reassurance.
