Shock shedding after hair transplantation is the temporary shedding of newly transplanted hair, which occurs in almost everyone who has a transplant, depending on the procedures during the transplantation, and varies in duration and density depending on the person.
Shock shedding after hair transplantation, which is one of the issues that worries people who have hair transplantation, because it occurs during the healing process and creates a partially balding and red head image, in a sense indicates the transition of the newly transplanted hair follicles to the resting phase. Since each hair follicle goes into a resting phase at different times, all hair transplanted during the shock shedding process after hair transplantation does not shed immediately. Although a specific date cannot be given for shock shedding, it usually starts in the 3rd week of hair transplantation and when it will end and how long it will take depends on the person. This situation, which may occur after 3 weeks in some people, is intense in some, almost nonexistent in some, and never in others. After this process, which is also referred to as rapid shedding and temporary shedding, after the hair grows stronger and healthier than before, the shedding process after hair transplantation is not a cause to be afraid and worry about.
Causes Shock Shedding After Hair Transplantation?
The exact cause of the shock loss that occurs after hair transplantation is actually unknown. It is thought to be due to the blood flow in the area due to the scalp trauma during transplantation.
The hair follicles taken from the donor area within the scope of the transplantation operation are traumatized because they are separated from the body, and with the effect of this trauma, they go on the defensive and put themselves into sleep. Hair loss, which is referred to as shock shedding, also occurs.
Hair follows the anagen (growth), catagen (pause) and telogen (rest) stages during the growth period. During this cycle, the hair sheds a few times and grows again. The reason for the shock loss after transplantation is that these newly transplanted hair follicles want to start a new growth cycle. When the channels opened to place the hair follicles begin to heal, that is to close, the hair remaining on the skin is broken and shed, the root part remains inside and continue the normal growth cycle. Hair follicles continue to grow from where they left off after shock shedding after hair transplantation, which brings the growth phase of the hair back to the head. This shedding also allows quality hair growth after hair transplantation.
When Does Shock Shedding Begin?
Shock shedding after hair transplantation usually starts in the 3rd week after transplantation. Sometimes it coincides with later weeks or the second and third months. Sometimes it starts in the first week and sheds.
Although there is no clear time frame for shock loss, it is generally observed that it occurs between the 3rd week and 3 months after the hair transplant operation.
How much will it take?
After the hair transplant, the shock shedding does not start suddenly and it does not end suddenly. Since every hair follicle does not experience the hair shock shedding phase at the same time, the completion of the shock shedding usually takes about 1 month for all hair.
When Does Hair Grow After Shock Loss?
As a result of the shock loss, the hair that goes through the sleep phase can grow back in 2 or 3 months. Since this process is temporary, the hair will grow again sequentially. After 3 months, new hair will continue to grow permanently. At first, thin and curly hair will become thicker over time and will come out in its own form. Since it will take 1 year for the hair to regain a completely natural form after hair transplantation operations, the process should be waited patiently.
Is Shock Shedding Prevented?
Since shock loss after hair transplantation is a natural result of hair transplantation operations, it is not possible for the person to prevent it. Since the hair will start to grow healthier after the shock shedding, it will be more beneficial for the person to overcome the stress-free process. However, there are studies indicating that shock loss is less experienced as a result of using various drugs. For example, in the study named “Cyclical medicine for hair loss management and improved results in hair transplantation”, conducted on 500 people and followed up for two years, it was revealed that drugs such as amino acids, iron, calcium, zinc, minoxidil and finasteride grow hair faster, It was stated that it also prevented shock loss.
Can Shock Spill Be Reduced?
During the hair transplant operation, it is said that the tactics such as collecting the hair follicles by hand, holding the root at the end rather than the root, not keeping the root outside too long, keeping it at the appropriate temperature (4-5 degrees) and in nourishing fluids are said to reduce post-transplantation shock loss. These tactics are thought to cause less trauma to the hair follicle. However, there is no strong evidence that all these tactics will be the definitive solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shock Spill
After the hair transplant operation, people who have hair transplantation wonder what they will experience. The most important of these is the shock shedding process that occurs after transplantation.
Does shock loss happen to everyone?
Shock shedding is seen in most of the people who have been transplanted. In some, the transplanted hair shed less, while in others, shock shedding may not have occurred at all.
What happens if there is no shock shedding?
Almost everyone who has hair transplantation age, there are also people who have not experienced shock loss after the transplant, even if it is a little. The fact that there is no shock shedding does not cause any damage to the newly transplanted hair follicles, so there is no need to worry. Depending on the body of the person, shock loss may not be experienced after hair transplantation.
Will there be shock shedding in the donor area?
Shock shedding, which is seen in almost everyone after hair transplantation, usually occurs in the transplantation area, although rare, shock loss can be seen in the donor area after hair transplantation. The spill 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 resolves spontaneously in about 3-4 months.
Things to Consider During the Shock Spill Period
- Consuming plenty of water,
- Healthy eating with fruits and vegetables,
- Stopping alcohol, smoking and caffeine consumption,
- Avoiding movements that cause sweating,
Continuing to use the shampoo recommended by the doctor,
In addition; Taking advantage of PRP and hair mesotherapy applications can also benefit the nourishment of the new follicles and their faster and healthier growth.